File sharpening frustration

Friends call me Pac · August 18, 2009, 07:47:00 PM

I use a Lansky and get my heads sharp enough to shave without touching the skin. It's a great system for me but I wanted to add file sharpening for touch ups in the field.

I've watched the videos in the how to section but I can not get an edge much sharper than a butter knife. I'm not even to a point yet where I feel there is a need to remove the wire edge for final sharpening.

I'm using an 8" mill file that is brand new. Bought it last night. Do I have the wrong file? I painted the edge with a marker and used the file like in the videos. Pretty, shiny steel results but the edge is pitiful.

Any advice or even better a fellow Arkansas that uses a file that can give me some hands on training?

joebuck · August 18, 2009, 08:03:00 PM

Single Cut mill bastard....lines go only one way across the file

Friends call me Pac · August 18, 2009, 08:23:00 PM

The lines only go one way. At least it is the right kind of file. Must be the way I'm using it.

George D. Stout · August 18, 2009, 09:15:00 PM

It's all about keeping the angle through the process. Patience....it takes patience. Cut with the edge on one side, then turn over and cut into the edge, using the same angle. I use the ferrule for a guide (lightly touching it) and you can get a burr very quickly.

Fletcher · August 18, 2009, 09:20:00 PM

Pac, I just e-mailed you a short(?) article I wrote a while back on file sharpening. It's kinda wordy, but I hope it helps. There is also a couple of sharpening how-to clips in that forum and Tom Mussatto has a good one on his web page, if I can find the address.

ron w · August 18, 2009, 09:21:00 PM

George is right about the angle,its important to keep it constant on both sides. Also you can put some chalk on your file so it don't load up with metal that your takeing off. A file is all Fred Bear uesd....it just takes some time to get it down.

ChuckC · August 18, 2009, 11:40:00 PM

don't press hard with the file. Soft and easy does it.
ChuckC

snag · August 18, 2009, 11:44:00 PM

I added a diamond card to my "in the field" head touch up stuff. They are only the size of a credit card and will get that edge back. I even use it right before going to stropping with leather. Just let the weight of the card do the work.

Weasel · August 19, 2009, 12:10:00 AM

I used to have the same problem until Dean Torges showed me how it's done.

You might be using too much pressure. The last few strokes on either side should basically be just the weight of the file as pressure. It doesn't take much.

Jerry

AkDan · August 19, 2009, 02:18:00 AM

I also use a lansky, have since I started...I also carry the system in the field with me as most of my hunts are backpack style hunts.

I've longed for cutting a few more ounces by leaving that hole system at home and havin a quick touch up system in the field, maybe a pair of ceramic sticks at my finish angle...sure would be nice!

I could never use a file...Have seen some fantastic file sharpeners at work even had a couple TRY and teach me..ya no cigar...lanksy is just to perfect in every way.

For my field kit I carry the medium and extra fine for touchups...usually can get by with just he extra fine ceramic....if I shoot one I'll have to use the medium first lightly.

Stinger · August 19, 2009, 09:33:00 AM

Funny, I can't get anything sharp with the Lansky, but can do the heads fairly well with a file. I can do a head with a file in less than 5 minutes, but I can work a head for 20 minutes with the Lansky and it ends up more dull than when I started.

string bean · August 19, 2009, 10:47:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Stinger:
Funny, I can't get anything sharp with the Lansky, but can do the heads fairly well with a file. I can do a head with a file in less than 5 minutes, but I can work a head for 20 minutes with the Lansky and it ends up more dull than when I started.

Looks like we are in the same boat with the Lansky.

I tried the file thing a couple of nights ago and it worked out pretty dang good but it might have been beginners luck. I didn't really put any pressure on it other than the weight of the file but it was taking the marker off so I figured it was working.

Friends call me Pac · August 19, 2009, 03:08:00 PM

Have you watched "Castaway"? You know the scene where Tom hanks is trying to build a fire for the 1st time and just can't quit get it? That's where I am with sharpening with a file. I made this clip in hopes that someone will see it and say, "Well there's your problem right there."

huntindad · August 19, 2009, 03:24:00 PM

I don't have much experienc but you might have better luck if you clamp the broadhead in a vise or attach the file to a table.This will take some of the possibility of inconsistency away.Again I am not speaking from vast experience here just spitballin.Bill

Friends call me Pac · August 19, 2009, 06:39:00 PM

Some folks that have tried to help said they were having difficulties with a Lansky. I made this today to see if I could help them out with this method. I edited it from 15 minuets to 8 minutes but it should get the idea across.

Part 1 (5 min)

Part 2 (3 min)

Ray Hammond · August 19, 2009, 06:50:00 PM

You're doing it in your lap...and the head or file is not stable. Any pressure from your file hand causes the head to move away. It's curling all right.

Go to a stair railing, or a fence, or a table.

Hold the head on the edge of the table..run the file on it so the head won't move. It's as simple as that. Once the head is stable you'll see that edge come to a little foil pretty quick.

Strop on your jeans, or a piece of cardboard gently, until that foil falls off...back and forth till it just breaks loose. STOP!

Charlie Lamb · August 19, 2009, 07:14:00 PM

Pac... I watched your video and here's my take on it.

As Ray said, support the hand that holds the broadhead. I usually lay mine on my right (for a right hander like you) thigh/knee.
I can adjust the blade angle easily and let the knuckles of the file hand brush along my thigh so it holds a consistent angle.

You are keeping your wrist straight with the file and that's good.

If you are getting a burr then you are really where you want to be. You just need to remove the burr.
That can be accomplished by draw filing or making a few light strokes on a ceramic stick or fine stone.
I carry a small crock stick in my field sharpening kit that's always with me when hunting.

As soon as you get the burr removed, do like Ray said and STOP.

Don't get discouraged, you are real close!!

Friends call me Pac · August 19, 2009, 08:05:00 PM

Whoo-hooo!!!!

I finally got it to shave hair. Holding it stable against my computer desk was a big help. But dang it's going to be heavy to pack around with me in the woods.

I didn't have a ceramic stick but I did have a tungsten welding rod. I finished the edge with that and bingo.

I was expecting to get the blade hair shaving sharp with just the file. Have to look up draw filing to see what that is and give it a try on another head.

Anyone need a lop sided broadhead for shooting around corners?

leftybearfan · August 19, 2009, 08:45:00 PM

Thanks for the Lansky video. I use a Smith's sharpening system (basically just like a Lansky) and learned a lot from watching you. I have to use a steeper angle (25 degrees) due to the stone hitting the ferrule, but using your sequence really helped.

Brian Krebs · August 19, 2009, 10:07:00 PM

"Well there's your problem right there."

I totally agree with Ray and Charlie; I would add that you should not be filing twice on each side - but only once on each side.

Think about it.

I have been sharpening zwickeys for decades; and I can get them shaving sharp in a few minutes (although sometimes it take an hour!!)