[halk]

The one problem with using a file is that a file is going to leave deposits of iron which is going to promote rust. Using a sharping stone or a very low speed grinding wheel used to sharpen knives (wheel turns at a slow speed and uses water to keep metal cool) would be the preferred method. The rotary grinding stones using come with a cloth polishing wheel that you can apply a small amount of metal polish to further smooth out the surface. Since most who are not wood workers are not going to have a rotary tool sharping device I would lean toward using a stone to remove the nicks also the stone should not have been used to sharpen a steel knife again small particles of steel are going to get embedded which is going to promote rust.

On the other hand since you use these clubs quite often rust would not necessary be a problem only storing the clubs for a extended period of time would you need to worry about rust which can be taken care of with some type rust inhibiting coating.

Sorry about the long post but I think your method of using a file and stone for general repair is OK unless you are a wood worker and and have access to slow speed rotary grinders and buffing wheels.

Hope this helps BigV.