Galoots,

The rasp discussion reminded me of a line of rasps I had seen offered by
the German tool supplier Dick Fine Tools in their catalogue.  Made by
Herdim,  the top of the line "Ultra Cut" cabinet rasp boasts more than
10,000 hand cut teeth, and sells for  about 74 Euro's  (I think the Euro
and $US are close in value these days). There is a beautiful photo in
the catalogue of this rasp.

What I had not noticed before was that for another $20 you can buy this
rasp with a "Cerid" coating. This coating is described in the catalogue
as follows:

 "PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technology makes it possible to apply
a thin ceramic film to metal surfaces to dramatically increase their
resistance to wear. Our Cerid rasps have a 2 micro m. thick chromium
nitrate coating which has been proven to be particularly beneficial in
extending the life of carbon steel tools. The mat-silvery coating
extends edge life at least five fold, reduces clogging and increases
corrosion resistance without affecting the sharpness of the rasp." 

Any opinions on this technology? My guess is you wouldn't be sending
this rasp out for sharpening before using it.

Marvin Paisner
Kootenay Lake, BC 
 ...  no Instruments of Destruction here, my choice is that Instrument
of Torture the 5                         string banjo.  Old tools,
banjos and motorcycles  hmmm I'm getting old!  ;^)