I own several crystal nail files, some are good, some are atrocious. Most, if not all, of the terribly made crystal nail files are made in China; the best come from the Czech Republic. One terrific option is made by Mont Bleu.
Here are two size options:
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_toLZtrnFy4YVzen1VQURlYbwXiM5zRGgx8ld6BdOtH7yrNWIWYAe0Q1AWQ_7KXO3p8C_k33RudRp5MHoAYehSeb9Y1Ocy9wrynVXYQaFCYj7kH-ARrFNWirldqkNJby1WLijPfpopXJJVQDbU7NS6En-eASbEYIPs=s0-d) |
Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files |
The top file is your typical standard size and the lower one is a mini file. I know they make a larger one, which I did not receive to show, but I own several and they look something like this:
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tRUK5jX-ekFRUscN0LXCboYBNqjTi7tTdmb7f1PINhVC5wqrf6wrDtqQue1t0eIOz-zLqbVT5Y7ygHcnHVn8qiybOuAQFlgzS1VUEt5FTRhXfHC2DOOV2nFCpJssgn-wDZ3huFEIvca7yMBhYt2OHgcfIIcuAqS_s=s0-d) |
No Name Brand Czech Crystal Nail File |
These big boys are great for sanding the feet area.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sGPejgm5Dp0NAtwpacwMbiGCu4oh1oRIiDiIXdf-D1KCkBwYiG7VglCKeujCV6fyF43rp97CmLNx-vAGjMXD2QvQVT-DfuHiMEHKWCRjvoKNdk-46aPHU5l49CkHvmEW0bpooP7TI8gi7mA_5ZtUbPze6ux3D5SQ=s0-d) |
Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files |
These two particular files are embellished with Swarovski crystals. The crystals are nice, but I was more concerned with whether the files are able to perform the job.
Durability
In terms of durability,
my cardboard files are pretty heavy duty and I find myself throwing them around haphazardly. Of the crystal glass files I own, I never worry either. I have bought several Nail Tek glass files and each came in a
protective, tight fitting, plastic case, while my OPI crystal file came
in a plastic tube. Unfortunately, I had to be somewhat cognizant of the Mont Bleu files because they came tucked in a simple soft felt protector. Thus initially, I did not reach for them often. I guess it was too much trouble to worry about them. To give them a fair review, I decided I had to place them in a
safe yet easily accessible place. I put one file in a desk drawer I frequent several times a day and the smaller one in a random purse unprotected. I must mention that this company carries a line of files that includes a protective case, it just wasn't the one I received.
Performance
After over a year of use, I can honestly say the Mont Bleu files are of very high quality. They rival the other decent files I own made by OPI, Nail Tek and non-branded files from the Czech Republic. I was thoroughly impressed with not only the performance I experienced, but by the crash test shown in this video:
The file is particularly impressive on the hard tile (at 0:54). Now I wouldn't go throwing my good files at hard surfaces, but I enjoyed the video none the less.
Intent
I mainly used these Mont Bleu files to finish or touch up my nail shape, just like I would with the
400/600 grit Tropical Shine files. I still prefer a lower grit strength (like 220/320 by Tropical Shine) for taking down nail length, but it would do well for people with patience or people with nails that are weak, thin or problematic.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_v_-KLzmAQSLgObuAcHA072u6RrbrNgep1CvT7B1OVvmi20dpjhx8N7ZQFIWyCI4go4isircEKFMyEE_5JYLm3OI_CqiyxK3QaQZFr0QjZzoafah4wzMMLkDfV86BvaGTCMn7EVr0JrDUpBeMi9GR_kzjkoJQj63Tc=s0-d) |
Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files |
How about an example of how I used, and will continue to use, these and my other crystal files? Let's say you are going for a square shape. Over the course of a week, the nail corners can get a bit rounded. This can be remedied by filing straight across until your desired shape is achieved. Sometimes this type of filing can create "
nail shavings". What's that you say? See picture below:
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_siowsAHb6fj4SvUGyesXcCHxpV7aL68f4j35e4SQ2rk_sdBIqPKTO3MG10heHmlwQXw9SdBvlBV8YFBlYBIRQZmue94Is7mCnIhbwD0sdjo8LaIEn02bj2kBzph6byiBuuMAkRI3eJrH3m2ee8eO_AYEuIfvjkSQ=s0-d) |
Loodie nail shavings |
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tA0oU-x-Cgr-v3-yrIy7RnRfvCWhNqk0qjFeMNKHPZ1k9roydNagHb6Sd-PI3BNjOtKzMWovuAGJPJLekVUS5nYCe6d2ZlAsZl_c9htKyNnQN3aFMMVCNqc0xo1Yw0SN9eRBT56uhBzMkyWNRkv6h8CGszQqIZkkQ=s0-d) |
nail shavings |
The nail shavings can then be eliminated by dragging your nail down the length of the file. This is the exact same technique I showed in previous
posts/videos.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tSpV7To3OjRbH7ROCED0pbLgeIgv-PdTKo9TI_Kvn_fj3MCxg1PUlcyBt8nRVCNNrPANgkb9ZmzVaHHJuuvMgTYnvaXj_vu260qiNyaymcSsrvYKR24DGN-RlTuWLMaipsUxNguakl8zlt5raplkPrbZ1PUO56qKY=s0-d) |
Nail shavings eliminated! Nail sealed! |
Please don't be alarmed by my
excessive nail meat. I can't help it.
Longevity
I am repeating myself here, but these files are on par with my other high quality crystal nail files. They have continued to stay sharp, requiring only an occasional washing. I posted on that topic
here!
In Summary
The take home message is, if you are in the market for a glass nail
file, I recommend you demand they be made in the Czech Republic. However, I can not guarantee this wont happen...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sqfV4l7RMYZfvcROMwPKsdIkVmbqZh3ToI16RznK0UGBhvB_iRW23FR_P7BbxmiZVHcxJ1PIdR6u0uM7RtxzVLmsQq14E1iPzkE3kzl9MVzHt2vy_xJ7TL8ine6XnddqX3x5ssrKsUhehVucFUwNCZxx-_LMOxm1zEmH_KORoFc_uyjNU1thil7A=s0-d) |
OPI Crystal Nail File Sadness |
Life lesson: Don't leave a glass nail file to hang out on the carpet, while you go get a bowl of ice cream. Your heel will be sure to make direct contact sooner rather than later.
If you are interested in Mont Bleu specific nail files, their website is:
www.design-glassware.com They have many options that may suit your needs.
*Mont Bleu files sent for review*