GERMANIKURE Mantra Glass Nail File in Suede Case, Ethically Made in Czech Republic - Professional Manicure & Pedicure Tools for Smooth Easy Shaping of Natural Fingernails

I'm not especially fussy about my nails, but I am a guitar player and they need to be maintained at reasonable lengths to play. I don't care about the ridges that began showing up at some point, so honing and polishing are not on my radar for nail maintenance. However, I'm getting older (60s) and my nails often will crack or split, which requires some cleanup. For as long as I can remember I've made due with cheap little nail clippers and their built-in files. My wife gave me a diamond nail file, and works, but it leaves my nails feeling rough, though they are good for removing a lot of nail material in a hurry.And then I purchased this crystal-glass file on a whim and it has exceeded my expectations. It's finer than the emery boards but has enough "grit" to file and shape my nails, and it's supposed to last longer. I love the smooth feel of the glass "grit" on my nails. Some have compared it to nails on a blackboard, but I don't feel that. This file is a real revelation. It's more expensive than emery boards, but is definitely worth it. Now, if I drop the file and it beaks, I might change my mind, but right now I'm loving it.Update after 5 and a half months: I still love this nail file. I use it exclusively to maintain my nails, rarely resorting to clippers unless I’m in a hurry. And I haven’t dropped it once. It feels heavy in the hand; I suspect it would survive a fall on a hardwood floor, and certainly on carpeting. Not sure about a stone floor. Also, I’ve noticed no wear to the grit. My file still looks and performs like it’s new. Maintenance is gently rubbing it with soap and water and air dry after use. I can’t recommend it too highly.

Glass files are a game changer! It works so much better than those cheap disposable ones and better than metal ones. It doesn't get worn out and it doesn't split or damage the nails. It leaves a smooth edge, is durable, and can be washed and sanitized. I tried a couple other glass files and this one is by far my favorite. I love the leather holder that keeps it safer and just feels nicer than ones that come in a plastic sleeve. This file is worth the investment. I'd also recommend their glass cuticle pushy stick thing.

This is my second one. First is still going strong, but I wanted another for convenience. Not cheap but does a great job and lasts for a very long time. I have had my first one for several years now and I notice no degradation over time.

Excellent file. Does not chew up your nails. It is gentle yet effective. I highly recommend.

This nail file is great for filing quickly. It doesn’t wear out like cardboard or foam nail files do. I can file easy around my nail edges without splintering or having to rub hard. Gives the nail edges a nice smooth edge. It should last a long time.

This is a great glass nail file. Very sturdy and true crystal glass, not just a coating like some I have bought in the past. As long as I don't lose it or break it, it will last indefinitely.

I would have given this 5 stars if they were still providing the leather cases like they used to, but the new "suede" are not nearly as nice. They don't slide nicely in and out of pockets and they just feel weird.If you don't care about the case, the file itself is a 5. I have several stashed around the house, in the car, etc.

Brian doesn't care about things like nail files, but I do! Hi all, I'm Drea, Brian's wife and I purchased this file :o)I love this nail file. I had previously written a review about some files I had purchased here on Amazon last year. I still very much like those files. However, I noticed that they were going "smooth". I watched a few ladies on YouTube to find out why. It turns out that not all crystal nail files are equal. It also turns out that what I bought and used were glass. I have found out there is a MAJOR difference.BONA FIDE: These files are Czech made and patented. If you don't have a patent number on your file, located on the holographic sticker, then you do NOT have a GERmanikure bohemian crystal glass file. Any other is for sure an imitator. You will also note that the names on the file has three square dots and right before the name two vertical dashes. Another indicator that you have the real thing.NOT HEAVY BUT DURABLE: This file is light. I compared it to my other glass files and the other files are heavier. Like a great knife, this file feels great in the hand. Which makes it easy to over file, but more on that later. It is SO durable. I let my daughter use it (she is an adult) and she dropped it from about 4 feet in the air. I just KNEW it was broken! But it didn't even have a scratch, I mean not one scratch! The tip wasn't chipped not one mark. Needless to say she will be sticking to the other files lol.WORKING IT: I COULD file back and forth with this file and not have chipping or peeling of my nails. And I did file back and worth, seesaw style to take down length. After length was removed I switched to filing in one direction. The outcome was smooth with just a little filings still attached, but easily removed. I do a manicure every week to two weeks (depends on if I am wearing gel or regular polish) and I have noticed that I have no peeling. I won't say the file is the main cure for the peeling I used to have, but a proper glass file indeed contributed to my free edge health. Getting the right filing angle is important with this file. If you feel a weird vibration in the nail, then your filing angle is off. You can not and should not, file straight across the top of your nail. Angle the files towards the front of the nail, this ensures a smooth non creepy feeling drag. IF you file back and forth seesaw style do so slowly! Let me tell you here that you need to frequently check that you are at the right length if you file this way. This file takes down length SO fast. You can go from long cuties to short nubs in a matter of 5 file swipes. So always double check after two to three swipes.IS THIS A CON?: I can say I truly don't have REAL con, only maybe a "I wish"... I wish and hope that Zamberg makes the decision to offer more colors for their files. Mine is blue :o( I am a female, and I love pink. They offer red, red to yellow gradient, blue and black as colors. And while this is a very pretty blue I have, I feel it isn't my color lol. I want to see them expand into pinks, purples, whites to nudes, full yellows, even greens! Taste the rainbow GERmanikure!! LOL. Besides the color issue, and that is purely a personal thing, I want them to add color to the name on the file and the inspired script. In my picture below you can see that my inspired script 'YOU ARE SO LOVED' is pink, the file doesn't come this way. I used a tiny brush and gel polish to fill it and cure it into the file, so I can see the words it each day. I need the reminder as I suffer from depression. I hope they don't mind my creativity and liberties I took. The pink makes me smile, I wish they had thought of it.THE FINALE: I love it, I want more of them (in different colors, but I digress lol) and I will buy more. I heard they last a long time, but variety is the spice of life so I will get more. Work the money and so worth it if you care about nail care. Buy it, enough said.