sharpening with a file

[Ray Hammond]

Just found out I can use iPhone to do one Gil

Will try

[Gil Verwey]

Please Ray.

I no sooner left and forgot how you did it. I should have practiced with you with my files when I was down there but didn't.

With my old memory the video will help. Once I get your technique down I can sell all other sharpeners and be able to get the worst heads sharp anywhere and anytime in minutes.

Thanks
Gil

[Grizzbear]

Originally posted by sunset hill:
I have only ever used a file.  With zwickeys or ace or magnus or similar i can be shaving hair in 20-25 stokes per edge....I single bevel and it takes oh...about two minutes per head if I take my time.

[StanM]

I'm a file guy, too. I use a flat file when I sharpen at home and a chainsaw file when in the field because they are so small and easy to carry in a pack.  The round file will also let you sharpen the nicks in your broadhead rather than remove them, making a mini serration on the blade.

[skilonbw]

Those who sharpen their broadheads with a file do you use the same one for your knives or do you use something different in the field?

[ChrisM]

I don't use a file for my knives.  I carry a good small arkansa stone for my knife.  If you practice a file will sharpen a broadhead to shaving sharp in a very short amount of time.

[Yellow Dog]

Yup, good file, chalk and a file card. Shaving sharp in minutes.

[NoCams]

Broadheads are much softer than knives so you would wear a good file out on a knife in short order. Knives and files are almost the same hardness. The softer knives I have tested were the carbon steel Uncle Henry and Schrades. Some of those were in the 45-48 Rockwell C hardness range with a file running around 55-60. Stick to the stones for knives like ChrisM said above.

[Brianlocal3]

So after reading this I busted out some old razorheads and my 6" mill bastard to give it a try. And it does work very well. I always carry a med arkansas stone with me that's about 4" long and 1" wide that I use for my knives and BHs which is my preferred method but the file is pretty cool. I'll stick with my old worn out stone though just because I can use it for my knives and BHs. Both work equally well I think. And I "hone" for lack of better terms in my coffe cup, or jeans or truck window. So all means to and end.

[RkyMtn Joe]

I have used a file since the 60's on my broadheads.  I shoot mostly Zwickey 4-bladed Deltas and I can sharpen them super sharp in a  short period of time.  I've no quarrel with those who use something else, but filing works extra well for me.

Joe

When I get people into this I prefer to start them with Zwickey Eskimo two baldes and file sharpening.  If they do not have the technique to get them shaving sharp and smooth, I teach them the Louis Armbruster version.  Which is, sharpen all four sides, and try to make the file strokes very straight and machine like. Then reverse the file, using the narrow side flat and forcibly pull a burr edge up using as many strokes as it takes. It pulls up a strong ugly flat burr that holds up and kills very well. The method does not work as well on harder broadheads, but it is great on Zwickeys.

[sticksnstones]

I was having a really hard time sharpening broadheads with my tiny little worn out file so I replaced it yesterday      

     

I'll get a smaller one for my kit, but this one should last a good long while for doing the heavy work pre-season at home!

This thread has been great in picking up some tips for file care and maintenance!
Thom

[sledge]

this is mainly a ttt post.

this stuff from men who know is really neat.

i'm using the techniques described with my diamond hone, and getting great results, both on broadheads and knives.

i spent 40 years thinking i knew how to make things sharp.

now i DO.

thanks.

joe

[sledge]

trying to get this to post.

it will probably post 5 times now.

joe

[Josh Perdue]

Good info here, thanks everyone

[Josh Perdue]

was just at lowes and saw some files there, would a 8" medium "grit im assuming" bastard file work, it was 8 bucks

[smokin joe]

To get things really sharp -- sharp enough to "plow hair"-- then you have to go really light as you finish with the file. In other words, just the weight of the file without adding any pressure with your hand. So, for me, I like small files because "the weight of the file" is lighter.
I like a chain saw raker file best, and have several stashed in hunting packs and tool boxes. I always use a handle on the file to keep my fingers safe.

Remember -- go light to go sharp.

When you get the hang of it, you can make a broad head very scary.
   

[toddster]

Over the years I have like alot of people used different things.  but to me I think a file is the way to go on broadheads with the correct hardness.  To me it just seems that once I use the file and have a hair popping edge, still slightly serrated, naturally.  the keen edge of razor sharp broadheads, like any honed edge will in shorter time in field become duller.  I feel alot of guys forget that moisture and/or just rubbing dull's the edge of a broadhead.  That is why in the older movies Fred, Howard and others, would inspect and touch up the heads with a file, easy to carry, quick touch up, and kept that jagged edge for a great cutting through tough tissue.  Just my opinion.  Note: as already said, let the tool do the work, light for sharp.

[Hatrick]

Glad to see this thread. Now I can come out of the closet. For years now I've been hiding the fact that I use a file to sharpen my broadheads.    :D  

By the way, some excellent advice on here as to how to sharpen with a file and how to take proper care of files.