Hey Guys,

I'm new to the way of traditional bowhunting. I've been shooting a compound all of my life, and even after taking a deer with it this year, it just felt a bit empty. I need a bigger challenge.

I've been shooting traditional now for several months and feel confident in my setup/accuracy to hunt.

With that said, I'm shooting a Simmons Tiger Shark (175 g). And while it flies well, I'm struggling to get it shaving sharp.

Do you have any tips/ideas/products to help.

I've watched Chris Spikes' tutorial on Youtube (even bought the jewelstik and razor edge clamp), but I guess I'm not holding my mouth right or something.

I've already learned a lot just by reading here, and I appreciate your willingness to help a newbie like me.

Thanks,
Josh

Welcome to the club...I have used a file to get my Zwickey heads sharp. Have also used an Arkansas stone to do the same. When using a file remember that when finishing up the edge to use lighter -n- less strokes. As for using a stone it's like sharpening a knife.
Here is a link..http://www.3riversarchery.com/blog/sharpening-traditional-broadheads/

I've said it before and I'll say it again, buy the steelmaster system from simmons, comes with clamp, half round file and crock sticks, I would also opt for thier medium sticks, never a problem getting them scary sharp with that system

Go to the hardwarehouse store and buy an accu sharp hand held sharpener.set the bevel with that and hone with jewel stick. You will be pleased

The wheelie sharpener that Simmons sells will get them shaving. Actually between that and a chain saw file is all I use to sharpen anything.

Hey Josh. I was in the same boat and then I finally understood the concept of how to really sharpen. Are you able to put a keen edge on a knife? Those Simmons have a unique profile so that could be giving problems too.

I just use a dual crock stick and they get razor sharp in a few strokes.

Best if luck.

I do Chris Spike's method and love the way mine are turning out....  That being said, it takes some time.  I definitely take longer than what Chris does, but they do come out sharp!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,

Rodd

Razors edge system wheels work well.  The paper wheel gets it to next level.  This goes on a bench grinder.  Love mine.

I use the RADA wheelie sharpener and then a sharpening steel and finally strop on leather and then finish up on blue jean material.

Hair popping sharp!

What goingoldskool said! "I do Chris Spike's method and love the way mine are turning out.... That being said, it takes some time. I definitely take longer than what Chris does, but they do come out sharp!"

Don't be in a rush trying to set the first bevel and make sure you get the burr that Chris talks about.  After the first time getting the right initial bevel it's all easy touch up even after shooting a deer.

Razors Edge Making System. NOTHING works better. I have been using one for several years. Life time of priding myself on getting razor edegs on things with a stone and strop. As I got older time became much more important and the Razors Edge makes quick work of even the dullest edge.

Cheapskate solution:

Try your car or truck window on the edge of the glass.  It's not quite as good as a leather-stropped polished edge.  But it's pretty darned good.  I find it much better than a butcher's steel and can pop plenty of arm hair after 5-10 minutes of sliding across the window glass.  The narrow surface should get you into the concave design without much difficulty.  Start firm & keep checking the burr.  End with very light strokes.  You'll need something to get the edge started.  But if you're just wanting to improve it, try something you already have at home (and likely nearby in the field) before running out to buy something else.

All those systems work, and well.  Another one I just added to my pot is a cheap lil thing called a Stay Sharp sharpener.  

They are inexpensive and work really well on most heads.  Not sure about Simmons ( concave heads) although I believe they will work there as well with a little ingenuity.   That RADA ( see above) is slick on the Simmons heads as well, followed by a couple light passes thru one of those doubled crock stick thingies.
ChuckC

I like the Work Sharp system.  It's electric and has replaceable belts.  Absolutely love that thing.

What Charlie Lamb said,we have sold a bunch of Rada sharpeners with no complaints
Terry

Those have been some of the most difficult heads I've tried to sharpen.  I gave up. I have no problem with griz & the like.