In article , F Murtz
wrote:

Does any one know whether the cutting edges on Berg side cutters are
hardened right through so can be ground when worn?

Typically, such tools are selectively hardened, with hardness greatest
at the cutting edges, but gradually softening as one gets away from the
edge. Such tools are never case hardened, because the case would be too
shallow, and the transition from hard to soft would be too abrupt,
leading to delamination in use.

So, hand sharpening with a stone or diamond stick can work, at least
once. However, note that for cutting hard metals, the blades end in a
small 90 degree vee, not in a 20 degree chisel edge.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...CDIQFjAA&url=h
ttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.cooperhandtools.com%2Fonlinecatalo g%2FTechnical_Specifica
tions%2FMS54_Specifications.pdf&rct=j&q=flush%20se mi-flush%20cutter&ei=fU
mQTtq9A4re0QHPwbki&usg=AFQjCNHfywnxlyLPBYmUZZVz9bC akoEeQw&sig2=L5XHTxjG-n
pQV8sKRAApIQ&cad=rja

Joe Gwinn