Keep Your Broadheads Razor Sharp

The only way to practice is the same way you hunt–with broadheads. Fixed-blade broadheads that cut on impact are tough and trendy and penetrate deep, but they’ll get dull with use, so you’ll need to sharpen them before the season starts. Most three-blade broadheads can easily be sharpened with a flat stone. Here’s how to restore those razor edges.

[1] Remove the broadhead from the shaft.

[2] If any of the blades have been nicked, smooth them using a carbide sharpener. Pull each blade through the sharpener the same number of times even if they’re not nicked, so the broadhead remains balanced.

[3] Color the edges of all three blades with a black marking pen.

[4] Hold one blade between your thumb and forefinger and place the broadhead flat with the tip pointing away from you on a 600-grit stone. With moderate pressure, move the broadhead laterally across the stone until it removes the ink from the blades. This may take 10 to 20 strokes. Apply the same number of strokes on all blades of the broadhead to keep it balanced.

[5] Stroke each blade over a 1200-grit stone, emery cloth, or automotive sandpaper two to five times to finish the edges.

[6] Test the blades by pulling them across a slightly stretched, ¼-inch-wide rubber band. The blades should instantly cut through the rubber.