Trade point

[JesseBeaux]

Hey guys,

I've been making some nice Trade points from older saw blades lately and they come out real nice! However, I can't get the darn things sharp.... Tried single and tried double bevel! Tried file, Stone, and Lansky system.... Nothing working for me.... Any advice?

[JesseBeaux]

Trad*** stupid auto correct

[ntvbowyer1969]

I use a grinder coarse wheel first then fine wheel.touch up with file. I always get them cutting paper sharp.

[Mafort]

Sounds like your bevel degree is off. Had the same issue with some blue steel trade points I have. I changed it and they became hair popping sharp. Of course I’m probably wrong in this assumption

[DC]

If you ground them with a power grinder you may have taken the temper out, if it had any to start with.

[Morgan]

Sounds like your bevel degree is off. Had the same issue with some blue steel trade points I have. I changed it and they became hair popping sharp. Of course I’m probably wrong in this assumption

This. ^^
Most any steel hard or soft can be sharpened ridiculously sharp. Softer steel can be easier to get very sharp it just don’t hold an edge long.

[JesseBeaux]

Here's my method:

Draw outline

Cut to shape with sidewheel grinder (cutting blade)

Perfect the shape with bench top grinder

Heat with torch until glowing red then place into motor oil to cool

Then attempt to sharpen....

Thoughts?

[KHalverson]

I do basically the same thing you are doing  using old recycled 7.1/4 inch circular saw blades.
in my experience you do not need to heat and quench in oil.
the blades I have used are just soft enough to drill with a sharp bit at a slow speed.
I rough in and final sharpen on my belt sander dipping the point in water to keep it cool.

I have file sharpened a few and they will get really sharp.you have to keep filing or stoning till ya have a fine wire burr on the cutting edge then strop that off on leather or cardboard and they will get scary sharp.

[KHalverson]

here is an example of the points I make from afore mentioned circular saw blades.
they will get sharp.

[Morgan]

here is an example of the points I make from afore mentioned circular saw blades.
they will get sharp.

Sir, I like those points.  Would you share the measurements of your points? Measurement of the base and from center of base to tip as if drawing a T ? I figure the tang could be adjusted for weight?

[Pat B]

These are those same points in use that are in Kevin's pics.

[JesseBeaux]

here is an example of the points I make from afore mentioned circular saw blades.
they will get sharp.

Double bevel?

[Mesophilic]

Hey guys,

I've been making some nice Trade points from older saw blades lately and they come out real nice! However, I can't get the darn things sharp.... Tried single and tried double bevel! Tried file, Stone, and Lansky system.... Nothing working for me.... Any advice?

When you sharpen, are you getting a burr along your edge?

Problems with mystery steel and heat treating is that without knowing the chemistry of the steel, the heat treat is a shot in the dark.  Have you tried a snap test?

[KHalverson]

here is an example of the points I make from afore mentioned circular saw blades.
they will get sharp.

Double bevel?

[/quote
Yes double bevel.

[osage outlaw]

I use a Lanskey kit for sharpening trade points.