more resistant the edge is to becoming dull. Shallow angles are
sharper, but will lose the edge quicker. An angle of 22.5 degrees
provides the best compromise between sharp and durable.Re-sharpening or replacing
The decision to re-sharpen or replace a dull blade will depend
on:- the type of broadhead (Figure 8)
Fixed-blade broadheads are generally easy to re-sharp-
en. Blades are generally replaced in replaceable blade
broadheads and are not re-sharpened as the steel is usually
very hard and the blades often have quite complex shapes,
making them difficult to re-sharpen. From an econom-
ic perspective fixed-blade broadheads make good sense
because they can be repeatedly re-sharpened without hav-
ing to replace blades. - the type of blade steel
Fixed-blade broadheads are usually manufactured from
softer steel, making them easier to re-sharpen. They may
not hold an edge for as long as blades that have harder steels
(such as replaceable blade types), but the ease of re-sharp-
ening is a big advantage over having to replace with a new
blade. - the shape of the blade
Blades with straight edges or with gentle contours are
ideal for re-sharpening. The more complex the shape of
the blade the harder it is to re-sharpen it.
the amount of damage
It stands to reason that if a blade or other component of
the broadhead is badly damaged the part must be replaced
or the broadhead discarded in its entirety.
When replacing replaceable blades that are kept in place
with small screws use some Loctite so that the screws do
not work loose.
Tools for sharpening
However you achieve your purpose is up to you. Jigs, fixed file
rigs, whetstones, buffing wheels, Lansky hones, or freehand
with a file – each technique gets you there, but all have their
peculiar pitfalls and inconveniences. Whetstones remove metal
slowly. Consequently, many whetstone users work and work and
never raise a burr. Those who use a file often end up pushing the
burr back and forth from one side of the edge to the other. In the
process they lose their filing angle, never get the burr cleaned
off and become frustrated with the amount of metal they have
removed for a lack of results. Figure 9 illustrates a variety of
commercially available sharpeners for broadheads.
Of all the tools available a file offers the most conveni-
ence at home or in the field.
A sharp edge on a broadhead will not stay there indefi-
nitely. Keep checking your broadheads for sharpness. When
they fail the fingernail test, re-establish the edge. All it will
require are a few passes with a file to recreate a slight burr
on an oxidized edge, and a few more passes to remove it.
Maintenance is easy with a file or strop and can be accom-
plished quickly and conveniently. •Figure 8: Types of broadheads..Figure 9: Types of broadhead sharpeners.
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