Why sharp matters

[Mesophilic]

Width can definitely be a problem. I shot a buck before and the arrow deflected 15° after hitting the first rib. Went in maybe on the 6th - 7th rib and exited on last rib almost hitting the liver. It was direct broad side and the arrow turned after hitting the rib.

Maryland is Min. 7/8" and steel also

What was the width of that broadhead?

AZ, NM, and OH all have the 7/8" width law as well.  I tried to do some research and so far can't find anything that gives a reason for such consistency across many states. 

[High-Desert]

He might be a doctor but I have to disagree with this one. Having cut myself on many objects over the years, I always found that a cut from a sharp edge heals better - I've slashed myself with razor edges and simply closed the cut to seal.  Conversely a ragged cut takes forever and hurts like hell while recovering.

How long something bleeds versus how quick it heals are two different things. A razor sharp edge does heal faster, but bleeds for more than a jagged cut which doesn't bleed as much but takes longer to heal.

[jimmi the sammi]

The primary reason so many states use 7/8" width as their minimum is because Bear Razorheads were the most popular manufactured broadhead sold during the timeframes that standards were being proposed.  Check Razorheads and they are 7/8" wide.  Just a bit of history.
A file sharpened steel broadhead is my favorite method.  File sharpening with a quality mill bastard file can be done easily without having to use any other equipment.  52 years of archery hunting and many animals on the ground over those years works for me.

[burchett.donald]

    +1 High-Desert...The guys in the trenches know the skinny on a stropped, hair flaking broadhead...I hate shaving with a dull razor...Experience out ways "speculation"...I have also had some points that Butch Stone made from obsidian years ago that would flake the hair of my arm...Any body that condones hunting with a dull point, needs to stay home and shoot target points...

Bottom line: Sharp matters...
                                              Don
                                 

[Pappy]

Same here jimmi t s  and another piece of History, that is what Fred Bear use to sharpen his heads.
 Pappy

[jimmi the sammi]

So right, Pappy!  As did Howard Hill.  And after checking my math it has actually been 54 years of archery hunting.  WHEW!!

[Butch Speer]

The primary reason so many states use 7/8" width as their minimum is because Bear Razorheads were the most popular manufactured broadhead sold during the timeframes that standards were being proposed.  Check Razorheads and they are 7/8" wide.  Just a bit of history.
A file sharpened steel broadhead is my favorite method.  File sharpening with a quality mill bastard file can be done easily without having to use any other equipment.  52 years of archery hunting and many animals on the ground over those years works for me.

Razorheds were 1 1/16"