Abstract: A flexible base metal strip has a strong, tough and adherent abrasive armoring coating produced thereon in situ from abrasive particles of hard, high melting material selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides and combinations thereof, and particles of a matrix metal, said matrix metal particles being in said armoring coating and fusion bonded to each other, to the base metal strip and to the abrasive particles to anchor and partially embed the abrasive particles therein with the particles projecting therefrom in the form of a series of sharp cutting edges. When such a strip is provided at one end with a suitable handle, it forms a convenient hand file and its flexibility permits use in a variety of situations. Attachment means may be provided at each end of the coated strip as shown in a co-pending application for attachment of the strip to a suitable frame such as a standard hack saw frame.