A couple years ago one of my kids bought me an Edge-On-Up sharpness tester. If you've watched any of the good broadhead review channels on Youtube you've probably seen one used to test broadhead sharpness. I've had mixed results with mine, but if you have a really sharp broadhead it will confirm it.
But spending a lot of money to test broadhead sharpness really isn't necessary. A couple of years ago I stumbled upon something that works for me that's pretty cheap. Pool noodles. Yep, the 5-6 foot long pool noodles made out of foam. You can get them in assorted colors and diameters, and they are best found this time of year. They typically cost a few dollars or less and occasionally you can really mop up on them for $10. In late summer they typically go on sale and you can get years of supplies for $5.
Using a sharp blade, I cut off a 2" section of the pool noodle for testing. I've found that this medium works pretty good for telling you how sharp a blade is. I test each blade by slicing down the side of the 2" section, then rotate it to a fresh spot for the next test. If a blade is sharp, it will pass through it like butter without dulling the blade. If it takes much pressure to cut the foam, it's not sharp enough. It works well for testing each blade of both mechanical and fixed broadheads. Running across the 2" section, I can probably make a few dozen cuts before I start to wear out the piece, then I just lop off another couple inches for fresh testing. You'd be surprised how often I've found one blade on a broadhead that wasn't near as sharp as the rest of them. It's also nice to confirm your work when you're sharpening your own heads. It makes me when every blade is sharp enough to glide through with no resistance.
Anyone else got any useful tips for testing broadhead sharpness?
Sharpness testing tips
Moderator: Excalibur Marketing Dude
Sharpness testing tips
Micro Wolverine/Matrix 350 SE
Recovering Excalaholic
Recovering Excalaholic
Re: Sharpness testing tips
I stretch out small rubber bands and slowly push the broadheads into the rubber. If the bands break on contact the broadhead is sharp enough. If it stretches out the rubber before cutting it then it is not sharp enough. This simulates a broadhead touching blood vessels as it passes through an animal. You want them to cut on contact instead of being pushed to the side as the blades pass by.
Wildlife Population Control Specialist