Drilling and machining tools: the right tool for every operation

In handcrafted cutlery, drilling and machining tools are used at every stage in the manufacture of a handle: drilling rivet or fastening holes, creating threads for screws, adjusting surfaces, and countersinking screw heads. The quality of the tool directly conditions the precision of the result and the lifespan of the finished piece.

The materials used in cutlery are varied and often demanding: hardwood, bone, horn, carbon fiber composites, stainless steel, titanium. Each family of materials imposes specific constraints on the tool - cutting geometry, coating, feed speed - making the selection of the right tool all the more important.

Features of our tools

Drills

Cutlery drills are available in a range of diameters to cover all common requirements: drilling of rivet holes (2 to 5 mm), screw holes, lightening holes. High-speed steel (HSS) models are suitable for wood and polymer materials; carbide drills are indispensable for stainless steel, carbon composites and titanium. An adapted point geometry (centering point, cutting angle) guarantees clean drilling without stripping or burrs.

Taps

Taps are used to create internal threads in metal parts or dense materials. In cutlery, they are mainly used for tapping handle casings, plates or reinforcing parts, to receive fastening screws. The quality of the tap determines the cleanliness of the thread and its resistance over time, particularly on stainless steel, which can "stick" to the tool when dry tapping.

Files and finishing tools

Workshop files are used to adjust surfaces, dress edges, touch up handle contours or refine areas inaccessible to the grinding wheel. Available in different sizes and cut sizes (bastard, semi-soft, soft), they enable progressive, controlled work on noble materials.

Lamer milling cutters

Lamer cutters create a conical or cylindrical cavity around a drill hole, to embed the head of a screw flat into the surface of the handle. Used in conjunction with a drill bit, they guarantee a neat finish that is invisible after polishing.

How to choose cutlery drilling tools?

The choice depends mainly on the materials to be worked and the operations to be carried out:

• Wood, bone, horn, Micarta paper → standard HSS drills are sufficient, moderate speed, no watering necessary.
• Carbon composites (FAT CARBON, woven fibers) → carbide drills essential, protective mask mandatory for dust.
• Stainless steel, titanium → carbide or HSS-cobalt drills, slow speed, lubrication recommended to avoid overheating and "seizing".
• Small-diameter screws and bolts (M2, M3) → fine taps with manual tap holder to control pressure and avoid breakage.
• Beginner cutler → start with a set of versatile HSS drills covering diameters from 1 to 6 mm, then add to according to projects.

Mercorne and cutlery tools: 34 years in the field

Mercorne references the drilling and machining tools that have proven their worth in artisan cutlery workshops. Each reference is selected for its manufacturing quality, durability and suitability to the real constraints of the trade - not simply for its generic quality/price ratio. Orders are dispatched D+0 on available stock, with returns accepted within 15 days. Free delivery on orders over €90.

If you have any questions about choosing the right drill, tap or file for your specific project, Olivier will answer them personally and can guide you according to the materials and operations involved.

Frequently asked questions about cutlery drilling tools

What drill bit should I use to drill a carbon handle?

Carbon (composites such as FAT CARBON, woven carbon, Micarta carbon) requires a solid carbide drill bit. HSS drills catch fibers and dull quickly. Work at moderate speed (300 to 800 rpm depending on diameter), without forcing, and wear a mask: carbon dust is very fine and irritating.

How to tap stainless steel without breaking the tap?

Stainless steel is tough and tends to "stick" to the tap. Use an HSS-cobalt or carbide tap, apply a dash of cutting oil, and progress by quarter-turns, going back slightly at each pass to break the chip. Never force: a broken tap in a workpiece is difficult to extract.

Can conventional drills be used on titanium?

Titanium is highly abrasive and a poor thermal conductor - it heats up quickly and damages standard HSS tools. Prefer HSS-cobalt or carbide drills, at very low speeds (100 to 200 rpm) with continuous lubrication. Drilling in several progressive passes gives better results than a single pass at full depth.

How often should I replace my drill bits in the cutlery workshop?

A dull drill can be recognized by the increased effort, heat generated and burrs at the drill exit. In craft cutlery (moderate volumes), a set of quality HSS drills will last for several years if speeds are respected. On composites or stainless steel, carbide is the preferred choice from the outset, for a significantly longer service life.