Broadhead sharpening - what files do you use?

[8leg-lover]

I've noticed from recent threads that a lot of you guys use a file of some sort to sharpen your killin end. What kind do you use? Big box store stuff or something more specialized?

Also do you prefer to sharpen them to "rough to the touch sharp" or "didn't know I cut myself until it had already happened sharp"?

[JamesKerr]

I just use a plain old 8 inch single cut bastard file and then finish up on a 1200 grit diamond stone. Oh, and I like the didn't know it was cut till it gushed blood sharp.

[LimBender]

Use grobet file bought off 3 rivers, but have only mastered "rough to the touch sharp."  Follow up with a 3 sided jewelstick - slowly getting better at it.

[gregk]

8" Grobet from Kustom King followed up with a leather strop.

[joe skipp]

10 mil bastard on my Zwickeys and Snuffers, then finish off with a leather strop.

[dnovo]

I buy Grobet files locally and use everything from 6" to 12". The little 6" goes in my bag for field touchup, the 8 and 10" are used to get and edge beveled properly and then sharp. I use a 12" on the rare occasion I want to sharpen a 3 blade cause I use 2 blade almost exclusively. When I get one sharp with the file, I then use a leather belt or a piece of cardboard to strop on for the final edge.
I bought a KME a couple years ago and didn't like it. It was too awkward for me. Also since I shoot wood arrows, I want to mount the head and shoot it to make sure it is flying good before sharpening. It was too much to try sharpening with the head mounted

[Matthew Bolton]

I use a 12 inch single cut file.

[8leg-lover]

Ok. Is Grobet a style or a brand? And can I strop a 3 blade Montec without cutting my favorite belt in half or does that only work on 2 bladers.

[gregk]

Grobet are a brand of files.

[Autumnarcher]

I use a 12" Mill Smooth file on th bench,then after the very light finishing strokes on the file, I run my Woodsmans on a fine stone to polish. Wicked sharp. Ran one through a deer last night, and was still razor sharp. I find  th smooth file does a little better job than the Mill Bastard file.

[J-dog]

Mill bastards of differing lengths, 12 for at the shop sharpening - smaller in the pack for field sharpening.
Sharp as I can possible get it, less you can feel yourself cut the better you are getting.

J

Way season is going thnk the only blood I'll see is my own -

[Stumpkiller]

12" is great, but an 8" will do for the initial rough shaping.  I have an 6" Grobect in a sheath on my quiver.

Viiala of Finland made a 6" without tang that used to be sold in the US as a "Grizzley File" by Screaming Eagle.  These are great for field use and I wish they were still available.

[Fletcher]

Grobet is good as are Nicholson.  A Nicholson 8 inch mill bastard will do fine for most everything and is cheap and easy to find.  Get it with the handle.  A mill file is flat and single cut; bastard is the coarseness of the cut, bastard being coarse, then second cut and smooth.  A consistent angle and light pressure at the end are the keys.  You don't want a double cut for sharpening.  Stay away from the India and China files.

[8leg-lover]

Thanks guys. Lots of good info!