I'm just the opposite. Using a file in a knife is like dragging your fingernails down a chalkboard to me. Of course I have hardly ever used a machete, but I do see the usefulness of using a file on them and have actually done so a couple of times.
Different environment, different situations different needs.
I can fully understand that. Using a file takes of a lot of metal. It is really (almost) last resort if the blade needs a lot of work. I have not been home in a week so I have used my field sharpeners the past week. With the Lasnky diamond paddle (DMT, EZ-Lap are as scarce as chicken teeth here) I can get it shaving sharp, but no mirror finish. In the field, survival wise a good size stone is last resort.
You should have seen my grandfather, he used a brick to sharpen his knives. Scary stuff but he was a no BS man and knives had to WORK! I still have his axe he used in the mines.
