I've always used a double bevel, sharpening like a knife by bringing a burr then removing it, using finer mediums till it's razor sharp. Now how do I get good results on the single bevel model?
I do it the same way, bring a burr up on the non beveled side then hold broadhead flat with non beveled side on file or stone and a few light strokes to remove the burr. By doing it this way I actually found the grizzly's easier to sharpen than the SB no mercy. I seem to struggle more with the triple layer tip single bevels, but thats just me. That being said it does take me a while (about 30-45 min per head) to get them razor sharp out of the package, but find them very easy to touch up after that. Some say thats too long or too much work, but I'm not in it looking for shortcuts. For me thats where the enjoyment and satisfaction comes from, putting in the time and effort, doing things myself, and making sure they're done right. Just my two cents
Travis
That sounds reasonable to me, I was wondering if a slight angle on the back side would have a detrimental effect on the single bevel concept? Seems to me with a bit of an angle that would make burr removal much easier and time efficient.
I do it pretty much the same way as a double bevel. It is necessary to remove a small amount of metal from the off side to remove the burr and polish the blades down.
I use a file on the bevel and remove the burr on the back edge with some 400 grit wet or dry paper. I lay the paper down on a flat surface and pull the head back on the paper. Easy and sharp.
Like Deff and Ringneck say, not necessarily trying to put a "slight angle" on the back edge, but looking to keep broadhead flat with sharpening surface, remove some metal and polish up the backside. Trust me I'm not gifted when it comes to sharpening but with time and patience it will happen. Good luck to all!
Travis
I haven't tried this yet but figured sharpening a single bevel broadhead should be pretty similiar to sharpening a plane blade or chisel: Sharpening Plane Irons and Chisels (http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/sharp.0403.pdf)
One interesting thing mentioned in this article is polishing the back of new tools before starting the sharpening process. Could be useful to do this on single bevel broadheads if you don't want to put a small bevel on the un-beveled side.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000053
Guys don't bevel the non-bevel side at all. Lay it down flat and pull back on the file or stone to raise the wire edge, then strop it off. If a couple flat pulls don't raise wire edge evenly, then you need to go back to the file on the bevel side again. They actually are simple to sharpen once you learn to file the bevel side evenly.
Thank you for the replies, question?? I see they are using a 25 degree angle on the plane iron from the link for chisels above. What degree are you folks recommending for the single bevel...I know with double bevel stuff I've always used 22 degrees or so.
Ashby recommends a 25 degree bevel, he feels the 25 degree bevel is low enough to obtain good edge sharpness but still high enough to be fairly resistant to edge deformation on impact. I think a 22 degree bevel would also work fine though.
I tried and tried to keep the non-beveled side flat, but it never worked for me. I work the beveled side on a file until I narrow the angle and bring up a burr along the entire length (it can take quite a while). I then use diamond stones and a ceramic to finish the edge using equal angles on both sides. The bevel on the flat side is tiny but at the same angle as the bevel. It comes out truly sharper than any other broadhead I have ever used. I think it is easier to maintain the edge, since you hone both at the same angle.
I filed and filed, and presto! They turned into STOS-what a treat!
"I've always used a double bevel, sharpening like a knife by bringing a burr then removing it, using finer mediums till it's razor sharp. Now how do I get good results on the single bevel model?" - Ben Woodring
No different with the single bevel. Make sure the back side of the bevel is flat, then work an even bevel to the edge in progressively finer mediums until you have the desired finish with a burr running the length of the back side along the edge. Lightly remove this burr and then strop the edge.
I posted a user friendly method to lower the bevel angle and sharpen the hard Grizzlys using inexpensive files and a technique that a person with two left feet could follow while maintain a straight edge. I posted it on the *********** under "Hand Sharpening Grizzlys - EZ". I would have placed it here, but I cannot post pictures on Tradgang.
later,
Daddy Bear
I have just tried the single bevel broadhead pro sharpener from Alaska BH supply. It works great! Still have to file for that 25 degree angle, but let the tool take it from there.
Jason
One of our Tradgangers has given his method!!
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=060487#000000