Terry, I don't see where anybody has advocated not using sharp broadheads.  The question I'm trying to figure out is the TYPE of edge that penetrates the best.  So far I haven't heard anything definitive such as, so and so did penetration testing with different styles of sharpening and these are the results.

Perhaps I'm being finicky because I've spent almost 20 years with a sharp blade in my hand for hours every day cutting different things. A knife with a very fine polished edge will cut extremely well but in some cases not as well as one that is "toothy" and crude.  Does a mirror polished edge last longer throught the cut and penetrate batter or does a toothy edge work better.  Again I'm wondering why that particular data is missing from the Ashby or other similar testing.

Calgarychef, here you go:

http://www.tradgang.com/ashby/2004update1.pdf

You might also want to check out the TBM article on broadhead sharpness.

Ed

Good to see ya hangin round doc!

I prefer polished...but only to a certain point. The reason why is because I believe it is a more durable edge, not a "sharper" edge.


 I have the equipment to take edges to 0.25 microns (roughly 64,000grit) but the only things I bother taking that far are my straight razors.


I don't care if you use a sidewalk and piece of bathroom tile...if you get the burr off without rounding over the edge, it'll shave hair and is good enough for my quiver.  (And I've spend more $$$ on sharpening equipment than archery!)

I'm convinced nobody "needs" anything finer than 3 microns (about 6k grit) unless you use straight razors.

Having looked a lot of edges under a microscope I'll say that if you're worried about your "filed" edges simply make the effort to file with the file pointed towards the rear/nock of the arrow during the push-stroke.  As I'll bet the orientation of those tiny tiny teeth play a huge role.

Why do I consider it a moot point?  Not from game experience.  It's more personal than that.  I've been cut with 220grit edges and I've been cut with 64K grit edges.  I'm telling you, if the burr is off and you've managed to NOT round-over the edge, it's deep and painless...for awhile.

Mr. Ashby thanks for the definitive information, I guess I had missed it in reading your stuff.  It supports my idea that the filed edges aren't the way to go althought to a lot of people the filed edges "feel" sharper.  On the other hand after years of sharpening things I'm sick and tired of it and it's a chore now rather than a joy I guess I'll have to keep on with it.

I think I'd go out on a limb and suggest that a micro bevel might be the fastest way to sharpening nirvana.

thanks for the info guys

Archery is a mental game with a limited physical application.  Sharpen the best you possibly can, leave no room for doubt in your mind when the time comes for the shot.

Thanks for the report Dr Ashby. I missed reading that one somehow.