He looked at me like I was an idiot and told me that it'll dull the
reamer and take chunks out of it in nothing flat. Everyone else in the
shop agreed.

Obviously they are very mis-informed.


Also, is it possible to salvage one of these once it's dull without
resorting to anything beyond hand tools?

Don't think so. but there are places that will sharpen them.


B.B. --I am not a goat!

I think a better one for you would be:
Its hard to soar with the eagles, when I work with a bunch of turkeys.