To prevent the fingers from slipping, checkerings are cut into knife handles and on the backs of blades. The checkering file is especially suited for this task. The extraordinary cut originates through lengthwise grooves in the blade which are crossed by 90° grooves. In this way, small teeth are formed which cut on the push stroke. In order to produce the checkering, the file is moved in one spot forward and backwards. Suited for wood, non-ferrous metals and unhardened steel.