Two pages on sharpening a pin...

My expertise as a former EXPERT Popsicle stick and stick sharpener back when milk was still delivered, has translated into great skills with my leathercraft and other pointy hobby tools.

Just use a hard fine Arkansas sharpening stone lying flat on a table top, get the angle of your choosing and rub it while rolling the bodkin round and around. If you don't have a fine sharpening stone, diamond hook hone or something similar, GET ONE. It does come in handy.

Coarse sandpaper, grinding wheels or similar things are too aggressive for a pin and in some cases don't cut the metal but rather just grind it away.

Buona fortuna!