I'll say it again, while not perfect, the Mexican made Nicholsons are as good as it gets in my view. No one uses files harder or expect more from them than me. The files I sell on the VintageSaws.com website are first inspected by me before they are sold. I don't see many problems with the edges these days. Main problems are some of the 6" XS and 6" 2X Slim can be bowed (as in not straight). I'm seeing about a 5% defect rate. Those go in the crunk box to get sent back to APEX. They never question my returns. I had to do the same thing for the Swiss made files when Grobet still carried them. Getting the fine cross sections to stay straight when quenched is a challenge for any maker.

I just filed a Disston #12 late last week, a 10 point, and the edge held up just fine and the saw is razor sharp. I did like the US made Nicholson's better, but the Mexican made alternatives are a good substitute. If anyone needs any Nicholsons, stop by the site. Hope this adds to the discussion.