Geting ready to buy my first broadheads and I'm one of those "sharpening challenged" folks out there. I like getting knives, etc. good and sharp, but don't necessarily enjoy it and frankly, I'm not that great at it. I've read a lot of the broadhead threads trying to decide what to get and I know there are a lot of opinions on which are better than others. I've also read that some note that a particular model or brand was more difficult to get sharp. One thing that seems universal though, is a VERY SHARP b.h. put in the right spot is the best.
Question is, which b.h. is the easiest to sharpen? For some reason, I would think a 2 blade single bevel might be included? Only one side to try and get the right angle? I watched a video on this site with someone using a file to sharpen a 3 blade (I think) where the file rested on two blades at once, making it seem like a cinch to get it right. Would that be the way to go?
Thanks
Jeremy
For 2 blade get a KME then they are all easy. Three blade file then stone. H
QuoteOriginally posted by Ground Hunter:
For 2 blade get a KME then they are all easy. Three blade file then stone. H
I'd only add a few things to this....
Some of the less expensive heads like the grizzlies and tuskers come out of the box REALLY dull. Great heads just need more work in the beginning.
Also, the heads with straight edges are easier than the curved ones whether you use the KME or not.
I personally don't regard a single bevel or double bevel as easier to sharpen.
You basically do the same thing...get a burr..take it off.
Single bev: 98% of work on 1 side 2% the other.
Double bev: 50%/50% each side
Just make sure if you go with single bev heads you use left bevel for left feathers or vica versa
Good luck buddy
Buy a pack of Woodsmans or Snuffers for your 3-blade needs. A DMT diamond stone to sharpen them (a file works well, but I've found the DMT to be easier)
For your 2 or 4 blade needs, go with the Magnus 1 & buy a wheelie/carbide sharpener & a crock stick.
Out of the packet, I guarentee you'll be able to have hunting sharp heads in under 5 minutes each.
I wouldn't bother sharpening too much, get some STOS in 145 or 160 grain they come extremely sharp from the factory, and only need a diamond hone passed over them a couple of times for a finishing touch.
As Rob said magnus heads sharpen easily! Easy to touch up in the field also. Grizzlies are hard to get sharp but once they are they're easy to keep that way.
IMHO snuffers/woodsman/VPA terminator heads are easiest to sharpen. Just push a file accross two blades at a time...viola. Can't roll the edge or change the angle. Just use light pressure with a grobet 6" file.
Get the steel master sharpening kit from Simmon's archery. It will sharpen all 2 blade double bevel broadheads and isn't that hard to use. PM me if you want more info. LCH
I highly recommend getting a KME Broadhead sharpener and some Magnus two-blade heads. Then watch their video on their website and you will have razor sharp heads in minutes. The KME is the greatest thing I've ever used for this task, period. I had six dull Magnus heads and I had them shaving sharp in about 30 minutes. And this was my first time using it! I'm sure I could have done it faster if I'd had more experience with it, but what's the rush!?
Do yourself a favor. Buy a KME.
QuoteOriginally posted by gudspelr:
I'm one of those "sharpening challenged" folks out there. I like getting knives, etc. good and sharp, but don't necessarily enjoy it and frankly, I'm not that great at it.
Right there with you, Brother. My experience - if you just aren't good at sharpening, nothing will be EASY to do. I recently bought a paper wheel sharpening system and can get hair splitting sharp in a very short time. I haven't spent a LOT of time with the thing yet but looks like that'll be my method.
Using this method poses the question - What if I need a touchup in the field? Well, I hope I have extra broadheads to use instead of the dull one. I guess I'm just out of luck. Carry an AccuSharp for double bevels or the single bevel sharpener for singles.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bjorn:
I wouldn't bother sharpening too much, get some STOS in 145 or 160 grain they come extremely sharp from the factory, and only need a diamond hone passed over them a couple of times for a finishing touch.
I agree and if they do get dull they are vey easy to get hair poppin sharp.
My two cents. Buy a KME sharpener then buy any broadhead it will work on. Which is a two blade head are a four blade head with removable blades.
I'd say to figure out which broadhead works best you and flies best with your arrows and set up and learn to sharpen them. Once you learn how any broadhead will sharpen well.
Thanks for the advice, guys. I love being able to cheat a little and go off of more experienced guys' info :) . The woodsman, vpa's, and snuffer all look pretty great as far as ease-plus I wouldn't have to worry about left/right wing fletching as for the single bevel... Snuffer's seem relatively cheap all things considered...
Guess I just have to make a decision-thanks again.
Jeremy
Anybody can sharpen a 3 blader! Get yourself a 6" file and do even amount of strokes from back to front doin 2 edges at a time goin from medium to lighter pressure toward the end! That will set the edge angle and will leave an edge that can be hunted with! You could go a step farther and use a jewelstick or a diamond hone if you want to, or even strop if you want a razor edge!
for any two blade heads or knives this is by far the best setup!
http://grizzly.com/products/8-Razor-Sharp-System/G5937
careful if you try it you might regret ever bothering with anything else
for 3 blade heads i like the big 16" file laid flat on a solid surface, it's almost 2" wide so you can do 2 edges a once. finish with a ceramic rod a very light strokes. you can't hardly do it wrong!
I'm fortunate to be able to sharpen things rather easily. The easiest I've done lately is the VPA Terminator. A few light strokes with a smooth cut file and they were READY!
I agree with some of the others that have already posted...Woodsman (6 inch file with or without a stone)if you want a 3 blade, Magnus I or II with an Accusharp for either 2-blade or 4-blade models.
I have to aggree with getting a KME sharpener, they work great and are virtually fool proof.
As far as BH choice, hard to go wrong with the Magnus line, personally I like the Stingers, straight, strong and generally ready to hunt out of the package. Plus, all the Magnus heads have a lifetime warranty, bust one and send it back, they mail you a new one.
The STOS are made by Magnus and are good, strong BH's as well, though I have to disagree about them coming sharp from the factory. I just opened a package purchased last year and they were dismally ground at the factory, all 6 needed some serious elbow grease to get an edge on them. The tips were dismal as well and needed to be reshaped into a cut on contact tanto style. Don't take this as a slam against STOS, I love the design and will be using them a bunch this year. All broadheads should be checked for sharpness when new, even the supposedly pre-sharpened ones.
The old tan bear razorheads are easy to sharpen using a variety of techniques. I have killed deer with them using all of the methods file sharpened, diamond honed, carbide scraped and barbershop straps. The file edge as used by Bear himself is easy and quick.
Once you have a good sharpening method,most heads are pretty easy to sharpen.
I use two files,a hoof rasp/file and a mill file.
Finish with a steel an it's all good.
Easiest for me? Ribteks; Grobet (file) and finish on a leather strop...