Single Bevel Broadhead Review
Cutthroat Single Bevel Review
A monolithic single-bevel head that drives through 4 inches of bone and leaves an S-cut wound that won't close up.
How it scored
Scored on our fixed 5-part system — built from the consensus of field reports, video tests and hunter feedback. Each axis is an independent 0–10 score. How we score ↗
What we liked
- Exceptional penetration through heavy bone
- Self-opening single-bevel S-cut wound
- Monolithic billet, no welds or screws
- Top-rated single bevel by Outdoor Life
- Tough S7/carbon tool steel
Where it falls short
- 25° single-bevel edge has a sharpening learning curve
- Single-bevel flight needs careful tuning
- Premium price
- Heavier setups required for best results
Flight & accuracy
As a single-bevel head, the Cutthroat imparts rotational torque in flight, which means it rewards a properly tuned bow and an arrow setup matched to that spin. Once dialed in with the right rest, fletching, and spine, it flies true and groups well.
Hunters should go in understanding that single bevels are less forgiving of a poorly tuned setup than a symmetrical double bevel. The payoff for that extra tuning effort is the terminal performance, but flight is the area that demands attention up front.
Penetration
Penetration is the Cutthroat's headline, and it's genuinely exceptional. Hunters report it driving through 4 inches of bone with only minimal edge damage, which is the kind of result that defines the single-bevel category. The monolithic construction means there's no joint to fail and no energy lost flexing on impact.
The single-bevel grind causes the head to rotate as it penetrates, splitting and levering through bone rather than simply parting tissue. The result is deep, consistent penetration even on the heaviest game, which is exactly why penetration-obsessed hunters choose it.
Durability & edge retention
Machined from a single billet of carbon or S7 tool steel at 57 to 58 HRC, the Cutthroat is built to survive. The 4-inch bone test left only minimal edge damage, and the absence of welds or screws means there's nothing to loosen or break.
It holds its edge well and resharpens to shave-sharp, accounting for multiple bears on a single head in field reports. The only durability-adjacent caveat is that the 25-degree single bevel takes practice to sharpen correctly, but the steel itself is bombproof.
Blood trail
The single-bevel grind produces a distinctive rotating S-cut wound that resists closing up, which keeps blood flowing where a straight cut might seal. In field reports, four deer were tracked a combined 165 yards total, which is a short average for big game and reflects how well the wound bleeds.
That self-opening wound geometry is a key advantage of the single-bevel design. Even on heavy-bodied animals, the Cutthroat leaves a trail that stays open and easy to follow.
Value & who it's for
At around $90 for three, the Cutthroat is a premium head, but the value is strong for what you get: a monolithic, resharpenable, field-proven single bevel that Outdoor Life rated the best in its class. A head that accounts for multiple bears and resharpens indefinitely earns its price over time.
It's the choice for the serious big-game and heavy-bone hunter who's committed to the single-bevel approach and willing to learn the 25-degree sharpening and tune accordingly. For elk, bear, and the toughest game, few heads penetrate like it.
Specifications
| Brand | Cutthroat |
|---|---|
| Type | Single Bevel |
| Cutting diameter | 1 1/8"–1 1/2" |
| Blades | Monolithic single bevel, 25° |
| Grain options | 125gr, 150gr, 200gr, 250gr |
| Blade / steel | Carbon or S7 tool steel (57–58 HRC, .060") |
| Ferrule | One-piece machined billet (no welds/screws) |
| Pack | 3-pack |
| Approx. price | ~$90 / 3-pack |
| Best for | Elk and big game, Heavy bone, Single-bevel devotees |
Specs and pricing are approximate and change frequently — confirm with the retailer before buying.
How it compares
FAQ
Why is the Cutthroat Single Bevel rated the best single bevel?
The Cutthroat Single Bevel earned Outdoor Life's top single-bevel rating for its exceptional penetration, monolithic billet construction with no welds or screws, and a self-opening S-cut wound. It has driven through 4 inches of bone with minimal edge damage and accounted for multiple bears on one head.
Is the Cutthroat Single Bevel hard to sharpen?
It has a learning curve. The Cutthroat Single Bevel uses a 25-degree single bevel edge, which is sharpened differently than a symmetrical double bevel. Once you learn the technique it resharpens to shave-sharp, but new single-bevel users should expect some practice.
Do I need a special arrow setup for the Cutthroat Single Bevel?
Yes, careful tuning helps. The Cutthroat Single Bevel imparts rotational torque in flight, so it flies best from a properly tuned bow with arrow spine, rest, and fletching matched to that spin. Many hunters run heavier total arrow weights to maximize its bone-splitting penetration.
Is the Cutthroat Single Bevel good for elk?
Yes, it excels on elk and other heavy-boned game. The Cutthroat Single Bevel's monolithic tool-steel construction and rotating single-bevel grind split through heavy bone and deliver deep penetration, while the S-cut wound resists closing for a strong blood trail.
Sources
Sentiment for this review was aggregated from independent tests, hunting forums and retailer reviews, including:
