Stay Sharp 344

Wudstix · January 12, 2022, 12:35:29 PM

Has anyone had experience with this tool. I know that Ryan Rothhaar has espoused the hollow grind on Snuffers. Was wondering if this was a worthwhile tool.

snakebit40 · January 12, 2022, 05:30:08 PM

I have one and have had great success sharpening VPA three blades. I am able to get them much sharper than I was with a file. Buy some extra sandpaper!

Ryan Rothhaar · January 12, 2022, 06:38:57 PM

I wonder what the angle that the guide is corresponds to what diameter wheel? Just of interest. I've thought about this guide too, interested to hear any other experience with it...

R

Wudstix · January 12, 2022, 07:41:40 PM

It is supposed to take the head to a 44 degree angle on the edge.

Ryan Rothhaar · January 12, 2022, 08:23:32 PM

Yeah, I saw that, need an Eng-gin-neer to do some calculations....what hollow angle would a 6 inch wheel put on compared to that 44 degrees with this jig, and what size (theoretical) wheel would put the 44 degrees?

Wudstix · January 12, 2022, 08:27:47 PM

My daughter's boy friend is an Engineer I'll ask him.

bowkill146 · January 13, 2022, 08:04:37 AM

So I haven't ever tried the hollow grinding method and I've never used this tool, but my question is if you sharpen your heads this way is there any tool that works to touch up your heads in the field or if you are on a hunting trip. Or do you just have to have enough heads with to swap them out if you need to? I'm quite interested in this sharpening method but I haven't been able to get past that hang up. Right now I can carry a stubby jewel stick and be able to touch up anything that needs to be without too much clutter.

snakebit40 · January 13, 2022, 04:13:28 PM

Quote from: bowkill146 on January 13, 2022, 08:04:37 AM
So I haven't ever tried the hollow grinding method and I've never used this tool, but my question is if you sharpen your heads this way is there any tool that works to touch up your heads in the field or if you are on a hunting trip. Or do you just have to have enough heads with to swap them out if you need to? I'm quite interested in this sharpening method but I haven't been able to get past that hang up. Right now I can carry a stubby jewel stick and be able to touch up anything that needs to be without too much clutter.

You might be able to touch it up with a jewel by matching the angle, but it definitely would be more difficult in my mind. I'm not a very talented sharpener so I try and find tools to help me out.

Skipmaster1 · January 13, 2022, 07:26:59 PM

If I dull them too much, I just hit it with a file. The bevel isn't that much different, I can change it back. The 344 does get them sharper though.

Wudstix · January 17, 2022, 09:59:57 AM

Daughter's Engineer boyfriend has the details and is working the math.

Wudstix · January 21, 2022, 07:52:16 PM

My Stay Sharp 344 arrived today, I'll give you my opinion in a couple days.

Greg Szalewski · January 22, 2022, 06:02:29 PM

You should be fine to resharpen on a flat stone.

Keep in mind that the added angle will increase from the tip to the wider back edge. The tip will be nearly flat.

I think that just by the hollow grind it should make getting them sharp easier.

Wudstix · February 01, 2022, 03:20:33 PM

I've been sharpening a dozen Snuffer 160 heads. Worked on it a couple hours yesterday and at it again today. I am on level 4 of the sandpaper and it looks like they are turning out nicely. I plan to finish up with the leather buffing block from Snuffer, that should be great. A dozen arrows pretty much uses up a sheet of sandpaper. FYI I already bought extra for next time. I had a fine flat stone that was my Great-Great-Grandfather's from Germany that is glass smooth. I'll take along for touch up in the field. If I use up my dozen arrows!!!

Wudstix · February 02, 2022, 04:51:15 PM

After going through all five grades of sandpaper on my Snuffer heads, and then using my old leather buffing block from a Snuffer Tamer, these heads are scary sharp. Now all I have to do is hit some javies to see how they preform. Big River recurve will be rocking at LTR. The sandpaper provided is about enough for a dozen big heads. I am one happy customer. Grizzly Instinct, Woodsman and VPA heads are next in line.

Wudstix · February 03, 2022, 04:22:12 PM

It does take longer than an Accu-Sharp on my 2 blade heads. But the SS 344 does a superior job with a little elbow grease, and the resulting blood trails will definitely be the reward.

dringge · June 17, 2022, 11:32:38 AM

Im always late to the party. Its an older post but it Ive been doing some research for myself. Any of the math calculations happen? Im kind of a do it your selfer when I can be. Just curious what radius would result in a 44 deg angle? Looking for some increased sharpness on my Woodsman Elite broadheads for an up coming African trip. Thanks

cacciatore · June 17, 2022, 03:15:49 PM

So far I have only sharpened a single VPA 3 blade 250 grs, but I have found the 344 pretty easy to sharpen the BH at a very satisfying grade, much better than using a file or flat stones.

Wudstix · June 17, 2022, 09:32:12 PM

It indeed is a very effective sharpening system.

Wudstix · June 18, 2022, 10:09:37 PM

Just got gifted a half dozen Snuffer heads, weights range from 188.8-174.4. They look stouter and when compared to my 160 grain heads they are a tad longer and the blade is wider. Thinking they may have been 190 grain originals. The lighter two are 175 and 174.4, so I'll hunt these. Others four range from 188.8 to 181.6. He painted them Dead Grass brown and they look real neat. Next to run through my Stay Sharp 344.

dringge · June 19, 2022, 09:19:20 AM

I wouldnt mind having some of the original snuffers again. I shot them many years ago.