Broadhead file set for sharpening

[Cavscout9753]

Sorry if this is an elementary question, but I've always used stones to sharpen blades. I'd like to try using files to get my Zwikeys "scarey sharp". Where do people recremmend I pick some up? Are there sets or something I can order? Any help would be wonderful, and thanks in advance.

-Luke

[MEsquivel]

i got mine from 3 rivers.

[Keith Zimmerman]

I use Nicholson files.  I grab them at Home Depot or Wal Mart.  Wherever.  But The Nocking Point has the best small files for ur pack.  Contact Terry and see if he has some.

[elkken]

Nicholson X2 ... at least a 10"

[Cavscout9753]

Ok, excellent. Do ya'll use multiple ones or is there a certain grade (I'm thinking like sandpaper) that is the general one I should grab? The stones get them pretty sharp, so I guess I would really need a fine one for just that little bit of extra sharpness.

[Cavscout9753]

All help has been appreciated. I ordered a 12" Nicholson from 3 Rivers. Thanks again

[Kris]

X3 Simple garden variety Nicholson Mill Bastard files from your basic run-of-the-mill, garden variety hardware store (sarcasm).  No need to order, save yourself the shipping.

Kris

[Cavscout9753]

I agree. But too late. Eh, 3 Rivers always sends a nice catalog anyhow. Haha

[SuperK]

On broadheads with a "rough" factory grind (like Zwickeys), I start out with a Stanley 8 inch single cut mill bastard file that I get from Wal-Mart.  I use this to "smooth out" the factory grind.  I also mark the edge with a Sharpie marker to see where I am filing.  Get the file as close to the ferrel as you can.  Some people even use the ferrel as a "guide" for the file.  This will decrease the angle of the grind and make for a sharper edge.  
After you have worked both sides and have them smooth, you should have raised a burr.  I then go to a 6 inch Nicholson single cut mill bastard file.  Using very light pressure, flip the burr from one side to the other.  Decrease the pressure on the file until you are using just the weight of the file.  Keep flipping the burr back and forth until you can't feel it.  I then burnish the edge on the shank of a Craftsman screwdriver like you would use a butchers steel.  This "sticky feeling" edge will cut hair off of your arm with little to no pressure; but be careful.  With a little more pressure it will also "roll" the skin off too!  In my opinion, this edge is also more durable than a honed edge.  There are some videos on file sharpening that are in the "How to" section.  Hope this helps.

[LongStick64]

Super K great simple tutorial on sharpening, exactly how I do it

[Keith Zimmerman]

I bought some of those Stanley files.  Nice handles.  Thats about it.  The files stink.  Dont last long at all.  Nicholson files are way better.  And those little files that The Nocking Point carry are AMAZING!

[Butch Speer]

I use the files from the Knocking Point or a 6in. file made in Sweden. Buy them from a Stiehl dealer. Never cared for anything bigger. Neither of those files have teeth on the sides, makes it much easier to use on Simmons heads.

[Wallydog]

Im curious here. Do those files ya all mentioned dull quickly?

[NY Yankee]

At home, I use a 10 or 12 inch mill bastard file to "de-burr" and profile the edge ( get the paint off and such) then I go to a 8" chainsaw file to make the edge. In the field, I use an Accusharp tool If I need to re-sharpen a head.

[Butch Speer]

Wallydog, cheaper models don't last long. Get one from The Knocking Point. They're made in Portugal. Files made in Sweden are usually goo also.

[Cavscout9753]

Thanks for all the good info! Ill post my results once mine gets here.