Sharpening Trade points?

[DavidV]

I made my first trade points today out of whiskey barrel bands. I put a 25* single bevel edge on them but I have no idea how to get the "hair popping sharp" edges that so many are proud of. Is it possible to do with just files? The finest I have is a flat chainsaw file.

[Stumpkiller]

Maybe.  

"Whiskey barrel bands" may not be a very high quality steel.  From what I understand wagon wheel rims were used.

I find a file like a Grobet single cut followed by a ceramic stone will make an edge that 'pops" hair.  But that is with 1095 steel heads.  I'm not a fan of single bevel except in wood chisels and wood planes and so stick to double bevel for knives and broadheads.

Note that a proper file sharp edge is a tiny saw edge and may not pop hair, but it will shred blood vessels and make horrific bleeding wounds.  Ever slice yourself on a file sharpened axe edge?  You're not trying to pop hair.  You're trying to kill deer.  ;-)

[DavidV]

Thanks, I see what you're saying. Im just 18 and haven't hunted yet... and I never really sharpened knives until recently.

I think the bands are working pretty good, it's a little soft but not as soft as a stainless steel knife I have.

Anyway, I think I got the edge you are talking about. Nicked my thumb pretty nice.

[ChuckC]

David, there is a lot of discussion about what is sharp enough.  Get them as sharp as you can, but remember, you are gonna send that thing thru flesh at 150(+) fps.  I am pretty sure paper will slice you open if you used it well.  

Of more concern to me with your description is the need for a harder steel to hold a 25 degree single taper edge.  If the steel is too soft, it will fold and fail.  Sometimes a double bevel edge is just better (stronger) for the metal being used.

Experiment and see   oh. .  and. .  post pix !
ChuckC