For combat a dull jagged edge takes longer to heal and may induce infection. This was a common thing when sword and other edged weapons were the tools of combat. However the more trauma to the wound the faster the blood clots. My bow kills amost always leave a better blood trail then my gun hunts do.

In hunting we are not looking to wound or damage the prey. A sharper blade cuts more cleanly and will bleed more so the animal will bleed out faster. It will also cut more blood vessels, veins and arteries were as a dull blade might let an artery roll around the blade.

A sharper blade will also let the wound heal faster and cleaner. So if you were to miss a vital area there would be a better chance of the deer living until next year.

And sharper blades also penitrate better obviously.

I never have gotten the idea behind the Steel Force serated edge blades. It sort of defeats the purpose of using a cut on contact head.

In my opinion if you are willing to give up the penitration of a sharp head and use a dull, nicked or serrated blade you might as well step up to a larger cutting mechanical.

Paul