How to Make Arrow and Spearheads out of Slate
So you want to be a stone age hunter, archer, or just make cool weapons? Then read on.
[edit] Steps
- Search for some slate (a flat stone used to make roof tiles).
- Smash the slate (to get the right shape snap bits off with your thumb
- Slowly chip out the shape of your arrow/spearhead, using another stone or hard, pointed object.
- Sharpen your slate using another stone if necessary. Often the stone's tip will be sharp enough as is.
- Get a good sized arrow/spear shaft by going to a woodland area.
- Split the stick down the middle for about an inch, and then insert the arrowhead, tip out.
- Secure by tying as tightly as you can with leather stip, twine, flax, or nylon string.
- Decorate a spear with feathers and/or berries or just feathers for an arrow. If you plan on using it, do not "decorate" it. This becomes a nuisance.
[edit] Tips
- Don't be impatient if you can't do it the first time.
- Bamboo shoots make really good arrow shafts
- For arrows, add split tail feather to balance out the arrow; this will make it more precise. They need to be split and three of them applied 1 inch down from the notch every 33 1/3 third degrees around the circumference of the arrow shaft.
- Sandpaper works well on slate, but it's dusty work.
- Slate shingles work better than roof tiles.
- When shaping the arrowhead, use pressure to flake off chips, do not smash them of - this often results in breaking the arrowhead into bits.
[edit] Warnings
- Slate can be sharp so watch out
- Don't throw stab or shoot anybody with the slate weapons.
- Be careful.
- Aim higher than your target (to avoid accidental shots).
- Always look at what you might hit if you miss your target.
