Sharpening Simmons Broadheads with a Rada

[DanielB89]

This is my attempt to share what I have learned in the past 2-3 years about sharpening.  I have always been able to get a knife as sharp as anything, but I really struggled with the concave Simmons heads.  This is just the way that I do it.  Like most things, I learned this from someone else, so don't think too highly of me.  

 

[Jesse Minish]

[highlow]

Don't worry, I won't.  
Good video. I was put on to the Rada about a year ago by Southpaw and it was in direct response to my question about how to sharpen Simmons, which I knew he used. Very cost effective and it does the job. Recommend it highly.

[bluemoonrising]

Would this "system" work with the Centaur heads? For whatever reason, I just can't get those heads sharp. Thanks

[jbpharmd]

Thanks for that. Man it looks so darn easy! So you just use the factory bevel and go straight to the Rada sharpener? Or do you touch it up with something first?

[bunyan]

I just tried this out after watching your video. I picked up some summon interceptors and a rada a few years ago and never had much luck sharpening them, even after looking for help here and on YouTube. I knew to use a sharpie, and to lighten up my strokes as I went. But the big key you gave was to tilt the sharpener and keep that Broadhead straight! I still need to fine tune my technique but I now have two heads that will rough shave. They aren't hair poppin sharp yet, but with practice I'll get there. The two I worked on had little if any file work done to them originally. I do have two that I need more help with. They're like the one you showed in the vid that I've been working on with files and stuff and I probably need to change the angle to salvage these heads. You can see how different the angle is on either side. Any tips on restoring a messed up simmons head?

[GRAYBEARD]

The late Chris Surtees turned me on to the Rada 7 or 8 years ago.I use that and a jewel stick to touch up the inside of the curve. Works well for me.

[DarrinG]

Ive been using a Rada wheelie sharpener for a while with excellent results on about any blade. I sharpen my knives with it and they shave like butter. Instead of holding the Rada base at an angle, I just hold the blade at a downward-pointing angle. I do believe holding at the downward angle, whether the base or adjusting the blade angle downward, makes a world of difference. I also strop on cardboard when done to remove any light burr when done with the Rada and get excellent results. I still use a file and fine stone on my 3 blade heads just because it's so easy with the built-in angles.
Thanks for sharing the video!

[ron w]

Rada seems to be good for almost any sharpening task. Jus strop when done.  

[Car54]

Y'all better be right..I just ordered three..LOL
Thanks Gents!

[ChuckC]

I didn't watch the video and maybe it shows this, but I find it easier to poke the broadhead into a board ( wall of shop) and pull the RADA from front to back.  I get the rear cutting wings better that way and it just seems to work ( for me...)
CHuck

[Jayrod]

Awesome job!!!... Pat also told me about this method thxs for the video Daniel can't beat it and how cheap a Rada is

[huskyarcher]

Radas are awesome! Best $8 i ever spent.

[r.spencer]

Just ordered mine for $6.15.   I have no problem sharpening my zwickeys.  The Simmons have been a challenge

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by bunyan:
I just tried this out after watching your video. I picked up some summon interceptors and a rada a few years ago and never had much luck sharpening them, even after looking for help here and on YouTube. I knew to use a sharpie, and to lighten up my strokes as I went. But the big key you gave was to tilt the sharpener and keep that Broadhead straight! I still need to fine tune my technique but I now have two heads that will rough shave. They aren't hair poppin sharp yet, but with practice I'll get there. The two I worked on had little if any file work done to them originally. I do have two that I need more help with. They're like the one you showed in the vid that I've been working on with files and stuff and I probably need to change the angle to salvage these heads. You can see how different the angle is on either side. Any tips on restoring a messed up simmons head?

I have a head that's been absolutely mangled by my sharpening capabilities. I'll try to
Salvage it with the rada.

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by ron w:
Rada seems to be good for almost any sharpening task. Jus strop when done.  

FWIW, I have never stropped it on anything.  Shaving sharp is plenty sharp enough for me.

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by jbpharmd:
Thanks for that. Man it looks so darn easy! So you just use the factory bevel and go straight to the Rada sharpener? Or do you touch it up with something first?

Straight factory.  The problem with me "touching it up" on anything would be my lack of consistency.  One things i've learned about sharpening is you have to be consistent.  That's why so many people have such great results with the KME, it removes human error.

[South MS Bowhunter]

Daniel,

I have 2 or 3 RADA that I bought for our kitchen and for the Simmons.

I got bored while on stand today at 1100 and keep a RADA in my backpack so I re-touched all my arrows in my quiver after watching your video, great job!

[bunyan]

That's the nice thing about radas, accusharps, and files...you can bring them into the field with you. Good luck lugging your belt sander to the stand!

My rada skills are getting better. I've got two Simmons heads to a point where I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with them, and a couple more that are sooo close. They grab when you try to shave, but aren't cutting an entire patch...yet!

[pdk25]

Good video Daniel.  It shows how quickly you can get them ready to hunt out of the package.  I don't do much differently other than the way I take care of the trailing edge.  Don't forget, the RADA sharpener is great for taking the burr off of single bevels as well.