Q&A for How to Make a Spear

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  • Question
    What other materials can I use as a spearhead?
    Anthony Porter
    Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
    Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.
    Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can also look for naturally shaped triangular pieces of rock. These rocks can be secured to the shaft of your spear using a strong cord, leather strips, or even vines if that’s what you have on hand. The sharper and more pointed the rock, the more effective it will be for piercing. Bones, particularly from larger animals, can be sharpened and tied to a shaft as a natural spearhead alternative. They’re strong and can be carved to a fine point. No matter what material you choose, the key is to attach it securely so it won’t shift or come loose during use. Wrapping it tightly with paracord, leather, or a sturdy vine can help keep everything locked in place.
  • Question
    How long should a spear be?
    Community Answer
    Personally I would say about an inch or half an inch above your own height! That should be the perfect length for your spear.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a knife?
    Community Answer
    Use a sharp rock such as flint or obsidian. If you can't find that, get a large rock the size of a blade, and chisel to make a sharp point with barbs. Make a notch in the stick with the rock, and place it inside out with sap around the side (optional), or you can use vine or rope to secure it.
  • Question
    How can I make a stick spear without anything to sharpen it?
    Community Answer
    Put some sand on a flat surface and rub the stick on there, or just rub the stick on a brick or stone wall.
  • Question
    How do I find sticks to make a spear?
    Community Answer
    A nearby forest is a good place to start; however, if you don't live near any wooded areas, hardware stores will have wooden poles used for broom- and mop-handles which would work quite well.
  • Question
    What is the best wood I can use to make a spear?
    Community Answer
    Oak or spruce would work pretty well, both are very strong. You would follow the same steps either way.
  • Question
    How do I make a wooden spear head that is separate from the body of the spear?
    Community Answer
    You can use twine to attach it to the body, but make notches in your spear head and stick.
  • Question
    Can a spear be used to catch fish?
    Community Answer
    Yes, spear fishing has been practiced around the world for centuries.
  • Question
    How can I make a spear from a mop stick?
    Community Answer
    If the mop stick is plastic then use UHU (multi purpose adhesive) then follow the instructions for the last method.
  • Question
    How can I make sure my spear head will not come off?
    Community Answer
    Stick it in with super glue and/or secure it with electrical tape.
  • Question
    What kind of knife should I use?
    Community Answer
    A short one with a blade that is about 3-4 inches long.
  • Question
    Can I use string instead of rope or a vine?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it won't be as strong and would likely snap pretty quickly.
  • Question
    How would I make a bow?
    Community Answer
    See wikiHow's article on how to make a bow .
  • Question
    Can I use a spear from this video to hunt?
    Community Answer
    You can, depending on how well it's made, the prey, and your skill. But if you do decide to hunt with it, be careful, and don't try to hunt anything unless you're sure you could kill it with one throw.
  • Question
    Is it possible to fashion a spear from a bent stick?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it would need to be thick.
  • Question
    I tried to make a battering ram but it's not sharp. How do I sharpen it properly?
    Community Answer
    A battering ram is not meant to be sharp, however if you want to sharpen it, the best way would be using a knife or saw, depending on how big it is, and working at it until its desired sharpness.
  • Question
    What happens if I am in a place with no trees?
    Community Answer
    Go to a hardware store, they have plenty of wood there. Or buy and use a broomstick without the head.
  • Question
    What size notch should be used?
    Community Answer
    Make a deep enough notch to put a string in it and to tighten the string off.
  • Question
    Can I make a spear with a smaller blade?
    Community Answer
    Yes, any sized blade will work. But the larger the blade is, the stronger it will be.
  • Question
    Can I make the spear with cardboard?
    Community Answer
    I would assume not, based on the fact that cardboard is flimsy and cannot be sharpened to a point.
  • Question
    Which works best - rock, knife, or just a sharpened point?
    Community Answer
    A knife, it is already pre-sharpened, so it is more efficient. It will save time and give you the best results.
  • Question
    Can I use a toy spearhead?
    Community Answer
    Technically, yes, but only if you don't intend to actually use the spear. A toy spearhead will break very easily.
  • Question
    How can I do this if I am lost in the wild with nothing?
    Community Answer
    You could use a sharp knappable rock and strike it with a rock to make a sharp blade to scrape away material to in the end make a point.
  • Question
    Can I make a spearhead with a rock?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! Early humans would make and sharpen spearheads with rocks.
  • Question
    How long does it take to sharpen the spear against a rock?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how fast you work. It could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
  • Question
    How can I make a trident?
    Community Answer
    If it’s wood, then you could find a log and carve it into a trident. You can also get a bunch of branches and attach them together with rope. Or this: You can get a branch for the shaft and the get another shorter branch for the horizontal part and make a hole in the center. The top of the shaft should be pointed and then you can stick it in the hole in the other stick. Part of the shaft can be the center prong. Make two more holes on the sides of the horizontal branch and get two more sticks for the other two prongs. Sharpen the ends of the two sticks and stick in the end holes. You should also secure the shaft and prongs to the horizontal branch with rope to be safe.
  • Question
    How would I attach a rock to the spear without a rope or vine?
    Community Answer
    You might also use some sort of cloth or fabric if you don't have anything else.
  • Question
    Can I just use a stick and sharpen it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the tip will bend or break upon impact. If you don't have fire, then you can just leave it out in the sun to dry.
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