THE SPORTSMAN’S TREE CLIMBERS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHARPENING GAFFS (SPIKES)
ON SPORT CLIMBERS:

1)    Always use a fine tooth file. NEVER GRIND ON A WHEEL as you are likely to set up heat which will spoil the temper of the gaff and make it dangerous to use.

2)    Set leg iron in smooth jaw vise with the gaff as shown in figure 4, so that you can file from heel to point of gaff (see figure 5). File towards point.  Remove only enough material to make a good point. NEVER CROSS FILE. Remove any file marks by honing. Work honing stone in same direction as file.

3)    DO NOT MAKE A NEEDLE POINT (see figure #6). Lay file flat across both sides of “V” spike at same time. The top ridge of “V” spike (see figure#5) must be perfectly straight and should not be filed. The final point is always in the top ridge of the spike.