Thanks Eric, I did see you on Facebook.
The lack of refinement is probably more from lack of knowledge of refinement, but depends on exactly what you're talking about as well. I got into making knives not long ago because I wanted something nice but didn't want to pay $250 for it. I said, "I can do that, and I can do it for much less money than $250." So I have a new hobby that I'm able to make a little money from and I can sell them quick because people can afford $80 to $120 for something handmade. If refinement equals pretty, then it's intentional. If refinement means something that I should be doing that I'm not...
...I welcome suggestions with open ears. I'm sure there's better ways to do everything I'm doing. In fact, annealing these files leaves them bent and I have the hardest time getting them straight again.
I eyeball just about everything I do on these. I've always benn an artist and so it kinda comes easy. 1x30 grinder to shape with 36 to 120 grit belts, heat treat, finish with 80 and 120 belts (going to get some cork belts soon to take it a little higher), cut handles, drill holes, epoxy up and final shaping. For wood I usually do a good oiling and briwax finish on the wood and steal. That's about it in a nutshell. The grinder and my makita drill are about the only power tools I use and I do a lot of the final shaping with files and sandpaper.