- 1). Pick the right file for the job. For example, a mill file is suitable for sharpening most flat blades, such as shears or ax heads, but a sickle requires a half-round file.
- 2). Wipe away dirt and grime with a wet rag, and then dry the blade.
- 3). Place the file along the blade at an angle matching the blade's bevel. Push the file down and across the face of the blade eight to 12 times.
- 4). Turn the blade over and repeat the procedure on the other side six to eight times to remove any burrs that formed on the blade during sharpening.
- 5). Put one to three drops of machine oil onto the blade and rub that in with a fresh rag. This will help prevent rust.
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