didn't realize how dull my files are they are from Germany I forget where I got them but must be at least 20yrs old...    where can I get the best broadhead files around now?

Send to Boggs tool & file sharpening and get your old ones resharpened.

grobet 6" mill bastard. I have the same one for over 20 years, still cuts fine. Use it on BH's and machetes.

Relatively speaking BH's are soft steel, so any quality mill bastard will work fine, just keep it clean and rust free.

I have a lot of files that are high quality and made to last but I am not sure anymore that is so important for us who use files to sharpen broadheads. Last summer I grabbed a set of files from a pile of stuff near the cash register at Tractor Supply. Probably $6 and it was at least 3 files ? as I remember. They look cheap! Feel soft. Yet they rip though broadheads with easy just a few strokes full shaving sharp and that slight serrated jazzed edge that I like. New Files!!!! for me - not caring so much about quality.
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not really files, but these work great, different colours are different coarseness.  use a coarse model for touching up dings and a fine file for those fine honings.


green and black are coarsest

Tajue17-

Take a look at the Nicholson Axe File (different from the Handy File). Its a handy size to pack along on hunts and has a single cut side for rough work and a nice double cut side for finish work.

The integrated flat handle is nice. I made a simple leather sheath to carry it in so it doesnt ding up stuff in my pack.

Looks like you can order them online in several places or you might find them at your local hardware or building supply.

OkKeith

great everyone thank you for the posts and info,,,, going to be checking all these out.

I go to Tractor Supply and buy one 10-inch mill/bastard file and one chain saw raker file. I use the big one to start things off and the raker file to bring the edge to shaving sharpness. Pretty easy and darned inexpensive. Any regular hardware store would have both of those files in stock, too.

Something to try if you want. I've had pretty good luck with it: That "dull" file is probably more clogged/rusty that dull. Soak it in vinegar for about 3 days and then clean it with hot water. Dry it with a hairdryer or heat gun and then lightly oil it. Most of the ones I've done this way cut like new.

I'll second the eze lap diamond stone. It kills 2 birds with one stone. File sharpeners don't have to change their methods and you get a much more refined edge.

Just use a hardware store bought 6" mill bastard. Small and it works fine. had it a long time still works good. No expert on metal but i use it and it makes them sharp.

J

I like the files with the safety edges.  i guess they are common for sharpening chain saw blades.  These have the single row of file teeth that slightly jut off of the corner from the safety edge.  I sharpen very similar to Tom Musato.   With 3 to1 two blade heads, it is very effective, but my preference is single bevels, the serration comes on the beveled side of the blade, serrating into the flat side defeats the advantage of the angled serration.

The Nicholson Axe File is a good choice for a multi purpose file. I like their 10" flat Mill Bastard. I also like an Oregon 6" chainsaw file I get from the farm supply store (hardware store). Try cleaning yours too. Soak in vinegar and brush well with a proper file card. You may be pleasantly surprised.

The ones that 3 Rivers sell works great. I have have several of them.

I use a Nicholson handy file most of all.