Spear

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Two Maasai men demonstrating how to throw their spears.

A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable material fastened to the shaft, such as bone, flint, obsidian, iron, steel, or bronze. The most common design for hunting or combat spears since ancient times has incorporated a metal spearhead shaped like a triangle, lozenge, or leaf. The heads of fishing spears usually feature barbs or serrated edges.

The spear has been used throughout human history both as a hunting and fishing tool and as a weapon. Along with the club, knife, and axe, it is one of the earliest and most important tools developed by early humans. As a weapon, it may be wielded with either one or two hands. It was used in virtually every conflict up until the modern era, where even then it continues on in the form of the fixed bayonet on a long gun, and is probably the most commonly used weapon in history.

Materials needed

  • Branch, pole or sapling. The length should be at least as tall as you, ideally some centimeters longer to offfer a better reach, and the diameter should be anywhere between 2.5 and 3.8 cm (1 and 1.5 inches). While either live or dead wood can be used, recently deceased wood is preferred for the knife spear.
  • Knife (for the knife spear).
  • Rope (for the knife spear).

Crafting instructions

Pole spear

See also: Stick

Sharpen the spear with a rough surface, including a stone. The spear can also be sharpened against surfaces such as a wall's or a sidewalk. Carve a pointed tip for your spear with a tool, such as a knife or a small hand-axe, and carefully fashion a point on one end of the pole or branch. Use small and even strokes to carve the tip, cutting away from oneself always to avoid injury. Even with a sharp knife, the process can be time consuming and physically demanding. Once you are satisfied with the point of the spear, fire harden the tip with a small fire, drying the wood to make it lighter and harder. Hold the sharpened end just above the flames, turning it until the wood changes color. Continue turning over until the entire tip has changed color.[1]

Knife spear

For a knife spear, you want to find a handle that will be easy to cut into but sturdy enough to use as the spear. Recently dead wood is preferred, while green wood should be avoided. Trim any branches or knobs off the chosen limb and clean the handle. Bark can also be removed to improve the handle's grip.[1]

Choose which end of the limb will be the "shelf" of the spear, the one that the knife will be attached to. The shelf lends support to the spear and aids in securing the knife to the handle. Cut long, thin, vertical strips off the branch with a sharp knife until the shelf for the knife is done. The branch can be braced against another tree or stump to make the process easier and safer.[1]

Finally, use a length of rope or other available cordage to attach the knife to the spear. Tie one end of the rope to a tree trunk and wrap the other end around the knife and spear. Walk away until the line is taught. Using your body weight to keep the line taught, begin wrapping the rope around the knife. Wrap the rope all the way up to the hilt of the knife and make another pass back down the handle for safety. Finish the wrap with a simple knot.[1]

Dependencies

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "How to Make a Spear", Wikihow, Retrieved on 6 May 2022
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