mconnell wrote:but wasn't going to suggest that someone else grind off their fingertips...

Oh I'll happily do that! Anyone wanna know how to use a table saw to launch 2x4s? How to use a grinder and junkyard parts to make thermite? How you can use common kids spakrlers to cut through steel?

Sharpened mine on the advice of MarthaP, ie using a bastard file not a grinding wheel.

They are 12 point Grivels and I used the front points that were not worn as a sort of guide as to what shape the other points should be after sharpening. Seemed to work OK. Just come back from plodding around the Snowdonian mountains in Wales.

I sharpen mine using a hand file while on trips. At home, I use a rotary tool sharpener (low speed, water cooling) that is normally used for carpenter´s tools and knife blades.

Christian

Grinding wheel. Its called have a water bucket handy to dunk them in and keep crampons cool. Yes, you can ruin the temper. DO not let it get hot to the touch. IE keep your finger as close as possible to where you are working the point. Gets too hot, DUNK it in said water bucket!

No need for a hand file if you have a coarse and a fine grinding wheel setup. IF you have only a coarse wheel. Then sure.

Its not like you need to get them sharp enough to cut paper with. Even if you did, the first time you stepped on ice, the edge would dissapear. Edges/points want to be fairly shallow. NOT like a knife in your kitchen drawer. Far closer to the "points" on a table saw blade. Your edges will last longer to boot.

Brian