I'm pretty new to trad and ordered some Woodsman Elite 200 grain. They seem extremely dull. Is this normal that you need to sharpen them?
if you got new ones from 3R they're supposed to be KME sharp....that means SHARP.
If that's the case call 3R.
We sharpen all the Elites for 3 Rivers. We shave or rubberband test every blade before they leave the shop too. The Elites are carbon steel and even though we oil them, if they sit on the shelf for a couple of months, there may be a slight corrosion of the cutting edge, or sometimes the oil will dry and create something like a thin coat of varnish over the bevels and cutting edges. Try this: Get a long piece (16-24") of plain brown corrugated cardboard, and just strop the heads (pull them backwards) about 15 passes per side over the cardboard. I'd be very surprised if they don't come right back to shaving sharp from just stropping them. Thanks,
Ron
It is normal that you need to sharpen them. I am not sure about the KME shap out of the package. I have ordered more than one set and none of them were ready to hunt with.
Not hard to finish the edge on them. I have no doubt when KME finishes them they are shapr but in the package i think the edge becomes comprimised.
Ron posted while I was typing. Like I mentioned not hard to put an edge back on. I use a super fine ceramic. and a leather strop.
They were from 3Riivers...I will try the cardboard thing. They are definitely awesome heads and are flying great. I have no problem sharpening them just wondered if that was normal.
The last ones I got from 3Rivers was last summer, not sure if they had the KME treatment or not. They were probably sharp enough, but I gave them a few passes over the stones anyway. Much easier to get sharp enough for me than the originals...no file required... ;)
To tell the truth, I have to sharpen everything myself or I don't feel I have completely prepared for my hunt. I appreciate that KME is working with 3R, but I will still sharpen my own.
By the way, I really like the Elites/VPAs. They are my go to head for deer.
D.P.
I just went out and bought a Flat file and gave it a try....I have Woodsman Elite's....I had them shaving hair off my forearm in less than 5 minutes.....It worked GREAT. Here's the "how to" vid someone posted showing the steps, It works GREAT...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P85RnENQ9II
I've tried a few things when they get dull and using a bastard file works best for me.