The spear is one of the oldest weapons ever used by humans. The first spear was just a stick that was sharpened and hardened with fire. However, over time, humans discovered how to forge iron and silver so that the spear became a popular weapon in the medieval period (medieval). These days, spears are no longer widely used but are still very useful for survivors. Whether you're making spears out of necessity or simply to channel your creativity, the process must be done with care. Spears are not toys and must be handled with care.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Simple Spear from a Branch or Trunk
Step 1. Get the branches and/or trunk
When looking for spear material, choose one that is as long as your body. Ideally, the branch should be a few centimeters longer for better reach.
- The selected stem should be 2.5-4 cm in diameter.
- Hardwoods, such as ash or oak are the best choices. To sharpen a spear, find an object with a hard surface such as a rock or brick. Rub it on the wood surface to sharpen it.
- If you're making spears in the wild, look for saplings nearby that are the right size. You can choose live or dead wood, whichever is available.
Step 2. Sharpen the cutting edge
Use a knife or small ax to carefully sharpen one end of the stem.
- Sharpen the branch in small, even motions, and point it away from the body to avoid injury.
- This process can be very time consuming. Even with the help of a sharp knife, chopping wood can be dangerous and exhausting.
Step 3. Make a small bonfire to burn the spearhead
Once the ends of the stems are pointed enough, hold the pointed ends over the fire, and twist until all of the wood has changed color. Continue this step until all the ends of the ribs are burned.
This hardening technique with fire actually only dries the wood so that it becomes lighter and harder. Wet wood is soft, and dry wood is harder. By burning the cutting edge, you are simply removing the moisture from the wood
Method 2 of 3: Making Spear Knives
Step 1. Find a suitable sized branch or trunk of a sapling
When making a spear blade, look for a handle that will be easy to cut but strong enough to be used as a weapon or tool. Don't use green wood. Ideally, use freshly dead wood.
Preferably wood 2.5 cm in diameter
Step 2. Clean the branches
Cut any branches or clumps from the branches and make a clean handle. You can peel off some of the bark to make it easier to hold.
Step 3. Create a “shelf” for the knife
Select the end of the branch to which the knife will be attached. Use a sharp knife to cut long, thin vertical strips of wood until only a "shelf" remains for the blade.
- This rack will support the spear and help secure the blade to the hilt.
- Hold the branch on a tree or other trunk to make the process safer and easier.
Step 4. Install the blade
Use string or long wire to secure the knife to the branch. Tie one end of the rope to the tree trunk and wrap the other end around the knife and branch. Walk until the rope tightens. Then, use your body weight to keep the rope taut, and start wrapping the rope around the blade.
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Wrap the rope all the way to the head of the knife. For extra security, wrap the strap again around the handle. Finish with a simple knot.
Method 3 of 3: Installing Commercial Spearheads
Step 1. Buy spearheads
Spearheads can be purchased via the internet. You can also buy spearheads from a local knife shop available in your city.
Commercial spearheads are usually not sharpened. You can sharpen this eye yourself, or use the services of a professional
Step 2. Prepare the appropriate haft
The spear "haft" is the rod to which the spearhead is attached. “Hafting” is the process of attaching the spearhead to the hilt.
- If the blades you purchased are of good quality, you may need to dig a little deeper to buy good ash rods.
- Depending on the thickness of the haft, you may need to tape one end so that the blade can be securely attached. Make sure you carve just enough so that it fits the blade of the spear; if it's too much, there will be a gap between the haft and the spearhead so it's a bit loose.
Step 3. Make sure the spearhead fits snugly
Insert the spearhead into the haft to make sure it fits snugly. The spearhead may be equipped with a hole in a “socket”, that is, a slotted end that fits into the haft.
Use a marker or pencil to mark the location of the holes in the haft. Make a small hole here using a drill to close the spear head
Step 4. Install the spear head
You can secure the spear head with a short nail or pin. Alternatively, use glue or epoxy if you don't have a drill.
- If there are multiple holes in the spearhead socket, make sure you drill straight through the haft so that the pin or nail aligns with the socket hole.
- Drive a short nail through the hole to secure the spearhead to the haft. Hold one end of the nail with pliers to keep it steady while you hammer the other end.
- Use a ball-peen hammer to knock the nail head against the wood, creating a rivet, and locking the nail. Repeat the process on the other side until both ends of the nail are firmly in place.
Tips
- Spear ornament. The spear is ready for use after the tip is hardened with fire (or after the metal spearhead is attached). However, you can add patterns to the spear shaft. You can also wrap leather around the hilt to protect your hand when gripping the spear.
- To attach a spearhead or sharp stone to a stem or branch, simply use the same method as making a spear blade. Instead of making a shelf for the spearhead, make a notch in the middle of one end of the branch. This notch should be centered on the selected end and wide enough to ensure it fits snugly.
- An easy way to sharpen a spear is to use a stone that is split by another stone.
Warning
- Always make sure that no one is in front of you and away from your path of throwing the spear.
- Be careful when using knives and axes.
- Spears are dangerous goods and can cause injury or even death. Make sure you don't throw it at someone else.