Taboo topic? Broadhead Serrations

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Paging guys who've killed lots of critters!

Serrations make sense to me as a way to preserve cutting potential of a broadhead after contact with dirt, hair, and bone on entrance, as well as to catch a few extra blood vessels on the way through the lungs. But I haven't found a good tradgang discussion on the topic, despite using my very best google skills.

So, I figured I'd ask what y'all think about the topic? Useful addition to broadheads? Anyone deem them necessary for personal confidence? Any downside to them, other than sharpening? I'm half tempted to file some into my VPA 3 blades, just because I can.

[Ray Lyon]

Serrated broadheads have been around a long time. One year at Shrewhaven a few of the guys were using Raptor Broadheads.  Two blade concave design with scallop edges like a steak knife blade.  I think the extra work if doing yourself or cost if manufactured is prohibitive. 

[Ray Lyon]

I did a quick search and here’s a picture of one for sale on one of the auction sites. These were used in late 1990’s at camp by some

[McDave]

I've never tried using a serrated broadhead, but if my experience with bread knives is at all relevant, they are difficult to sharpen.  I can easily get any knife in my house shaving sharp in minutes, but I’ve never been able to get a serrated bread knife as sharp as it was when it was new.

[Orion]

I believe Howard Hill's method of sharpening his heads involved dragging the side edge of the file across the sharpened blade to create tiny serration on the finished edge.  Seems to have worked for him.  I've never done it with Hill or other broadheads.

[ozy clint]

as ray said they have been around a long time. millennia infact. stone points are all serrated, just the size of the serrations vary.

[Terry Green]

I have never understood the claim hair dulling a hunting edge on a quality head. 

[Ray Lyon]

I have never understood the claim hair dulling a hunting edge on a quality head.

Agreed Terry.  I’ve always liked sharpening my own heads and non serrated heads (except one year at Shrewhaven in early 2000 Ron was using/ selling a serrated two and 4 blade stainless steel head that was presharpened to razor edge and I used them to take a couple of does in camp).

Now it’s Kustom King Trailmakers 3 blade.  Great head and amazing blood trail.

[bucknut]

I don't know how much hair dulls blades, but I do know a serrated blade will cut circles around a straight blade.

If you don't believe me go out to the garage and get a piece of heavy rope and cut it with your hunting knife then cut it with an equally sharp serrated blade such as comes on a leatherman.  The only problem is they are a pain in the a$$ to sharpen.  Just my take on the subject!

[Shane H]

 Agreed, no one cuts bread without a serrated blade(bread knife) but much harder to sharpen and probably not necessary.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I have never understood the claim hair dulling a hunting edge on a quality head.

Everything is cumulative, don't you think? It may not dull the head much, but what if you also catch two ribs, after busting through that thick clod of dried dirt on the side of a big hog? I'm not arguing that the straight edge will get the job done. I've seen plenty of big dead pigs in your pictures, Terry. Usually from a Zwicky Delta, right? But most broadheads are only hardened to 52-54 RC, which isn't great. A quality knife sits at 58-60 in general.

I'm just wondering how many extra drops of blood I can get into the grass if I have little protected serrations that will still be razor sharp, instead of mostly sharp, when they get to the good stuff after a bumpy ride through hogzilla's shield.

I will say that the most impressive blood trail I've ever seen was not from my beloved Simmons sharks, but from a Magnus Black Hornet Ser razor. Just a simple shot through the lungs on a whitetail doe, which is actually why I started this thread. It got me thinking, which can be trouble.

[ozy clint]

double post

[Terry Green]

Trumpkin....my post was just about hair.  If it has no effect then it's not cumulative. 

[Terry Green]

I don't know how much hair dulls blades.

So you've never shaved? 

[Phillip Fields]

I don't like serrated blades. A straight edge gives a much cleaner cut than a serrated blade. The more ragged cut of a serrated edge clots faster than the smooth cut of a straight edge. It's not going to make a difference if the broadhead passes thru the lungs or heart, but on a marginal hit I want the cut to bleed as long as possible.

[Broken Arrows]

If a straight edge is so inferior to a serrated edge why is the cutting edge of a Samurai sword straight? They will cut through a 2" hanging rope.
I am sure when placed through the goodies of any animal each will do the job well. I just see the serrated edge slowing down faster on a direct hit through a rib bone.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I don't see a straight edge as inferior, per say. Just a different set of benefits to it... namely a slight increase in penetration, and easier sharpening.

The potential benefit of a serrated blade? 1 or 2 extra blood vessels get cut that might have rolled off the slightly dulled edge of a straight bladed broadhead.

And I dunno about anyone else who shaves, but my razor blades do get dull.

[mnbwhtr]

I'll stick with a straight razor cut. I've shot through many animals and still been able to shave with the arrow afterwards.

[Terry Green]

When you shave one time you will cut more hair that you will shooting a deer.

Maybe you use a new razor every shave, but I get at least 2 weeks out of either a disposal or my old timey razor. And a razor blade is not a durable edge. Hair is a non issue IMO.

[SteveB]

Just a thought - maybe serrated works on bread because of the sawing action?