Sharpening a Simmons Tree Shark

Friend · August 16, 2021, 10:28:21 PM

Sharpening a Simmons Tree Shark and other concave BH's has been quite challenging to many and was for me for quite some time. Started using a Rada Wheelie 5 years ago and have been able to easily acquire a lethal edge. The blood trails on deer associated with a 4 1/4" entry and a 2 1/2" exit are superior.

Still I wasn't satisfied with edge that I was acquiring. Some guys can consistantly get that hair popping edge with the rada wheelie, while I fall a little short and especially weak in the valley.

I have been working with $2.99 Smith's sharpening tool for a while now. The hair popping edge is easily obtained with the ceramic crock stick section the full length of the edge.

I still prefer the rada wheelie for heads that need some roughing work and then finish with the small Smith's sharpening tool. One of these tools will be in my Safari Tuff quiver.

I am no longer searching for a method to improve the edge on the Simmons Tree Shark.

Hope sharing this fragment of knowledge serves as an aid to others.[attachment=1]

GCook · August 16, 2021, 10:40:19 PM

They work well on them as does a Rada sharpener.

TIM B · August 17, 2021, 05:33:16 AM

Good stuff friend - lots of options. I also use the rada and touch up w the butchers diamond rat'tail
Tim B

varmint101 · August 20, 2021, 10:24:47 PM

Awesome! I started using the Stay Sharp C jig last year with the round file and stick. Man it gets them serious sharp easily.

goingoldskool · August 20, 2021, 11:32:08 PM

I use a 3 sided jewel stick and a razors edge sharpener... Chris Spikes did a video that explains how to get them SUPER SHARP!

olddogrib · August 30, 2021, 05:36:58 AM

I used to have a Lansky system with a set of radiused hones that did well. Since I've gone back to using Tigers I've do a few strokes with the Rada and then finish on the Spyderco Sharpmaker, which is about as easy as it gets. Use the brown and white rod edges, not the flats.

Possum Head · August 30, 2021, 11:22:01 AM

Glad you got it worked out Scott. Simmons are impressive heads and you can sit with confidence now!

smokin joe · September 06, 2021, 12:35:07 PM

Scott: That's good information. I'm not all that surprised, though, now that you mention it. Smith's sharpening tools are first-rate. They really work well.