Mill Bastard file or Diamond????

[String Cutter]

It would seem that if I can take a 6,8,10 inch Mill bastard file.. And get a shavin edge on a BH that I should be able to take a course diamond file and do the same???? I can't...I can get 'em pretty sharp with the diamond but nothing near as sharp as the bastard.... Anyone else had this problem??? Am I doing something wrong???

[Jerry Jeffer]

I've found I had to do a little more work with the diamond. The file works quicker. But if I use the file then the diamond....  

[hunt it]

Same as Jerry, file first, diamond for final razor edge.

[Bowhunter4life]

Ditto...

[Big Dave]

I just use a file.  :D

[JEFF B]

hey brother just use the file then a steel then a leather strop and you will be spliting air.thats all i use dont need anything else.  

[jhansen]

Are you sure the file edge is really sharper?  A file leaves what I can only call a micro-serrated edge which can feel sharper due to the roughness but really isn't.  Just a thought.

John

[JEFF B]

yeah but when ya take a steel to it it takes that off then ya just strop it on some leather and you have one    sharp edge.

[Lytic]

I think John may have nailed what you're experiencing. It can be misleading when you polish off that micro serration. At first it will feel like it's getting a bit duller, but keep going and it will come back in a big way.

[String Cutter]

I usually use my file then strop... The hair just peels off my arm into a nice little ball... I bought a diamond file thinking it would be alot better to carry in my pack.... Well it gives me a pretty nice edge but it don't pop hair off my arm like the file.
I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it??? Though I might try what Jerry said,,,

[Zbone]

You guys just saved me a hundred bucks, I was thinking about getting one of those diamond stones.....thanx