Is it really so difficult to get this right?

[John Coloccia]

So if I buy a "Mill bastard file with a smooth cut", just exactly what kind of file do I get?

[James Taglienti]

I always thought "bastard" was just the way the teeth were cut, ( single opposing diagonal lines on each side ) but these guys are saying bastard is actually a coarser cutting file.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastard_file

[Jason Chestnut]

So if I buy a "Mill bastard file with a smooth cut", just exactly what kind of file do I get?

Excellent question, since bastard and smooth are mutually exclusive. Which is it, bastard or smooth? Or are they saying that the bastard file leaves a smooth cut (not really)? Or maybe the file said disparaging things about the author's mother?

[James Taglienti]

Likely your second theory Jason :)

[mike holden]

You get whatever the marketing folks want to give you.
Except for "file", none of those terms are defined by any standards group, SAE, NIST, etc.
Mike

[Joe Bailey]

Here ya go, John:

http://www.evenfallstudios.com/woodworks_library/nicholson_guide_to_filing_2006.pdf

see p. 6 in particular

[Jim Koepke]

"Mill bastard file with a smooth cut"

The way I was taught, that would be an old file that was worn down that once was rough but now is smooth.

jtk

[Dan Hintz]

The way I was taught, that would be an old file that was worn down that once was rough but now is smooth.
Is that like the fad of purchasing jeans with pre-torn holes? If so, I'd be happy to sell my new line of pre-worn files...

[David Weaver]

pre-worn files...

Dan Hintz's new file series with the exclusive all-sides safe edge feature?

[Dan Hintz]

Dan Hintz's new file series with the exclusive all-sides safe edge feature?
I could even market to kids...

[James Taglienti]

I like the way this is going

[Gary Hodgin]

Perhaps it's a well-worn bastard.