sharpening woodsmans

[nybowman]

I bought some woodsmans and can't seem to get a good edge. using a jewel stick to sharpen them. is there some trick to get them razor sharp?

[BobW]

Ron,

How you been?  Long time since Denton.  Check the videos in the how-to.  File clamped on table or progressively finer steps on sand paper.  Use a marker to see that you are getting an even edge.  Follow it up with a strop and you have it.  Don't forget to tanto the tip.

You may need to do some serious initial grinding to get the angles correct.  There are some issues with some of them over the last few years.

[nybowman]

Thanks Bob, I'll try that. by the way it was great meeting and shooting with you at the tradgang gathering at denton.

[Tim Fishell]

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000047

Here ya go!!

[nybowman]

Bob are you heading up north this weekend for the opener?

[Arwin]

Yup, I like to use a file to start with then a nice stone to finish. It took me a while to figure out how to put even pressure along the whole head. I think it's easy to put too much pressure toward the front of the head and not get the back super sharp, Also pressing down too hard seemed to cause sharpening flaws.

[nybowman]

Thanks Tim those videos will definitly help.

[doeboy]

guys,

what type of leather do you use for a "strop" i would like to learn this technique. Can someone send me a link to some information.

[BobW]

to be honest, you can use just about anything (piece of leather, denim, even cardboard).  Just "pull" the blade "backwards" along the surface.  You are essentially polishing.

Ron,

No chance top go north - no time.  I actually canceled my plans for Ohio this weekend.  Now i'm booked until southern opener.  DANG!

Bob

[Smallwood]

3 rivers is now selling a leather strop that is 6" in length for this very purpose.
i bought jeweler's rougue to put on my leather ... wow.

[Curtiss Cardinal]

A sheet/pane of tempered glass, some temporary spray adhesive and several diffening grit sheets of Automotive/metal work sandpaper with grits from 800 up to 6500. Adhere the first grit of paper in the glass, place on a flat surface, lay a wensel woodsman flat so that two blades are in contact with the sandpaper surface at the same time. With light to medium pressure pull the broadhead across the sandpaper just like shown in the file sharpening video. Count you strokes and do the same number to each of the three sides in turn. sharpen with the rough grit until the edges will just start to shave. Then move to the next higher grit paper and repeat. With each increase in grit finest use lighter and lighter pressure. The 6500 grit will take the place of stroping. You will have the most uniform, polished sharpest edge you've ever seen.

[Bobby Urban]

Adding to the C2 post.  I use a smooth tile in place of the glass and it is a bit more durable.  I also add water to the sanding process and it goes quicker and also preserves your paper longer.  If you are doing multiple heads hone all the heads with one grit before you move on.  This way you do not have to change your paper so much.  Although, if this is your first try, you may want to do one head complete first just to get and idea of what you are after.  Another trick is to use a sharpie marker on the edges to show when you are getting a smooth even finish.

Also, if you are shapening the head correctly(two blades at once) you are creating a stronger but less "Scary" sharp edge than you can get with a two blade head.  Physics issue here.  Still very sharp and will do the job but never as sharp "feeling" as the lower angled edge you get on two bladers or maybe your knife.

Bob Urban

[koger]

Ditto on the above, I use a short piece of shaft with a insert, about 10 inches long to hold thle screw in woodsmans I use. Helps control them better and get a good edge quicker.