Crescent Nicholson®

In the early 1800s, and for centuries prior, the file was an essential sharpening tool in every shop, farm and household. But this seemingly simple tool was deceptively difficult to make. Special steel with specific carbon content had to be precisely shaped, annealed ground, chiselled and hardened to achieve acceptable sharpness and durability. The only way to accomplish this was to produce files by hand, with master craftsmen closely guarding their secret techniques.

But in 1864, William T. Nicholson changed history: He designed and patented the equipment to successfully manufacture machine-made files.

Crescent Nicholson® became the first successful manufacturer of machine-made files. Today, they are the most recognised brand of file in the world. Over the years, the Nicholson product line has increased in scope and size, and now includes files, rasps and handsaws, all manufactured to uncompromising standards of quality.

Today, 150 years later, Nicholson^® is the most recognised brand of file in the world.