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How to Sharpen Broadheads Efficiently
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Whether you use fixed or mechanical broadheads, there will come a time in their lifespan wherein the cutting edges will no longer be as razor sharp as they were. The good news is that if the rest of the head is in good shape, you can still use them, as long as you know how to sharpen broadheads.
Good quality broadheads can be sharpened more than once, provided there’s no severe damage to the blade or body of the head. To help you out, we’ll provide you what you need to know to sharpen broadheads properly.
Why Do Broadheads Need Sharpening?
When you first take your broadheads out of the package, chances are they will have a sharp, factory perfect edge on each blade. In fact, you will need to be careful when handling them so that you don’t accidentally cut or injure your fingers.
Over time, though, even the highest quality, sharpest, and most expensive broadheads will become duller, and there are several reasons for this, including:
- Wear and tear from transportation and storage
- Practice shots into wood or targets
- Penetrating an animal (Thick hides and bone are not broadhead friendly!)
- Missing a shot and hitting dirt or vegetation. Sometimes, even if you hit your target, your arrow will pass right through, and that can also damage the blades.
In some cases, whether you hit your target or not, your broadheads might be so badly damaged that they can’t be sharpened. However, most of the time, unless there’s serious burring, nicks and notches or bents, you should be able to get the most of the sharpness back.
What Tools Do You Need for Broadhead Sharpening?
Ask anyone how to sharpen broadheads, and you’ll probably get a slightly different description. Everyone has their favorite method, and each technique is slightly different to someone else’s. In each case, though, you will need to have some or all of the following tools:
- A dedicated, custom designed broadhead sharpener: These are made for the job, so they’re often the easiest to use. Some of these are permanently fixed, and sharpen one blade at a time, while others are made to sharpen two edges at a time, and can be adjusted to suit the required angles.
- An eight-inch mill file: This type of file isn’t only for sharpening broadheads, so it can be used for other things. It also takes a little more skill to use it, so it might not be the best choice if this is your first attempt at sharpening tips.
- A sharpening stone: There are many options on the market and some of which include diamond dust. Again, they’re not only for sharpening broadheads which make them a good investment if you want to sharpen knives or even tools, but they can be a little trickier to use.
- Stones and files: They are better suited to be used for two-blade, fixed broadheads, as it can be too tricky to get the right angle on a three-blade head.
- A colored marker: This is used to mark the position of the new bevel while you work.
- Petroleum jelly or bow wax: This is utilized to preserve the sharpened edge when you’re done.
Proper sharpening of broadheads doesn’t require specialized equipment, and it’s more about the skill than the tools you use. That being said, pricier commercial sharpeners are usually easier to use, so if you want to get it right the first time, you might want to consider investing in them.
How to Sharpen Broadheads?
Once you have assembled the necessary tools, it’s time to turn your blunt broadheads back into the razor-sharp killing tools they were designed to be. Here’s how:
- Inspect each blade of the broadhead. Blades that are cracked, notched or burred might not be suitable for sharpening, so if you see any visible damage, it might be better to just replace the head.
- If you are using a purpose-made broadhead sharpener, all you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These tools are designed to provide the exact angle necessary to get maximum sharpness, so it’s very hard to get it wrong!
- If you are using a sharpening stone or file, you will want to fix the head to an arrow before you start so that you have adequate grip and leverage.
- Mark the position of the new bevel on the blade with the marker, and then file or sharpen until the mark is gone. Test the sharpness, and repeat if necessary.
- If you are using a stone or a file, remember that angle is essential. You don’t want it to be too sharp or too gradual, and if this is your first time using this sharpening method, you might want to practice on an old or damaged arrow first.
- Sharpen by pushing the arrow away from you on the stone or file, being careful to maintain the correct angle. Try ten strokes at a time, then test the sharpness, and repeat or move to the next blade as appropriate.
- When your arrow is sharpened to the desired finish, apply petroleum jelly or bow wax to preserve the new cutting edge.
Figuring out how much pressure to use, the exact right angle to hold the blades, and how many times you need to run your blade over the sharpener can take some practice. So, always consider practicing on an old arrow. That way, if you do damage the blades while you get the hang of it, you won’t be losing useable arrows.
Sharper Blades Make Better Hunters
Sharpening your broadheads might not be your favorite job, but it is the one that will improve your hunting. Sharper broadheads penetrate better and have better stopping power. If your broadheads are sharpened properly, they will also be symmetrical, so they’ll fly true and hit their target more often.
A sharper arrow that hits its mark and kills quickly is also more humane for the animal, and if you’re like most hunters, you do go out of your way to minimize suffering.
Finally, remember that well-maintained broadheads will be less likely to miss their target. This means they will be damaged less often, and that will save you a little money. A short time spent sharpening your broadheads can make you a better hunter, would be better for the animals you hunt, and keep a bit more of cash in your wallet.
About the Author Pink Crossbow
Jen loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring a wide-range of activities. A mother of 3 whose seen far too many friends suffer from cancer, she believes Pink Crossbow reflects a sport for LIFE. It's a reminder that archery belongs to everyone regardless of age, size, or gender...and real enthusiasts aren't afraid to wear pink!