broadhead sharpening - finishing the job

[brian]

well, i was gunna start a poll on this but there are to many possibilities. anyways, i would generally assume that most blokes use a file of some sort to set the edge. what i'd like to hear from you fellas about is what you use to finish the job, or what you find is best - to get it from sharp, to shaving sharp.

personally i've tried a few different tools. first it was a good old wetstone, which worked fairly well. then it was a diamond file with a very fine grit and it did a pretty good job with a bit less effort. however recently i've purchased a ceramic stick (2000 grit) and an arkansas stone. so now, i first file in the edge, then clean off the bur with a diamond file, then onto the ceramic stick and finally the arkansas stone. this arkansas stone is new to me (and veryveryvery fine) and finishing up with it gives me the best resulting edge i've made so far - its a great little stone. :D

so what do you guys reckon is the go? :wink:

[Mick Smith]

I use a file to get a small burr, then I straighten the burr with a steel and then finally hone the edge on a very fine arkansas stone using honing oil. It's not hard to get a shaving edge quickly and easily with this method.

In the field, I've been touching up my broadheads with an Alaskan Supply sharpening tool. It has small 20 degree carbide blades that you run the broadhead edge through. The unit is made of aluminium and then covered with ceramic-carbide, which means you can use the body of the tool like a whetstone as well. It's very convenient to carry as it's only about 3 inches long and fits easily into your pocket.

Mick

[Bowmancam]

Im sure you've seen my tips on b/head sharpening ..
http://www.aussiebowhunter.com/viewtopic.php?t=748

I can get a brand new outback hunter RAZOR (shaving) sharp in under 1 minute using the above method (although i am rushing to do it under 1 minute, but it's an easy job to get it razor sharp in under 2 minutes)..

Once you have the feathered edge you just stropp it off ... i use a piece of leather with a buffing/cutting/polishing compound rubbed on to it. Then stropp the head back n forth .. honestly can take less than a minute to shave with an "out of the pack" outback... If your havin any probs mate, let me know... I get a great deal of satisfaction when i shave myself with my broadheads ... i know i'm putting in that extra effort, and that's what bowhunting is about to me, putting in the extra effort...

Cheers, Cam

[brian]

thanks guys

cam - i remember that thread - a "sticky" for sure. i've never tried a strop before - never had enough leather (dont go there you dirty bastards) :wink:
anyways i have no worries with my current setup, and all my knives/broadheads are as they should be - BLOODY sharp. like you cam i wouldnt hunt with it unless those hairs just pop off with a light stroke.

mick s - i reakon the arkansas stone is the best thing i've tried for finishing up. they are a bit pricey - but well worth it IMO. i wont leave home without it next time i go hunting. :D