This guy does a good job testing broadheads. https://youtu.be/S47ocgM0xBo

I won't be hunting concrete deer. Killed many,many animals with Bear Razorheads.

Good video.

Good testing. Looks like the razor head is still a great option.

I doubt there are many (if any) broadheads that wouldn't be damaged to some degree shooting them into concrete.

I haven’t shot an animal yet that had sheet metal plating much less concrete ribs. So, guess I’ll be keeping my Razorheads.

I’d like to see a Rage shot into a concrete block at 320 fps.

Nemophilist and others...the Same fella tests a bunch of heads...although not a traditional head, the qad exodus takes the concrete shots with virtually zero damage.

I wasn't by any means bashing the bear head...just an interesting watch and was cool he did a traditional head we have all heard of.

https://youtu.be/XfIE7MZi--A

That was a GREAT video Very informative

I wonder how the Tuffheads would do when shot into concrete ?

Always got to be overkill

Geez oh man...its 7 minutes of content. Its unbiased straightforward information. I mean good gracious. Talk about a defensive crowd. God forbid anything made past the year 1970 have any value.

As they say with old dogs...the deader they are the better they are. Nostalgia at its apex.

Grizz, 3 years ago I shot a small 8 point. it had a rage broad head in each shoulder between the bone and the hide. I'll take the razor head.

Neat video. But I didn’t need it to make me like the razorhead. It’s already one of my favorites. The toughest thing around here is a boar hog. Razorheads cut them down as good as anything.

I like ace standards as my go to. I will give the guy credit even though his stuff can seem boring to some ,he’s starting to get a fairly large database of broad heads using standardized testing. I did like the one he done using thunderheads as well. I would bet he’s tested the rages already as mentioned above if someone is interested in that. As much as some people pay for heads now, and especially using modern compounds it’s not a bad thing IMO

I agree Craig. I have about 2 dozen greenies and I was super impressed with how well the head held up. I also feel like it is far and few a stickbow hunter who is shooting a bow with the kinetic energy that the testing was done with.

All in all a good watch. It's not meant to sway anyone's opinion or invalidate there personal experience...glad you liked it!

I remember reading Fred Bear used a Bear razorhead to kill his elephant.

Interesting video. I'm not sure what good something like the concrete test is. I think it would be more interesting and informative if he could get a hold of some fresh shoulder blades to test on instead.

50+ years of hunting EVERYTHING with Razorheads! Never a failure!

I'm sure many game animals have been killed with much less than razor sharp broadheads...so really how sharp do they need to be,?

Thin walled aluminum arrows have withstood thousands of shots..yet people call them fragile...how durable do they really need to be?

We see posts get bashed to the high heavens of very low poundage kills..it worked, so how powerful does it mean to be??

We maximize our gear to be as effective as we can be when taking a shot to achieve a clean kill. Is anyone out there really conciously shooting for "good enough"...I doubt it. Shoot what you want..but at least consider that there may be other choices outside of your choices....

Other broadheads have stood the test of time yet the one in question hasn't been produced and sold forever...in a market where the cost of heads is through the roof...and therefore profit margins..why did it fade into the past?

Im not saying that at all...but when you honestly and unbiased look at the overall make of the head...can anyone really say it's the best and most durable design they have ever used?

And if it isn't and you want to be as effective as possible why would you choose it other than Fred used it?

It's like when someone is looking for shafts. They can shoot 2013 or 1916....the 1916 is way or durable and tougher eventhough the 2013 is effective the 1916 is always suggested so why in this case are we defending an effective but less durable item?

I think they stopped making them because the machine tore up. I bet if they were still being made people would still buy them.

Riverwolf I'm not arguing. I posted a video testing an age old proven head. It was run through the exact same battery of tests as every other tested head. Some fared better, some did not. Overall for a spring steel stamped $5 head I thought it did pretty well....That's it.

As they say...there are levels to this. People use what they like and have confidence in. If your faced with a shot or trip of a lifetime and feel 100% with a 110 grain head on your arrows thats totally ok.

Let's just not pretend the razorhead, outside of 70 years of use had any more effectiveness than any other stamped head. It just is what it is. No more no less.

Bear Razorhead Test from American-Hunter.com

The Bear Razorhead has been around for a long time, and with good reason. This head is not fancy, but it gets the job done very well. I tested the head as a two blade. By doing so I kept the weight down to 130 grains. If it is tested as a 4 blade, by using the bleeder blades, the score would remain the same, even though the bleeders give the head two more points, they also break off pretty easy.

The first time I tested the Razorhead I gave it an accuracy score of 3. Since then I have revised this to a 4. In further tests I have found it to be as accurate as any quality fixed blade head, and therefore I feel it deserves the 4 rating. In the plywood test the head penetrated fully without damage. In the tire it penetrated the first side with several inches of arrow shaft, again no damage. In the steel drum it penetrated the front fully with the tip and 1/3 of the blade surface sticking in the far side. This broadhead not only survived the tests, but with some sharpening, it would still be very serviceable for hunting. Like I said before, it’s not fancy, but it will get the job done very well. About the only thing I could find wrong with the head was the blade sharpness out of the package. It was not very good, but that was easy enough to fix with a good broadhead sharpener.

Bear Razorhead History:

In 1956, Bear Archery formally introduced the Razorhead to the public. Known today as the "Bubble-Head" by many collectors because of the rounded ferrule tip, this broadhead was an instant success. Good quality steel, easily sharpened and aligned to the arrow, the Razorhead was on it's way to becoming the largest selling broadhead of all time.

But Fred found a small problem with this original design. The "Bubble" on the tip of the ferrule was affecting penetration. So in 1959, Bear began flattening the ferrule tip to improve this situation. However, the vents on the 1959 Razorhead remained large as with the original 1956 model.

In 1960, a new die was made, with the vents made smaller and the ferrule tip even flatter. Lastly, in 1964, the vents were changed again, looking much like a die-cut parabolic feather shape now.

The Super Razorhead was introduced in 1978, and the era of the old lime-green Razorhead came to a close. However, these new Super Razorheads did not have a reputation for holding up under use and lost favor with the masses of bowhunters in time. However, Bear Archery’s ability to market better than anyone else kept this broadhead in tackle boxes. Finally, in 1981, the Stainless steel version of the Razorhead came out, but it is the old lime-green Razorheads that remain popular with bowhunters today both as collectors, and as shooters.

I often wonder if the new premium heads can possibly make an animal (more dead). If proportional to price, they have to make them 3 times (more dead). Or last 3 times longer. Judging by the razor heads still available there is no longevity problem. How good is good enough.

Price...maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't use a lot of broadheads. I'm a one deer a year kinda guy. After all the time, effort, and money that goes into hunting am I really worried about $20 for a broadhead?

There are a lot of reasons to shoot what you like and like what you shoot...but I cant imagine dollars is one of them unless you are shooting and losing a bunch..which is totally possible.

I love the old Bear heads. Used with or without bleeders

Interesting.....

If only bear could find a way to fix that machine...they are sitting on a goldmine...I think I did see where they released a new head for 69.99 for 3 due out this spring.

Imagine if they just fixed the old machine. I bet in today's money you could pick up a 6 pack for $40 and they would still profit $35 a pack.

Bear Archery's new razorhead.

Kisatchie:

I had to click on your profile to see where you are from...wow that is a lot of hunting and experience. Up east, we have no hogs, you could possibly get 3 deer with the right tags and most will be shot from an elevated stand with an arrow in the dirt and turkeys...wow good luck. You got 5 guys after each gobbler and these birds are well educated...I can see it taking some serious dedication and time to score that one.

I can see your point though. In your situation value has value for sure. Id sure not be willing to spend $20 a head either....what kind of arrows do you shoot for that kind of volume? They aren't cheap either.

I'm jealous. I cant tell you how hard it is to get good at shooting game taking a shot or 2 a year. That experience is so valuable. In woods game killing shots are a whole seperate skill set. Good for you man.

Well I'm glad I don't hunt concrete.

I seldom set foot on concrete and look for ways to avoid it. Certainly don’t want to shoot it.

I’m not a fan of the new razorheads and I dang sure am not gonna pay that for them. I shoot a bunch of pigs and, well, deer too. The old greenies work just fine. Sometimes even a fatally shot pig will go to a place where it is all but unretrievable. (That’s why it is hanging around there in the first place). It’s a lot easier for me to watch a hog running off with a razorhead or zwickey rather than a Bishop or VPA or other high priced head.

more pointless Utube BS.

Those bent tips from hitting a deer had to be slightly bent when shot, or struck at a pretty severe angle. I've Shot them into cinder blocks and had them stick 1/3rd of their length and not bend...on a direct on hit of course. I glanced one off a steel pole once (target butt) and it bent but could be straightened good enough to use.

Not sure how many deer I killed over the years with them...more than 20...less than 40 I guess, but never had a failure in near 59 years of using them. That includes small game, turkeys, pheasants, squirrels, and groundhogs as well. No, they aren't fragile in the real world doint real broadhead business.

It never ends.

Well. All I know is I plan to use them.

One reason Bear sold so many heads besides being cheaper they were easy to sharpen. Why they were softer. I had one curl exactly like the one in the picture. They have killed a trainload of animals but there are better heads. I can't say which model it was that curled. Later Bears may be better. When I worked in a machine shop I put a number of heads on a Rockwell hardness tester. I still have some Bears. I would still use them if I needed to, but they are not my go to head. As for fixing the machine any machine that can be made can be fixed or replaced. Especially if there is a gold mine waiting. Just my thoughts. >>>----> Ken

I plan on using the vintage Bear Razorheads or Tuskers this year. Haven't decided yet.

I have witnessed two curled Bear razorheads in my 55 year stickbow career. It did, and does, happen. Later versions had more of a chisel point. Still a good broadhead IMO.

Social media has allowed us to learn from so many experts.

Bear Razorhead Test from American-Hunter.com

The Bear Razorhead has been around for a long time, and with good reason. This head is not fancy, but it gets the job done very well. I tested the head as a two blade. By doing so I kept the weight down to 130 grains. If it is tested as a 4 blade, by using the bleeder blades, the score would remain the same, even though the bleeders give the head two more points, they also break off pretty easy.

The first time I tested the Razorhead I gave it an accuracy score of 3. Since then I have revised this to a 4. In further tests I have found it to be as accurate as any quality fixed blade head, and therefore I feel it deserves the 4 rating. In the plywood test the head penetrated fully without damage. In the tire it penetrated the first side with several inches of arrow shaft, again no damage. In the steel drum it penetrated the front fully with the tip and 1/3 of the blade surface sticking in the far side.

This broadhead not only survived the tests, but with some sharpening, it would still be very serviceable for hunting. Like I said before, it’s not fancy, but it will get the job done very well. About the only thing I could find wrong with the head was the blade sharpness out of the package. It was not very good, but that was easy enough to fix with a good broadhead sharpener.

Bear Razorhead History:

In 1956, Bear Archery formally introduced the Razorhead to the public. Known today as the "Bubble-Head" by many collectors because of the rounded ferrule tip, this broadhead was an instant success. Good quality steel, easily sharpened and aligned to the arrow, the Razorhead was on it's way to becoming the largest selling broadhead of all time.

But Fred found a small problem with this original design. The "Bubble" on the tip of the ferrule was affecting penetration. So in 1959, Bear began flattening the ferrule tip to improve this situation. However, the vents on the 1959 Razorhead remained large as with the original 1956 model.

In 1960, a new die was made, with the vents made smaller and the ferrule tip even flatter. Lastly, in 1964, the vents were changed again, looking much like a die-cut parabolic feather shape now.

The Super Razorhead was introduced in 1978, and the era of the old lime-green Razorhead came to a close. However, these new Super Razorheads did not have a reputation for holding up under use and lost favor with the masses of bowhunters in time. However, Bear Archery’s ability to market better than anyone else kept this broadhead in tackle boxes. Finally, in 1981, the Stainless steel version of the Razorhead came out, but it is the old lime-green Razorheads that remain popular with bowhunters today both as collectors, and as shooters.

Great info Nemo thanks for posting!

I acquired 6 Bear Razorheads a month or two ago and I'm completely confident that they would get the job done.

I killed my far share of game with the Zwickys. missed my fare share with bear heads but I was 12.

I have to believe that if someone wanted to get serious about testing broadheads you would be able to locate some plastic substance that would equate to bone. I too see the concrete shots as pointless theatrics.

I dont know how you would do a proper test with a head that is mounted crooked on the broadhead adapter, it will never hit square, fly straight, or be accurate.

Well, just my opinion, since nostalgia literally means great memories from great results.. Isn't that the point? Bear razorheads were inexpensive, readily available, easily sharpened, if you missed and hit a rock, that's on you.. If missing and hitting rocks is a habit, well buy what You need..

Maybe to be great, a broadhead must have folding blades and cost $25 each . . . .

A saying in the coonhound world rings true with a lot of things that bring up nostalgic feelings... "the deader they are, the better they are"...the longer ago dogs, people or items are gone the seemingly greater they become until quite simply their legend becomes the substitute for reality....I guess thats why no matter what era you grew up in, when you were 20 that was the good old days or the only time great music was made and everything now is crap...just human nature boldly displayed with archery products in this forum.

Keep carrying the torch boys.

Ha, thanks for the laugh,Briar! :)

Briar - never heard that nonsense in my coonhunting or any other lifetime experience. Even considering that such a statement is made, it has no inherent validity. However, granted many folks are or create unwarranted legends. Sometimes the description “legendary” is warranted. Each to his own opinion of what is legendary.

Fisher perception is reality. As long as you believe your opinion it will be your reality and that is all that matters. Arguing about what you believe or have created as legend is a fools errand.

Never allow data to ruin lore...the story rarely tends to be as entertaining as the truth. As they say, never let facts get in the way of a good story.

Riverwolf. Who is belittling anyone? Its an analysis of a broadhead whose legend preceed's its current ability to perform against other broadheads put through the same battery of tests. Thats it.

This is like me posting a video of a blackpowder musket vs a modern hunting rifle..having people tell me that the musket is just as good and a million deer have been killed with the musket and its was good enough for grandpap and daniel boone and then getting their feathers ruffled when i push back defending the rifle.

Im not belittling anyone. I presented a video, nothing more. Its more people belittling me for having the audacity to in any way tarnish the legendary bear razorhead...regardless of its current ability to stand up to its modern counterparts.

Im still wondering why bear archery changed the design for the new razorhead when obviously this design has no flaws and was very inexpensive to produce. Somebody is sitting on a lot of money.

Broadheads will continue to evolve and change in both appearance and composition, marketing will never allow product design and buyer appeal to become stagnant.

Briar - I agree with everything that Riverwolf said. I have no time for, interest in, or patience for recreational bickering. You have wasted valuable time for folks who have knowledge, skills, experience, and real lives. I suggest that you consider the intention and value of your future posts. I certainly will.

No need to waste your time replying because I will not be reading any more of your drivel.

I apologize to fisher and all others wasted valuable time for folks who have knowledge, skills, experience, and real life responding to a post on an internet message board topic. I had no idea you were required to do so.

Had i known your hand would be forced and time wasted I would have posted a more vital topic like will 40lbs kill a deer, look what i found at a garage sale or do you use right or left wing feathers.

Enjoy your holiday.

I suggest you post things pertaining to stickbows and then accept the fact that you may not know everything. I’m pretty sure you’ll find that the bulk of us could care less how the compound and crossbow world rates broadheads. I went to compounds for a while and shot Muzzy 3 blades, excellent head at 250+ fps. But I don’t use them on my 170 fps recurve. Because others believe differently, doesn’t make you right and them wrong.

To add, I hit a rock with a Muzzy and even after passing through the lungs of a whitetail, it totally destroyed the head.

I suggest you post things pertaining to stickbows and then accept the fact that you may not know everything. I’m pretty sure you’ll find that the bulk of us could care less how the compound and crossbow world rates broadheads. I went to compounds for a while and shot Muzzy 3 blades, excellent head at 250+ fps. But I don’t use them on my 170 fps recurve. Because others believe differently, doesn’t make you right and them wrong.

To add, I hit a rock with a Muzzy and even after passing through the lungs of a whitetail, it totally destroyed the head.

a Razorhead did what it was designed to do -very well-that is get your money and kill game

I'm a ACE standard guy-but a razor head does the same thing just as well

If Fred wanted it to shoot concrete blocks he would of developed it to be like a Bodkin or cold chisel

Very fair grizz. Totally understandable and well said. The fact is 2 things can be true. The video never says this is a useless piece of trash...it simply says here are the results from a battery of tests.

This has become such a discussion of absolutes. There is no reason to be defensive about information. I don't believe the broadhead is offended. Folks are so willing to die on the hill defending a product that hasn't been made for 40 years. Its not like the video hurt sales.

If you love them GREAT...if you hate them GREAT...feel free to setup your own battery of tests and post it. If not, accept the information and forget about it.

The real test of any broadhead is on live animals. Bear razor heads are more thoroughly tested than any head ever made. Passing with flying colors. If you want to spend more money if you want those companies support families to.

Too complicated I guess

What a load of BS.Never seen concrete animal in my life.Razor heads field sharpen nicely,cut into game efficiently good enough to do the job.My glass knapped heads work too but miss with those and you want to hope they don't hit trees or hard soil because the will surely be damaged.Bears were good I wish they were still made. Osr

I must say this thread has been entertaining. Some well-written repartee.

Just to add a little fuel to the flame, I expect most everyone knows that Zwickey was making broadheads for Bear before Bear came out with its own broadhead. Hmmmm. Notice the similarity between the Bear Razorhead and the Zwickey Eskimo.

I believe what our friend from down under said was " razor heads Australian for dead critters"

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