Ok, can anybody give any advice on sharping Zwickey Black Diamonds? I don't have any problem getting my hunting knife shaving sharp, and back when I shot Grizzlies I didn't have any problem, but these Zwickey have been a challenge. I can almost get it there, and then lose it. Anything particular to Zwickey's I should know.
D.A.
I sharpen my Eskimo's with a Tru Angle file sharpener. Start with moderate pressure and get increasingly lighter with each stroke. Pretty easy for a dummy like me.
You might be chasing the wire edge back and forth, try getting your wire edge, then strop it off and your edge should be razor sharp.
I have used the tru angle system for years on my Zwickeys... Easy to get them scary sharp..
I use a 5" sanding disc with cordless drill start with 120 grit then go to 180 or 200 grit go slow a little on each side makes them far sharper than I can get with lansky of flat stones :thumbsup:
If you use the tru-angle system, get the set with the 2 files on the angled block. You have to re-file the edges on the Zwickey's to match. you can do it with a course stone block, but it takes longer. the go from a course to medium to fine stones, and strop with leather.
Another method it the KME sharpener. Different angle than the tru-angle, so again, use a wider bastard file to file the edge to the right angle. The use a stone to hone.
After my fine stone, I use a 1000/6000 grit japanese water stone to really get 'em sharp. The tips being double thick are tough, but take your time and they'll shave. This method is time consuming to get it right.
I'm looking to buy the new system from Alaska Bowhunting Supply with the 2 polishing wheeels for a bench grinder. My Dad used to sharpen his filet knives and such the same way, and I have never seen anything sharpened like those were.
All I use on the zwickeys and magnus are the Accusharps. Easy and gets them shaving sharp.
SL
You can get the tru-angle sharpeners from Fsdiscount archery.com I think they run about 28-30 bucks, they carry the stones as well. With this set up you can get any of the zwicky heads super sharp.
D.A...below is a link to Youtube video i just made for you to show how easy it is to use the Griz Sharpening System from Alaska Bowhunting Supply, a sponsor on here as well. It took me only about 90 seconds to get one side SO sharp....my glasses tried to jump off my face..(see what i'm talking about)..This system will get a double bevel anything RAZOR sticky sharp..The guys that have recently bought this new product are sharpening everything thing in their house and neighbors!...Kit comes with 2 wheels ,wheel dressing and instructions...it is so easy.......good luck ..joey buchanan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuRnUuyTZ98
This is the video from Alaska Bowhunting Supply site. more informative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX4mKkynuJI&feature=related
I made my own file system. Just like tru-angle but much bigger. I use 12 inch files. At the end, I am barely touching them with the broadhead. I replace the files every year. Old files don't work very good. After the files I like to use crock sticks. They shave pretty easily. Gary
Here's a link to Tarz's How To on the Zwickey's: http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000031
You could use a strop to crock sticks to really bring the edge up if you wanted. There are some other good sharpening tips in this forum as well.
D.A if your going to the shoot sunday ill bring my diamond block, im in the process of sharpining my zwickey eskimos. with that block and a ceramic stick we can get em scary sharp
I do mine like Terry does, with a file.
Hey m midd,
I'm going to try and shoot Sunday, but it'll probably have to be early. My grandson has a baseball tournament in Southaven, MS this coming weekend, and I know he'll be playing Sunday. I think it's in the afternoon. It's a wood bat classic, and he doesn't want to miss it. He thinks wood bats are cool. I love it.
D.A.
Joebuck,
Checked out your video. Nice set up. I use a file to get them there then a strop. Your way is faster. Nice set up.
Thanks Butch...i learned on a good mill bastard single cut myself... Method #2 ..I can also take a file and hit good on one side and get a burr then take over to paper wheel and flip it off...thats a faster method!..