I made my first trade points today out of whiskey barrel bands. I put a 25* single bevel edge on them but I have no idea how to get the "hair popping sharp" edges that so many are proud of. Is it possible to do with just files? The finest I have is a flat chainsaw file.
Maybe.
"Whiskey barrel bands" may not be a very high quality steel. From what I understand wagon wheel rims were used.
I find a file like a Grobet single cut followed by a ceramic stone will make an edge that 'pops" hair. But that is with 1095 steel heads. I'm not a fan of single bevel except in wood chisels and wood planes and so stick to double bevel for knives and broadheads.
Note that a proper file sharp edge is a tiny saw edge and may not pop hair, but it will shred blood vessels and make horrific bleeding wounds. Ever slice yourself on a file sharpened axe edge? You're not trying to pop hair. You're trying to kill deer. ;-)
Thanks, I see what you're saying. Im just 18 and haven't hunted yet... and I never really sharpened knives until recently.
I think the bands are working pretty good, it's a little soft but not as soft as a stainless steel knife I have.
Anyway, I think I got the edge you are talking about. Nicked my thumb pretty nice.
David, there is a lot of discussion about what is sharp enough. Get them as sharp as you can, but remember, you are gonna send that thing thru flesh at 150(+) fps. I am pretty sure paper will slice you open if you used it well.
Of more concern to me with your description is the need for a harder steel to hold a 25 degree single taper edge. If the steel is too soft, it will fold and fail. Sometimes a double bevel edge is just better (stronger) for the metal being used.
Experiment and see oh. . and. . post pix !
ChuckC