Sharpening Broadheads

[Scattergun2570]

I just picked up some Woodsman Elites. I have never tried sharpening broadheads before,first year of trad hunting I shot Magnus Stingers which were pretty sharp out of the box. Anyway.. I always see people saying you need a razor sharp head. Tonight,a friend of mine who has been bowhunting for quite some time told me,he does not like the super super razor shaving sharp head. He claims that leaving some rougness actually does more damage,causes more bleeding etc.. I seem to recall reading something about this,,Howard Hill comment maybe? In any case,,does anyone agree with this?

I go for the super, super sharp broadheads! They cut like a hot knife thru butter and thru experience I have seen that they cause massive bleeding when put in the right place!

If you need tips on sharpening broadheads, send a PM to Sharpster (Ron with KME) and he will get you going!

Bisch

[Charlie Lamb]

It's an age old question that has proponents on both sides.

What you need to be able to tell is when the head is sharp enough to cut everything it touches. Bottom line is that in the few seconds a big game animal is alive after the arrow hits home rough or smooth is not going to make much difference.

On a marginal hit it may or may not depending on who you talk to. Some say the rough edge will cause the wound to clot more quickly while the razor smooth edge will continue to bleed. Hard to prove in the field.

Personally I like to start out with my broadheads honed to a razor like edge, but will restore the edge if the situation dictates with a file and not feel handicapped at all.

[Blaino]

Try both types of sharpness and see for yourself. I bet if the broadhead is in the correct spot you'll find a dead critter within 50 yards. That's opinion.....

[LB_hntr]

do the rubber band test.
take a couple heads sharpend both ways. then take a rubber band and stretch it over a picture frame or across 2 nails, etc. then push the broadhead slowly thru and see what cuts better. The rubber bands is one of the best things we have affordably that has the elasticity like arteries, organs, etc.

[LB_hntr]

here is a link to the video that i made that shows how to do the rubbern band test.
 http://tbwpodcast.com/video-10-how-to-sharpen-broadheads/

[Scattergun2570]

Originally posted by LB_hntr:
here is a link to the video that i made that shows how to do the rubbern band test.
  http://tbwpodcast.com/video-10-how-to-sharpen-broadheads/  

That's you??? I came across your video about a week ago,,watched it a few times. Do you use that file on heads that are new?

[LB_hntr]

yep thats me.
I do use a file on all my heads, new and after used and need to be resharpened. I use a file to get the edge angle i want. then use either the sandpaper or the ceramic rod to for final edgle clean up and then strop.

[stickem1]

All I use is a file, but I am going to start experimenting with sandpaper also.

[Bill Carlsen]

I like to get a razor sharp edge on my 3 blade Razorcaps. Most of the animals I kill with them go down in sight, leave excellent blood trails when needed and they are very easy to sharpen...don't need any clamps or jigs.

[Easykeeper]

I get mine as sharp as I can.  Woodsman Elites are very easy to sharpen, I just use three progressively finer stones with a little oil and very light pressure.

Over the years I've read the arguments for file sharpened edges vs. honed scalpel sharp edges.  I'm of the opinion that a broadhead can never be too sharp and like a carefully honed edge.  I also think that if you put the broadhead in the   right spot the debate is mostly meaningless.