Poor mans broadhead sharpening pictorial

Discussion in 'DIY Archery & Hunting Projects' started by Rancid Crabtree, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. Rancid Crabtree

    Rancid Crabtree Die Hard Bowhunter

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    So you're a cheapskate like me and like to resharpen and reuse your broadhead blades or you don't care for the degree of sharpness your blades have when you bought your heads and you want to make them scary sharp. well worry no more bucko, have I got a deal for you. Welcome to the poor mans sharpening thread. I am a staff shooter and on the hunting pro staff for Ace hardware stores (kidding) and your local hardware store has everything you need.

    You say you want to sharpen those Rage blades or those tiny Trophy Taker Ultimate steel blades but you can't come up with a way to hold them securely. Never fear. Ace Sells a broadhead holder but for some reason they keep them in the paint Dept. They mislabled this as a Window scraper. For those fixed blade, two bladed broadheads, you can use a office paper, binder clip. You can find these on your co-workers desk when they are out to lunch or at a meeting. Most likely the clip is being used for some unimportant papers anyway.

    [​IMG]

    These two holders can then be used with your favorite sharpening stones. If you don't have any sharpening stones, Ace hardware carries an assortment of wet/dry sandpapers that work perfectly. 400, 600 and 1000 grit works great. For best results, tape the sandpaper to a piece of sheet glass. If you dont have any glass, you can get some from old storm windows. You can get old storm windows from your neighbor's house when he is at work. To check progress and to better see knicks, dents and dings in the edge, use a sharpies marker to coat the blade edge. Here is a Rage Blade

    [​IMG]

    Once you get the blades as sharp as you can, your still not done, Now you're going to want to strop or hone the blades to a razor's edge. Barbers use a leather strop to get their razors shaving sharp. If you dont have any leather, never fear. You already have a suitable substitute in your kitchen. open up an old cereal box and lay it flat. I prefer Frankenberry and Count Chocula but I've heard good things about Wheaties and corn flakes boxes. Next, coat the carboard with buffing compund (also sold at Ace)Use the stick to draw all over the cardboard.

    [​IMG]

    I like the white compound for broadhead blades. Just draw on the box like your using a big crayon with the polishing compound (powdered form) suspended in the wax.

    [​IMG]

    Then strop you blades backwards across the cardboard making sure to give both sides the same number of strokes.

    [​IMG]

    Should you be feeling ambitious, you can make a leather strop by gluing belting leather to a wooden paddle. Here is one I made yesterday.

    [​IMG]

    I rubbed one side with white rouge (fine) and emery cake (course)

    [​IMG]

    Then I set about resharpening the blades from the Rage Broadhead I shot the doe with on opening day.

    [​IMG]

    Then I bothered Mrs. Crabtree to borrow one of her legs to test for sharpness. A finer woman you will not encounter. She enjoyed getting her legs done so much she even asked if I would shave her back. Ahhhh Amore'


    You won't find another woman like her and she does not have any sisters. Sorry boys. No go on out and buy yourself one of those window scrapers at the hardware store and get to sharpening those blades.


    [​IMG]
     
  2. Ben/PA

    Ben/PA Grizzled Veteran

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    Been waiting on this thread. Thanks sir.
     
  3. iHunt

    iHunt Grizzled Veteran

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    So serious question here... Is there anything you cant do yourself? haha :poke:
     
  4. Sliverflicker

    Sliverflicker Grizzled Veteran

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    Great thread!
     
  5. Rancid Crabtree

    Rancid Crabtree Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Plenty, Mrs crabtree is keeping list. Things like putting the seat down, Putting the cap on the toothpaste, making the bed, picking up my underware. Its a very comprehensive list.
     
  6. bz_711

    bz_711 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Great thread as usual RC!

    Your neighbors must just love you...
     
  7. medic87

    medic87 Newb

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    Awesome thread as usual! Thanks a bunch.
     
  8. Iamyourhuckleberry

    Iamyourhuckleberry Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Mrs Crabtree found herself a keeper! Great post!

    I'm thinking RC for president!
     
  9. Tony

    Tony Legendary Woodsman

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    :tu:

    Keep em comin, RC!
     
  10. isaiah

    isaiah Grizzled Veteran

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    yeah! another great post. keep em coming!
     
  11. BJE80

    BJE80 Legendary Woodsman

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    I want to be hanging with this dude when the apocalypse occurs. ;)
     
  12. Jake/OH

    Jake/OH Weekend Warrior

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    Dang, thanks man lol
     
  13. NC_Bowhunter

    NC_Bowhunter Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I Agree!!

    Great post man!
     
  14. peakrut

    peakrut Facebook Admin

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    Thank You for sharing some valuable information.

    Tony
     
  15. fletch920

    fletch920 Grizzled Veteran

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    I remember watching Rancid Crabtree's television series about 20 years ago. I think it was called; "MacGyver". Great show Rancid, too bad they cancelled it.

    You guys should see what he can do with a gum wrapper. lol
     
  16. cls74

    cls74 Legendary Woodsman

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    This came at a good time, been contemplating how to resharpen the rages. Actually have one of the scrapers at home.

    Are you sharpening the rage for reusing or just showing how to do it? Curious if after all the extensive testing you did and taking a deer with them if you deemed them worthy to tip your arrows.
     
  17. Long Beard Gobbler

    Long Beard Gobbler Weekend Warrior

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    great thread man you help out a lot of people
     
  18. Schultzy

    Schultzy Grizzled Veteran

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    Good stuff Is right!!
     
  19. buckeyehntr5

    buckeyehntr5 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Great thread! Thanks!
     
  20. Rancid Crabtree

    Rancid Crabtree Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Good question and one that can be answered by reading this thread.


    http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?t=15946
     

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