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Understanding Swiss File Cuts & Grades: The Glardon Vallorbe Reference Guide
Understanding Swiss File Cuts & Grades
Glardon Vallorbe Swiss-made precision files are the global standard for quality and consistency. Each file is graded by a number that indicates how coarse or fine the teeth are — from 00 (coarsest) to 6 (finest). This guide will help you understand how the Swiss cut scale works and how to choose the right file for your work.
Things to Know Before Ordering
- Measurement points differ by type: Hand files are measured from where the teeth begin to the end of the file (not including the tang). Needle and escapement files are measured from the tip to the end of the tang.
- Length labels can be misleading: A “6″ hand file measures about 8-1/8″ from tip to tang even though it’s called a 6″ file.
- Cut numbers: Glardon Vallorbe files are graded from 00 (coarsest) to 6 (finest). Higher numbers mean a finer cut.
The Scale of Cuts (Teeth Per Inch)
The Swiss precision file scale was developed by Grobet Frères in 1812 and refined over time. Below is the modern reference for Glardon Vallorbe Swiss precision files.
| File Type | 30 | 41 | 51 | 64 | 79 | 97 | 117 | 142 | 173 | 213 | 295 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files 10″ and over | 00 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Files 4″ to 8″ | 00 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Files 3″ | 00 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Escapement Files | 00 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Needle Files (4″–7¾″) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | |||||
| Regular Rifflers | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
Quick Definitions
Hand Files: Broad, flat, and used for removing and shaping material manually.
Needle Files: Narrow and available in many shapes for smoothing and finishing small parts.
Escapement Files: Very fine and small — ideal for detailed work like watchmaking or fine jewelry.
Choosing the Right Cut
- Coarse (00–1): Fast removal on hard metals.
- Medium (2–4): General shaping and pre-finish work.
- Fine (5–6): Precision fitting and final finishing.
Authenticity matters: Otto Frei carries only genuine Swiss-made Glardon Vallorbe files. Many other brands use “Swiss pattern” sizing but are not made in Switzerland.