Doug McCoy Traditional Archery.
Copyright 2009 Doug McCoy
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Broadheads Sharpening and Care
Broadheads and their sharpening are going to always be a matter of preference. Some say that a broadhead must be sharp enough to shave with, others say that file sharpening is more than sufficient. It comes down to what you believe is satisfactory. Now, dull or an edge that can not slice properly is definitely not satisfactory no matter who you are. My personal preference is to file sharpen then give a quick wipe over an Arkansas white stone. This has worked very well for me throughout the years. I know that many of you will argue with me but, this is my opinion.
To use a file on your broadheads you should always sharpen away from yourself, not toward. Holding the broadhead firmly wipe the file from front to back, that is tip to shoulder of the head. This creates a serrated effect that works just like these laser cut/ground knives. Ever seen the info-mercials on how easily they cut, same thing here.
There are many excellent systems out there now to make sharpening easier. Lansky systems, Tru-Angle, carbide wipers and a myriad of others. They all work as they are intended to. With a Lansky system you can indeed get those heads razor sharp, how sharp is up to you and what you like. Just remember it is your responsibility to do everything that you can to ensure a quick and humane kill. This is one part that should never be overlooked.
Whenever an arrow with a broadhead is shot it should be put aside for re sharpening. Even if it still feels sharp do not use it until it has been redone.
New Styles of Broadheads
Over the past several years a new breed of broadhead has emerged. The Expandable.... Now I know most of you reading this just cringed but, there are things to be said about the new style which use push back blades as seen on the Rage and Snyper heads.
I have had the opportunity to shoot the Tekan II heads and can tell you they work from any angle and every shot that I have taken. Yes even into targets and believe it or not into soundboard material. They shot great - no wind planing no variation and work! For those that have a hard time sharpening these may very well be the answer you are looking for.
Now I do not want to get into any big discussions about this finding as it is my opinion that they do a very commendable job compared to their predecessors.
Broadheads and their sharpening are going to always be a matter of preference. Some say that a broadhead must be sharp enough to shave with, others say that file sharpening is more than sufficient. It comes down to what you believe is satisfactory. Now, dull or an edge that can not slice properly is definitely not satisfactory no matter who you are. My personal preference is to file sharpen then give a quick wipe over an Arkansas white stone. This has worked very well for me throughout the years. I know that many of you will argue with me but, this is my opinion.
To use a file on your broadheads you should always sharpen away from yourself, not toward. Holding the broadhead firmly wipe the file from front to back, that is tip to shoulder of the head. This creates a serrated effect that works just like these laser cut/ground knives. Ever seen the info-mercials on how easily they cut, same thing here.
There are many excellent systems out there now to make sharpening easier. Lansky systems, Tru-Angle, carbide wipers and a myriad of others. They all work as they are intended to. With a Lansky system you can indeed get those heads razor sharp, how sharp is up to you and what you like. Just remember it is your responsibility to do everything that you can to ensure a quick and humane kill. This is one part that should never be overlooked.
Whenever an arrow with a broadhead is shot it should be put aside for re sharpening. Even if it still feels sharp do not use it until it has been redone.
New Styles of Broadheads
Over the past several years a new breed of broadhead has emerged. The Expandable.... Now I know most of you reading this just cringed but, there are things to be said about the new style which use push back blades as seen on the Rage and Snyper heads.
I have had the opportunity to shoot the Tekan II heads and can tell you they work from any angle and every shot that I have taken. Yes even into targets and believe it or not into soundboard material. They shot great - no wind planing no variation and work! For those that have a hard time sharpening these may very well be the answer you are looking for.
Now I do not want to get into any big discussions about this finding as it is my opinion that they do a very commendable job compared to their predecessors.