CLEAVER 150 gr by Crimson Talon: Broadhead Test

Use my personal discount code to save 15% on any order of Crimson Talon heads: LUSK15.

This is a test of the 150 gr, 2 blade CLEAVER Broadhead, by Crimson Talon.

Here is summary of my 2022 Testing Procedure & Scoring w/ the scores of the Cleaver posted in parenthesis as well.

Total CLEAVER 150gr Score: 81.71 = 8 Golden Arrows

1. Flight Forgiveness (20%, 16 pts +1 pt for exceptional flight)
This is not just a test of how heads fly out of my bow, as it was in the past. With a well tuned bow, properly built arrows & good form, almost every head flies well. That's why in the past most heads got a flight score of 9 or 10. But that doesn't help those who may not have perfectly tuned bows/arrows/good form. So now I am gauging Flight Forgiveness. This is based on how the head flies for me, how well it spins, how "sensitive" the flight is to imperfections, & the exposed surface area of the blades. The max score of a Mech is 20 & the max score of a Fixed is 16. The Cleaver got 16 pts, plus will get 1 bonus point for extra good flight.

2. Cut Size (20%, 9.14 pts)
The more tissue being cut, the more lethal the head, all else equal. The entrance cut, total cut, & width of the cut (a crucial variable for bloodletting) are all scored:
The entrance cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" then that fraction is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.062"/2.5" x 7 = 2.98 pts)
The max cut size is compared to a standard of 2.5" as well, then that fraction is is weighted to 7% of the score. (1.062"/2.5" x 7 = 2.98 pts)
The max cutting diameter is compared to a standard of 2.0", then that fraction is weighted to 6% of the score. (1.062"/2 x 6 = 3.19 pts)

3. Sharpness (20%, 18.53 pts)
Initial sharpness (9%, 225 grs=9.75/10=8.78 pts ) & Edge Retention (9%, +25 grs=9.5/10=8.55 pts) are measured using the Edge On Up Sharpness Tester. The pressure needed for a blade to cut thru a copolymer wire is measured in grams.
Edge Retention is the loss of sharpness after the head is shot in Penetration Test 1, thru 1/2" MDF and 2/3" rubber foam mat & Clear Ballistics FBI gel. For every 50 "grams" of sharpness lost, 1 point is deducted from 10.

What are some sharpness scores for common edges?
A butter knife takes 2000 grams of pressure to break the co polymer wire.
A new high end cutlery edge: ~ 375 grams of pressure.
A utility razor blade: 200 grams.
Based on the many broadheads I have tested, here is my scoring scale:
Out of the Box Sharpness:
0-200 gr: 10
201-300 gr 9
301-400 gr: 8
401-500 gr: 7
501-600 gr: 6
601-700 gr: 5
701-800 gr: 4
801-900 gr: 3
901-1000 gr: 2
1001-1100 gr: 1
1101+ gr: 0
Ease to resharpen or replace blades is judged & given 2% of the score. (6/10=1.2 pts) Use the Stay Sharp Guide C Sharpener.

4. Penetration (20%, 17.84 pts)
There are 3 penetration tests:
Pen Test 1: 1/2" MDF, 2/3" rubber foam mat, Clear Ballistics FBI gel. Depth of penetration is compared to a standard of 9" & weighted to 9% of the score. (8" = 8 pts)
Pen Test 2: Layered cardboard. # of layers penetrated is compared to a standard of 70 layers & weighted to 9% of the score.
(61 layers=7.84 pts)
Angled Penetration Test: How effectively does the head penetrate 1/4" MDF covered by carpet at a 45 degree angle. This accounts for 2% of the score. (2/2pts)

5. Durability (20%, 18.9 pts)
Each head is shot thru 1/2" MDF 3 times. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 12% of the score. (12 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot thru 22 ga steel plate twice. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 5% of the score. (9/10=4.5 pts)
If a head survives that, it is then shot into concrete once. Its condition is judged 1-10 & weighted to 3% of the score. (8/10 = 2.4 pts)
Steel plate & concrete are certainly not "realistic" mediums, but they do reveal the outer limits of a head's durability.

BONUS: Heads will be rewarded bonus points for special, intangible features such as: rotation, no O rings/clips for mechs, extra thickness, hole size, other unique designs, etc.
+1 pt exceptional flight, +.5 pts for 15 degree rotation in gel.

Total Score: 81.91 pts = 8 Golden Arrows

Price = $10/head ($8.50/head with my discount code: LUSK15)

Grading Scale:
90-100 10 Golden Arrows
85-90 9
80-85 8
70-80 7
60-70 6

Special Notes:
Please check out my sponsor, Stay Sharp Guide. https://staysharpguide.com or @Innovative Outdoorsman They make excellent broadhead sharpeners. The support I receive from them has helped me improve my channel

I also have some Broadhead Discount Codes I can share:

SEVR: LUSKFIVE saves you $5 on any order & can be used on top of any online sales.

AFFLICTOR: LUSK10 saves 10%

Tooth of the Arrow: LUSK19 saves 15%

DEAD X BOWHUNTING Big Game Broadheads: LUSKFIVE saves $5 per pack.

Crimson Talon: LUSK15 saves 15%.

VECTOR CUSTOM SHOP: LUSK gives Free Shipping