Razor Edge vs. File-Sharp Edge?

[Divinecedar]

I'm not sure whether this has been covered here, but do you prefer a razor sharp edge (stone & strop in my case) or a micro-serrated edge from a file? Why so?

I was reading Saxton Pope's "Hunting with the Bow and Arrow" and became curious about this. BTW, if you haven't read Pope's book it is an utterly fascinating text on traditional archery and can be found in its entirety online (free of charge):
 http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8084

[30coupe]

I generally use a file and/or a diamond file on broadheads. I can get them hair popping sharp that way and they will also pass the rubber band test. Most importantly, they kill stuff dead and leave a good blood trail if you poke a hole fairly low. High lung hits won't bleed outside much no matter what you use or how you sharpen it.

I like to use files because I can easily carry it with me either in my pack on the pocket of my bow quiver. I can touch up a broadhead with a few strokes and be ready to go. The diamond file also doubles as a knife sharpener, and it works on either two blade or three blade broadheads. It is the best way I have found to sharpen Woodsman broadheads.

You will find a multitude of "reasons" why one method or the other is best. I say, use the one YOU can do best. Either will kill critters.

BTW: Fred Bear preferred a file sharpened broadhead, and I believe he was able to take a critter or two! So it's good enough for me.

[pdk25]

Lots of previous posts about this. It is usually a contentious issue and great for arguments during the off-season. Check out the search function.

[Trad-Man]

I prefer the stone & strop.  If I have to touch up a head all I need is my leather belt or the back of my notepad.  No need to carry a file.

[Blaino]

take a look at this.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000002

that’s how i do it now.... i know a lot of people like a smooth surgical sharp blade.  i don't.  if you know a surgeon ask them why they use what they do.  here's a hint, it ain't what we want as bowhunters.

[30coupe]

Originally posted by Blaino:
take a look at this.

  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000002  

that’s how i do it now.... i know a lot of people like a smooth surgical sharp blade.  i don't.  if you know a surgeon ask them why they use what they do.  here's a hint, it ain't what we want as bowhunters.

That's pretty much what I do too, except I have never done the 45 degree stroke to intentionally serrate the blade. I've never had a problem with the blade dulling from shooting an animal...with Deltas anyway. I find the WW to be softer and easier to flat-spot the edge. That's one reason I stick with Deltas.

I agree with you though. I don't want surgical sharp. I'm trying to kill stuff, not save its life!

[BowHunterGA]

I was reading Saxton Pope's "Hunting with the Bow and Arrow" and became curious about this. BTW, if you haven't read Pope's book it is an utterly fascinating text on traditional archery and can be found in its entirety online (free of charge):
    http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8084    

Yes, it is a fascinating read. I will also note, if you have a Kindle or other device that supports Kindle software the book is free for these devices from Amazon!

[David McLendon]

I use a Razor Edge guide and a Hewlett Jewelstik followed by leather stropping. I started out with this rig for Simmons Tree Sharks but now use it on all heads.

[xtrema312]

I am into free!  I will have to get that on my Kindle and take it with me today headed out for the bow opener.  That would be a great way to spend the evening.

[Tajue17]

David,,, I'm currently sharpening 3 tree sharks now..  I need your opinion on the edge your getting because I'm using the simmons ceramic rods which are similer to what your using,,,,, how is the pentration with that edge?  I'm going to try these from a 47# treadway with a total arrow weight of 480Gr I think (29" heritage 90/200gr treeshark 3/5" parabolics) just getting a tad nervous and 2nd guess these because of the lighter bow weight than I normally used..

[Bill Carlsen]

Some heads, because they use a softer metal, should only be sharpened with a serrated or  filed edge. However, a nice hard stainless steel will take and hold a razor edge going in and coming out of an animal. I've killed a lot of stuff with both and the razor edge on a harder steel gives me the quickest kills and awesome blood trails.

[danderson]

so why wouldn't you want surgical sharp for hunting?

[Jeff Strubberg]

Do you know what a surgeon does with a scalpel immediately after making the first incision in a surgery?

Throws it away and grabs another. We can't do that.

Jerry Hill broadheads came shaving sharp when new and stayed that way for a long time with just stropping them. however, they were hard stainless steel and could really shine up a cheap file, but when sharpened with a good file and then giving them a good serration, they held on to that for a long time as well. I found that with that design, perhaps by shear chance, I got better blood trails when they were serrated. My wife's broadheads are mostly easily shaving sharp, some of my own as well.  But for my single bevel Hills and my older Elgrande Grizzlies, I tend to file and serrate and they work just fine that way. There is a difference between a keen serrated edge and merely a rough edge, if in doubt get them shaving shaving sharp.

[Bjorn]

The pros and cons on both sides have been discussed a lot and both work; whatever method you like that gives you the best edge is the one you should use.

[Gen273]

This is an interesting topic, anyone else have an opinion?

[Stumpkiller]

I file sharpen and have had good results.

But I wouldn't dream of file sharpening a knife.  My broadheads are 42-45 Rockwell - pretty soft.  I think the softer steel yields a more durable edge with the file.  If you are using a harder head - the fine stropped edge would be worthwhile.

Just this guy's opinion.

[Mr. fingers]

Byron ferguson said surgeons have their scalpels surgically sharp so it penetrates better which is good. It reduces hemorrhaging. but we want them to hemorrhage. And it reduces scarring which is kinda of a moot point . So he prefers Fred Bear sharp. Or a rougher edge.
IMO when you cut yourself shaving it heals up fast. But if you ever cut yourself with a serrated or a rough edge it tends to be harder to stop the bleeding and does not heal as fast.

[park]

razor sharp is best because it causes less resistance.this is the same reason i use cut on contact and prefer lighter smaller broadheads.

[BWallace10327]

I have used Eclipse 125gr heads with a 75gr insert giving me a 200 grain broadhead.  These are really hard broadheads and I can get them incredibly sharp with a diamond steel hone that folds up and looks like a butterfly knife, the Red DMT.  I wonder if anyone has sharpened the back half of the edges with a file, leaving them rough and honing the front portion razor sharp.  That in theory would give the best of both worlds.  Any thoughts?