General Gunsmith ToolsApex Tool GroupSold by Brownells

Apex Tool Group

American Pattern Hand Files - Bastard Cut, 10''''

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

Built for general gun work and other metal-shaping tasks, this hand file serves as a practical all-purpose tool for dressing, striking off, shaping, and removing material.

All-purpose Hand

File for dressing, striking off,

Bastard Cut

Design for general gun work

Parallel Width

Slight taper in thickness

Double-cut Sides

For material removal

One Single-cut

Edge and one safe edge

$16.99
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: 191059680

Overview

Built for general gun work and other metal-shaping tasks, this hand file serves as a practical all-purpose tool for dressing, striking off, shaping, and removing material. Its American pattern form is described as parallel in width with a slight taper in thickness, giving it a straightforward profile for controlled filing work. The double-cut sides help support faster material removal, while the safe edge provides added utility where a cutting edge is not wanted. It is a sensible choice for the bench where a versatile, no-frills file is needed for routine metalworking and fitting tasks.

AI Recommendation

Built for general gun work and other metal-shaping tasks, this hand file serves as a practical all-purpose tool for dressing, striking off, shaping, and removing material.

Why Hunters Choose the Apex Tool Group

All-purpose File

For dressing, striking off, shaping,

Suitable Basic

Gun work and general metalworking

Double-cut Sides

Support efficient material removal

Single-cut Edge

Safe edge add control during

Parallel Width

Slight taper in thickness for

Key Features

  • All-purpose hand file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Bastard cut design for general gun work filing
  • Parallel width with slight taper in thickness
  • Double-cut sides for material removal
  • One single-cut edge and one safe edge
  • Available in 10-inch American pattern size

Best Used For

  • Hunters needing a basic gun work file for dressing and shaping metal surfaces
  • Users wanting an all-purpose hand file for striking off and metal removal tasks
  • Shop work on firearms where a safe edge is useful alongside double-cut filing
  • Those needing a versatile file for general metal fitting and cleanup jobs

Specifications

CutBastard Cut
EdgesOne edge single-cut, other edge safe
File ShapeParallel in width, taper slightly in thickness
File TypeHand File
Length10"
Length Cm25.4 cm
SidesDouble-cut sides
Thickness1/4" (6.3 mm)
Thickness Alternate Size7/32" (5.6 mm)
Width31/32" (24.6 mm)
Width Alternate Size25/32" (19.8 mm)

Pros

  • All-purpose file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Suitable for basic gun work and general metalworking tasks
  • Double-cut sides support efficient material removal
  • Single-cut edge and safe edge add control during use
  • Parallel width with slight taper in thickness for consistent handling
  • Available in 10-inch American pattern size

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Bastard cut is relatively aggressive, so it is better suited to material removal and shaping than to fine finishing work.
  • The file is described as an all-purpose gun work file, but it is still a manual hand tool and requires user control for clean results.
  • One edge is safe while the other is single-cut, so orientation matters depending on the surface you are working near.
  • The 10" size is larger and may be less convenient for tight spaces or very small detail work.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Hand files
  • Mill files
  • Metal shaping files
  • Gunsmithing tools

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 cut and edge configuration does this file have?

The product is listed as a bastard cut file with double-cut sides, one single-cut edge, and one safe edge.

What does the 10-inch size refer to?

The specs list a 10" American file size, with dimensions of 31/32" wide by 1/4" thick.

Is this file tapered?

Yes. The description says it is parallel in width and tapers slightly in thickness.

Who makes this file?

The manufacturer listed is Apex Tool Group.