I have some Eskimo Zwickey heads and simply can't get any reasonable edge on the bleeder blades. I have a small file that is fairly easy to handle, but it just doesn't get sharp. Any suggestions?
The thinner metal like the bleeders are made of responds better to a stone Best wishes! Quiet frankly the heads themselves ought to be at least finished with a stone and perhaps a strop.
Terry Green has a great video on here showing how he does it. When I used them I started out with a file and finished up with a diamond, pocket sized "pencil shaped" tapered hone by Smiths. I would test them on a rubber band stretched between my fingers. I could get them to easily slice the rubber band. If you can't get'em sharp enough to suit you, you can always "snap" the bleeder off and use them as a two blade. They will still work fine, after all they are still Zwickeys! ;)
I have a flat diamond sharpener I use my knives on. Works pretty good on the bleeders too. It's about 3/4" wide.
Chain saw file... They do not need to be "razor" sharp.
Main blades do the cutting, bleeders open the hole.
I've sharpened them for 40 years with a 6" mill bastard file , then finished with a stone. Killed a lot of critters with them including a buck yesterday that went down in 60 yards with a 4 blade Zwickey Delta 4 blade. The arrow head was still sharp when I picked it up after shooting him.
I wish all blades were as easy to sharp as the bleeder blades are on the Zwickeys.... piece of cake to get a very scary sharp edge....
It only takes me about 15 to 20 seconds.
Great suggestion Terry
Great suggestion Terry