Traditionally, finishing edges of one-piece heads is accomplished on a stone, beginning with a rough surface and working through finer grits. Modern diamond sharpening tools are best, proving more precise; lacking dips and imperfections old-fashioned stones (rock) can develop. Many old-timers argue that filed, or rough "serrated" edges are good enough, but I beg to differ. A surgeon will tell you that a smooth, clean cut will bleed more profusely, yet heal more quickly; while a ragged cut is likely to bleed less, and heal more slowly. This translates into a lethal hit killing more quickly, leaving more blood behind; while a nonfatal hit allows the animal to recover and live a normal existence. There is also the matter of feathered broadhead edges clogging with tissue fiber and becoming less effective. GATCO and Diamond Machining Technology (DMT) make fine examples, DMT Dia-Sharp stones offered in three grits and sizes.

To touch up replaceable-blade heads correctly and precisely look to tools such as Fine Line's Honing Guide (discontinued but still around) or DMT's Diamond Broadhead Sharpener. The first clamps replaceable blades securely, a smooth-running wheel allowing you to run the edge at a repeatable angle across a fine stone, #400- or #600-grit wet-dry sandpaper. The DMT Diamond Broadhead Sharpener offers adjustable honing surfaces that allow archers to simply push heads across its dual surfaces, two to four blade, without disassembling that head.

I recall guiding a respected heart surgeon for trophy elk. He arrived with a popular cut-on-contact head tipping his arrows, rearing to go. I've long made a habit of inspecting clients' broadheads before setting out, leaving no controllable detail to chance. To my estimation the surgeon's heads were sadly dull. I quickly set to work on his edges despite his loud objections. After I'd finished the first I handed it to him to inspect. He promptly cut himself while thumbing the edge. "Yikes!" the man exclaimed, sucking blood from his bleeding digit. "That sucker's sharper than a scalpel!"

That's the whole idea.