DIY: Tree Gaffs Sharpening

Secure the bottom of a gaff between the blocks of wood in a secure and stationary vice. The blocks of wood prevent the gaffs from becoming damaged. Position the gaff with the chiseled edge facing upward.

File the gaff with the fine metal-file. Start at the heel, and move the file to the end over the tip of the chiseled point. File only the chiseled edge, maintaining the same sharpness as a wood chisel. Remove only enough material from the gaff to make the chiseled edge sharp. Filing both sides -- or filing the chiseled edge too sharp -- can cause the gaff to grab the tree; the gaff might also roll out of the wood when the climber is at rest. The function of the tree gaff is to dig into the tree on one side, allowing the climber to rest his weight on the underside of the gaff.

Use a soft sharpening stone -- or oil stone -- to remove any burrs, remove filing marks and make the chiseled edge as smooth as possible. This will improve the edge and help keep it from weakening. Use the sharpening stone as a finishing tool.

Use a gaff gauge to ensure the gaff has the correct width, thickness and profile. Test the tree gaff using a block of wood or wooden pole.