General Gunsmith ToolsApex Tool GroupSold by Brownells

Apex Tool Group

American Pattern Hand Files - 2nd Cut, 10''''

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

This hand file is built for general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed.

American Pattern

Hand file for basic gun

Suitable Dressing,

Striking off, shaping, and metal

Double-cut Sides

For all-purpose filing action

One Edge

Is single-cut; the other edge

Parallel Width

Slight taper in thickness

$18.99
View on Brownells

You'll be taken to Brownells to complete your purchase.

Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

SKU: 191060010

Overview

This hand file is built for general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed. Its all-purpose design suits dressing, striking off, and refining surfaces during shop work, while the safe edge helps reduce cutting where a cleaner boundary is desired. The file is parallel in width and tapers slightly in thickness, with double-cut sides for efficient filing and one single-cut edge for more controlled contact. It is a practical choice for hunters and shooters who want a straightforward file for maintenance and fitting tasks at the bench.

AI Recommendation

This hand file is built for general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed.

Why Hunters Choose the Apex Tool Group

Versatile All-purpose

File for dressing, striking off,

Useful Basic

Gun work file for shop

Parallel Width

Slight thickness taper supports controlled

Double-cut Sides

Aggressive working surfaces

Safe Edge

Contact should be limited

Key Features

  • American pattern hand file for basic gun work and general metal shaping
  • Suitable for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Double-cut sides for all-purpose filing action
  • One edge is single-cut; the other edge is safe
  • Parallel width with slight taper in thickness
  • 10-inch American file size with listed 31/32-inch width and 1/4-inch thickness

Best Used For

  • Hunters and gunsmiths needing a basic file for dressing, shaping, and metal removal tasks
  • Users working on general gun work where a safe edge helps control adjacent surfaces
  • Those wanting an all-purpose hand file for striking off material during shop fitting
  • Anyone needing a versatile file for detailed metal shaping without specialized tooling

Specifications

Cut2nd Cut
Edge TypeDouble-cut sides; one edge is single-cut, other is safe
File TypeAmerican Pattern Hand File
Length10" (25.4cm)
Thickness1/4" (6.3mm)
Width31/32" (24.6mm)

Pros

  • Versatile all-purpose file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Useful basic gun work file for shop and field tasks
  • Parallel width with slight thickness taper supports controlled filing
  • Double-cut sides provide aggressive working surfaces
  • Safe edge helps reduce cutting where contact should be limited

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed as an all-purpose gun work file, so it is broad in use rather than specialized for one narrow task.
  • The 2nd cut profile suggests a middle-ground filing option, which may not suit jobs that call for either aggressive stock removal or a finer finish.
  • One edge is safe, which is useful for controlled work but means the file is not cutting on all sides.
  • The listed dimensions are specific to the 10" American pattern version, so size should be checked against the intended application before purchase.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Mill files
  • Flat files
  • Hand saw files
  • Metal shaping files

Suggested Accessories

  • File handle
  • File card
  • Bench vise
  • Protective gloves

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this file intended for in gun work and shop use?

It is described as one of the basic gun work files and an all-purpose file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and removing metal.

What does the cut pattern include?

The long description states it has double-cut sides, with one edge single-cut and the other edge safe.

Is this file parallel or tapered?

It is parallel in width and tapers slightly in thickness.

What size is the 10-inch version?

The provided specs list the 10" American pattern as 31/32" wide by 1/4" thick.

Who makes this file?

The manufacturer listed is Apex Tool Group.