Single-Cut Face—Surface has one set of diagonal teeth and is often used with light pressure to slowly remove material and sharpen tool-cutting surfaces.

Without Teeth—Edges without teeth protect adjacent surfaces when filing. Single-cut tapered files without teeth on the edges are often used to shape material on a lathe. Also known as lathe files.

Single-Cut Edge—Single-cut tapered files with teeth on the edges are often used to sharpen milling and circular saws. Also known as mill files.

Black Oxide—Black-oxide finish resists rust and clogging.