The 'cut' of a file is a term that refers to how fine the cutting teeth are. Running in order of roughest to smoothest, they are: rough, middle, bastard, second cut, smooth, and dead smooth. In Swiss pattern files, the teeth are cut at a shallower angle, and use a numeric grading system with lower numbers indicating coarser grades. Additionally, the term 'single cut' refers to a file that has a single set of parallel teeth, whereas 'double cut' files have a second set of cuts forming diamond shaped teeth. Single cut files are only really suitable for soft materials, double cut files are recommended for jewellery work.
