Maple Leaf Rasp/File

[rxh]

This tool is a rounded rasp on one side and a flat file on the other. Does any one know if it belongs to a particular trade? I wonder if it was for a farrier or cobbler. I was also interested in the stamp, which presumably indicates Canadian manufacture. I'm not well up on Canadian tools - the only other ones I know of are Stanley planes and Veritas.

 

[bugbear]

IIRC it's called a "four in hand" file or rasp. General purpose tool.

BugBear

 

[ED65]

BB beat me to it. Don't think they were ever intended for a specific trade, just a handy four-in-one type of thing. I've always thought I'd find one quite uncomfortable to use, if not actively dangerous, with bare hands! Got the chance to handle one a year or so ago and it was every bit as uncomfortable for the dominant hand as one would imagine, rasp side up or down.

 

[rxh]

Thanks for your replies. Yes, it is not very comfortable to hold.

 

[AndyT]

I think you will find it was made by Nicholson, in or for Canada.

 

[lanemaux]

I would not be without mine , but only as a general "handy" tool . Not the most comfortable or accurate bit of steel , rather a good pocket tool for rough adjustments. I hate exposed nail ends or rough handrails or , well , you get the idea . So my jacket pocket often houses my four in hand , which is handy.