Darts is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it can be played both competitively and casually. If you’re serious about the game, though, you’ll want to make sure your darts are always in top condition through regular sharpening. In this article, we’ll show you how to sharpen darts with a flat stone.
Why Sharpen Darts?
Darts are not for everyone. You might be thinking that if you sharpen your darts you will get a higher score. In reality, the sharpness of your dart comes down to personal preference.
A sharp point is likely to stick to the board better. And to a certain extent, you’d be right.
It is good to sharpen your darts every so often, especially if they are getting too dull.
If you have any experience with darts then you know that when a dart with a slightly rounded tip hits a spider, it will miss the center of the web, which is the path of least resistance. Also read How to Sharpen Steel Tip Darts at home Properly – 4 Best Ways.
Why Is It Important to Sharpen Darts?
How important it is to sharpen your darts, well that’s up for debate because if your darts are not sharp, they may end up damaging your dartboard. But you need to know that dartboards are usually made of sisal fibers, a super-tough material.
If you have ever tried sewing fabric, you know that the sisal thread used to make cordage can be difficult to handle when sewing. But when you use the right tools, the needle that you put through the sisal rope is as easy to manage as a sharp knife when cutting a steak.
The dart lies at the bottom of a densely packed mass of sisal fibers, which are all held in place because they are so tightly packed together that nothing can break through them.
It’s pure stress that holds the darts in place. However, if you have a dull dart, the story is very different. If your dart is dull, it is more like throwing a rock or a hammer at your dartboard instead of an arrow or spear.
When you’re done compacting, the sisal fibers are ruined and will no longer hold a shape, making them useless. It’s best to stop once you’ve done this so you don’t lose all your investment.
Darts are thrown at dartboards, which will break, so you can sharpen your darts afterward, but if the damage has already been done, even the sharpest darts may not work anymore.
When you fire a dart into the board, the result is that the dart may not be able to penetrate the board anymore, and may just fall out upon contact.
Different Ways to Sharpen Darts
There are many ways to sharpen your darts, including using a darts sharpener, using a sharpening stone, sanding them, and using a fish hook sharpener.
How to Sharpen Darts with a Flat Stone
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to sharpen your darts, look no further than a flat stone! All you need is a little water and elbow grease and your darts will be good as new in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sharpen darts with a flat stone:
- Start by wetting the stone with some water.
- Place the dart on the stone so that the point is touching the surface.
- Apply pressure to the dart and move it back and forth against the stone.
- Repeat this process until the point is nice and sharp.
- Dry off the dart and enjoy your newly sharpened weapon!
Preparing the Stone
If you’re using a flat stone to sharpen your darts, the first thing you’ll need to do is prepare the stone. Start by wetting the stone with water and then spreading a thin layer of oil over the surface. Next, use a piece of sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the stone. This will help the darts to grip the stone and prevent them from slipping during sharpening.
Once the stone is prepared, it’s time to start sharpening your darts. Place the dart on the stone so that the point is touching the surface. Then, using a circular motion, move the dart around the stone until the point is nice and sharp. Remember to regularly check your work and stop when you’re happy with the results.
Positioning the Dart
There are three main ways to position the dart on the stone when sharpening. You can either lay the dart flat on the stone, hold it at an angle, or suspend it in the air. It depends on what feels most comfortable for you and what gives you the best results. Find out which method works for you by experimenting with all three.
Sharpening the Dart
If your darts are starting to feel dull, it might be time to sharpen them with a flat stone. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes, and it will help keep your darts in top condition. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by wetting the stone with some water. This will help to keep the stone from getting too hot during the sharpening process.
2. Hold the dart in one hand, and use the other hand to rub the stone against the tip of the dart in a circular motion. Be sure to apply pressure evenly so that you don’t create any uneven edges.
3. Continue rubbing the stone against the dart until you’ve achieved a nice, sharp point.
4. Repeat this process on all of your darts, and then test them out to see how they fly!
Do Not Over-Sharpen Your Darts
Don’t over-sharpen your darts! For this reason, it’s wise to never over-sharpen your darts. You’ll get more out of your darts if they’re properly sharpened.
How Often Should I Sharpen My Darts?
When sharpening your darts, try not to use much force to rotate the shaft. Instead, pinch the tip of your dart and spin it by pushing on the dart’s shaft rather than twisting it. This will help your dart hold its point better.
If you want to keep your dart tips sharp, you should sharpen them when you practice. This will make sure that you can easily feel any burrs in your darts.
Do I Need to Sharpen Soft Tip Darts?
No, you do not need to sharpen your soft tip darts. Electronic dart boards are designed to take the rounded shape of the soft tip dart. These tools are usually made from plastic or nylon and have a foxed shape that does not need sharpening. Also read Soft Tip vs Steel Tip Darts (What’s the difference).
Finishing Up
Now that you have a sharpened dart, it’s time to finish up and get ready to throw! Here are a few final tips:
– If your dart is made of steel, you can use a honing oil or water to keep the edge from rusting.
– If you’re using a flat stone to sharpen your darts, be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. A dirty stone can dull your darts quickly.
– Always store your sharpened darts in a safe place where they won’t get damaged. A soft cloth or padded case is ideal.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start sharpening your darts like a pro!
