Is a safe-sided file a "must" for this operation? Any recommendations on the "perfect file" for the job? I'd rather spend a little money for the right tool.

Thanks.

Various folks prefer various tools for this work. I've even seen chisels used for the shaping, the best choice appears to be whatever the individual prefers.

Myself, I'm still experimenting with various tools as well as various time frames for actually doing the first shadow line outline cuts. I've found that if I start the shadow line too soon, the sharp edge is likely to become blurred during the sanding & filling. I too would be very interested to see others' viewpoints.
Regards, Joe

Die-makers riflers work good for me. Get the Swiss ones or German if you by any the US made ones are not as good. These are not made for wood and will only remove minor amounts of wood so you need to rough the line out first then finish with the riflers.

You can also use plane old wood workers files grind a safe edge on them and bend to shape with a torch as in put a curve in them to control the contact point. And if you're worried about the heat treat just heat the area up cherry red and dunk in oil. Then re heat till the metal just turns straw or light brown. That will at least keep the temper with in range so as to not be to brittle

i have a 14" 3/4" square (taper) file, that I killed one edge with my belt sander

Hadn't thought to making my own safe edge, thanks guys.

A lot of times getting the job done is making or modifying your own tools. Sometimes it's easier that way too. To buy something takes time to get, time you may not have to get a job done on time.

The only tools I bought that are "gunsmith" specific are checkering tools and chamber reamers everything else I built.

quote:

making my own safe edge

Put masking tape on the file