Trad Gang

Just picked up a fine grit per recomendation from 3 rivers. Im doing the strokes on some new elites and nothing but dirty fingers and a dull head. These blocks work? Looks to be 2"x6". Ive watched several videos on sharpening the woodsman, yet Im having ZERO luck. Didnt use a file, as the guy at 3 rivers said no need to with the new elite series heads. I cant sharpen a knife, but thought how hard can it be to lay a head down flat and sharpen it? Well obviously pretty hard (for me). Help please

I still have to use a big mill file to get the bevel perfect.  Blacken your edges so that you know when you are ready for finer grit stones.

Yup, I still had to use a medium grit diamond block to set the initial grind (using black marker method) on the elites.  Not too bad, only took 10 or 20 strokes per side to get that done.  Better than the originals that required removing a LOT of metal with a file first.
Then a couple of passes over a fine stone and a leather strop and they were shaving sharp and ready to go.  Much MUCH sharper than I've ever been about to get any other 3 blade.

I could not get WW sharp with the jewel stick either. I use a big file with many, many light strokes. Then I use a piece of cardboard for stropping. VERY SCARY SHARP!

chris <><

I've been using the method shown in the TradArchers' World Fall2010 edition and my Snuffers are sharper than ever. I'm finishing with an oval ceramic stick and I'm real happy. I've also done my VPA Terminators and yep, scharp!

I think quiet a few people put too much pressure while sharpening. It will make the blades push outward. I believe light strokes will help a lot.

I feel your pain Ken, I had lots of trouble at first with my Magnus Snuffers....basically the same thing except not as quality as the Woodsmans, and I still get frustrated but I'm getting better at it. The one Woodsman BH that I have sharpened right up with no major problems. I bought a Smith's diamond hone with a fine side and a medium coarse side from Lowe's and I'm taking it back. It's the best thing I have found to take the edge right off a broad head. Only thing better might be a cinder block?    

BTW- You all who use cardboard to strop, what kind of cardboard do you use, and please explain your method. I tried the leather strop and it didn't do anything so I just leave my BH's burr sharp and they shave hair nicely.

Ken, I hope you get it figured out and get those BH's shaving sharp, keep working at it you'll get there.

Got a big one for the kitchen and a small one for my pack. They work great.
Semo Hunter:  most cardboard works for stropping, side of a case of beer is perfect.