I love a good mill file for sharpening my broadheads, and I'm always packing one on the hunting trips I take. Those little tapered tangs aren't much to hold on to, and they are pretty worthless. I decided to get busy:
4-1/2 disc grinder loaded with an abrasive sanding wheel...mine is well used. I took a new Kustom King file (my favorite by far) and used the sanding wheel to buff/polish the thin edges of the file. I also rounded the corners and made it generally more friendly in the hand and gear kit.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2536.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2536.jpg.html)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2535_1.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2535_1.jpg.html)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2534.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2534.jpg.html)
For many years I've used a broadhead file to get my edges 95% finished. I use the semi-smooth and slightly radiused file side as a steel to get the heads hair-popping sharp after filing. Using the abrasive disc to work the sides of the file produces a very good steeling surface...as good as the finest steel you can buy.
What to do for a better grip? I thought about it for a while and then spotted the answer. I had several nice hanks of 3mm GloWire cord from Lawson Products. I selected the bright orange cord with reflective strips. After some experimentation I figured out a good wrap sequence and applied it:
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2533_1.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2533_1.jpg.html)
After that I trimmed up all loose ends and evened everything out before applying a coat of clear epoxy finish to seal the cord and anchor it.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2539.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2539.jpg.html)
Next is to figure out a very lightweight but serviceable cover or sheath of sorts. I'm thinking about 3/4" heat shrink tubing which can be shrunk just enough to grip the file when inserted. Meanwhile...I'm letting the epoxy cure.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2540.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2540.jpg.html)
Very nice. Kydex would make a nice cover/sheath too.
Very nice work!
Bisch
Nice like that allot
Good idea........ :thumbsup:
Vinyl siding, heat and bend to shape. Poor mans Kydex! ;)
Great idea!
That is fantastic.
Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing Kevin, I may have to pick one of these up and try this out.
Outstanding. I like a file also
That is way cool and quite innovative. Thanks for sharing.
Darren
I've used Kustom King file for years, but always the way it came. I like this modification. Thanks for sharing Kevin.
Pretty cool Kevin....
Been using paracord a lot lately, but never thought of that one....
Very nice and useful piece of gear you have there. I have seen a similar set up but with the common, removable wood handle. Also the end of the tang was filed to a point to be usable as a drill and the tip was also beveled to use as a lat ditch type of blade.
The old Grizzly file had the round sides, but with the file teeth still on the corners. With them, one can go for a smooth shaving edge by using the rounded edge as a steel or make a fine serration with file teeth. I do not know if these were a standard that they bought and had their name put on it, or if these were a complete custom order. My supply of them is running low, that rounded edge comes in handy.
sweet idea
Nice solution to an old problem, thanks for sharing with us.
I used to use the Grizzly file too, but bought the KK file at a summer bow event a long time ago. That first one had really nice rounded sides to it and they were just barely abrasive...enough to bring the filed edge to a shaver edge. I never looked back and stayed with the KK file. I think I have about 8 of them placed variously. Something made me think about deliberately 'tuning' the rounded edges by using the grinder with a layered abrasive disc. It worked so well that I'd almost say this is the perfect file for a one-tool-does-it-all sharpener out on a hunt.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/IMG_2554.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/IMG_2554.jpg.html)
I found a piece of 3/4" clear heat-shrink tubing and created a lightweight slip cover/sheath. I shrank the tubing with a heat gun, and just did the tip area enough to grip the file. It's a firm grip but not difficult to remove. Just about perfect for packing around.
Very well done.
Thanks for the tip. My next piece of kit, for sure.
And that's how its done. Nice work Brother!
:thumbsup:
KD, a video clip of it in use would be a nice addition here.
You're right Steve, but I am just a day away from leaving for Alaska and any video won't happen until after I get back in September. I have to field test this thing you know.
10-4 brother. Have fun, be safe, and best of luck to you. Will definitely be thinking of you when I get to Fairbanks.
We will compare notes and revisit this closer to October :thumbsup: