Rasp choice split: farrier rasp vs. a good old Nicholson

I had to pick between a proper farrier rasp and a standard Nicholson file for my weekly trims. I went with the farrier rasp because the handle felt more balanced in my hand and the teeth seemed sharper out of the box. First few horses were a dream - the rasp cut through hoof wall like butter and I finished each foot way faster. But after about 12 horses, the teeth started loading up with hoof dust and I was spending too much time cleaning it with a wire brush. The Nicholson I tried later stayed sharper for maybe 20 hooves before needing a clean, and it was half the price. I'm thinking of switching back for my regular work. Has anyone else tried both and found one lasts longer between sharpenings?

2 comments

2 Comments

jones.brooke19d ago

Started reading up on rasp steels a while back and found out farrier rasps use a softer metal that dulls faster but cuts quicker at first. That matches what you saw with the teeth clogging up after a dozen horses. Might be worth sticking with the Nicholson for your regular trims and saving the farrier rasp for tough or neglected hooves.

ellis.susan19d ago

@jones.brooke Question is, does it really matter that much in practice?