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This article covers everything you need to turn a large rock into an arrowhead. For your first attempt, it's recommended to start at Part 2 so you can get straight to shaping an arrowhead out of easy to find materials. You can even use the base of a beer bottle!
Steps
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Look for the right type of rock. It should be brittle, fine-grained (no large patterns or striations), uniform in texture, and contain no fractures. Jasper, chalcedony, quartzite, obsidian, and any type of chert or flint are all excellent choices. [1] X Research source- Obsidian is the most distinct, a very shiny black glass, but it only occurs in certain areas. Even if you can't identify any of these, however, there are still ways to test whether a rock is useful:
- Tap the stone with another stone and listen to the ring. Generally speaking, the higher the pitch, the better the core. [2] X Research source
- Strike it once with a harder stone. If a cone-shaped impression is left and sharp fragments break off, this rock is good for shaping.
- Glass and porcelain will also work, but unless you have an unusually large piece, you'll probably skip straight to the instructions for shaping it into an arrowhead.
- If you have no success finding the right rock in your area, you can use a beer bottle base and skip straight to instructions for shaping an arrowhead.
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Select a large rock of the right type. This will be your core , and the larger it is, the more chances you'll have at breaking off a good piece. However, it should be small enough to hold steadily between one hand and your leg.Advertisement -
Select a hard stone or other tool. If you're using obsidian, glass, or another especially brittle material, you can select a softer rock. A specialized tool called a billet will also work.- The stone should be roughly round, easy to grip, and harder than the material you selected. This is called a hammerstone .
- A billet is a hard cylindrical object traditionally made from moose antler, bone, or very hard wood.
- Soft hammerstones and billets are used on softer cores and for more precise flaking, since they "catch" on the core's material and allow you to direct the force more accurately.
- You only need one tool, but trying out several will let you test which one works best for the size and type of rock you chose.
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Find or create a striking surface. This is called a "platform", and should be located next to an edge of the rock with an acute angle (less than 90 degrees).- If your rock does not have a suitable platform, break apart one of the rounded edges with a large hard hammerstone.
- A flatter platform will be easier to strike, but the angle of the edge is more important. A rough platform will improve as you hammer it.
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Use your tools to break flakes off your platform. It may take practice before you can reliably form suitable flakes.
- Sit with legs apart and hold the core firmly against your leg using your left hand (if you are right handed). Keep the platform oriented over the gap between your legs.
- Strike the edge of the platform with a controlled glancing blow, coming from above and following through below the core. [3] X Research source
- The ideal flake is long and fairly thin, though not so thin it will break. Large is good, so strike the platform with a good deal of force if you're only making small fragments.
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Prepare the surface between strikes. Set aside the flake just created and grind off small fragments from the striking surface's edge. This strengthens the platform and reduces the chance of unwanted breakage. You can use your hammerstone, any soft rock, or a nail file. [4] X Research source
- This shouldn't require much force.
- This is also referred to as "brushing" or "abrading" the rock.
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Select a flake. Once you've removed at least a few flakes, decide which one(s) to shape into an arrowhead. An ideal flake for this purpose is long, relatively thin, and convex on both sides.
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Select a suitable object. If you completed Part 1, you'll already have one made exactly for this purpose. Otherwise, a flat piece of glass such as the base of a beer bottle is an easily accessible material for practicing. Either way, the rest of the instructions refer to this as a flake . [5] X Research source- If using a beer bottle base, be sure to carefully remove hanging glass fragments with a rock before you begin. Gloves are especially important for this.
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Grind the edge of the flake to remove weak fragments. If you created the flake yourself, this is the same process you used on the core to strengthen it between strikes. You can use a soft stone or nail file.
- If there are any protrusions or areas too thin to use, break them off as you grind.
- WARNING: Always prepare the edge below the centerline of the flake (an imaginary plane running through the horizontal center of the flake). Striking above the centerline will cause the flake to shatter.
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Select a small shaping tool. This is called a pressure flaker : a durable flexible tool, usually with an antler or copper tip. You can purchase one or make it yourself out of a copper nail fastened in a piece of hardwood. -
Sit and prepare to start working. This should be in an outdoor area so you don't fill an enclosed space with rock dust. Gloves and goggles will prevent cuts.- Firmly hold the flake against your knee. The next step will require a fair amount of force, so you'll need to keep it stable.
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Use the tool to shape an edge around the entire object. You'll be working on both sides of the flake to reduce the object to two convex sides with one edge between them. This is called creating a bifacial edge. [6] X Research source
- Push down with your pressure flaker below the centerline (midpoint of the object) to push off a smaller flake. This will create a "flake scar".
- Flip the object over and use the flake scar to create a similar flake on the opposite side.
- Rotate slightly and repeat. Eventually you'll have one edge all around the flake, with flake scars on either side.
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Flake more material off both sides of the edge to create the desired shape. Pay attention to where you're applying force as you do this; you'll need to remove more material from portions of the object in order to end up with the "rounded triangle" or "lens" shape of an arrowhead.- REMEMBER, always keep the side you're working on face down. Pushing through the top of the object will shatter it.
- Place your tool against the "valley" of a flake scar and push hard into the center of the object (not down as before).
- Maintain that pressure inward and push down to remove a long flake extending as far toward the center of the object as you can manage.
- Moving around the edge on both sides, repeat this process until the flakes you are removing reach the center of the object on both sides and the arrowhead shape is achieved. You may need to fully rotate the object several times.
- Consider switching to smaller tools to make smaller adjustments as you near your goal. [7] X Research source
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Notch your arrowhead. If you'd like to bind your arrowhead to an arrow shaft, you'll need to create two notches at the base. You can use a specialized notching tool similar to a flathead screwdriver, or use the same pressure flaking tool as before.
- Using the same technique you used to begin your bifacial edge, flake off a portion of the base angled toward the center of the arrowhead.
- Gradually work your way into the arrowhead until the notch is long and wide enough to tie onto an arrow shaft. Keep flipping the object over to work on each side of the notch in equal amounts.
- Grind the inside edge of the notch smooth using a nail file.
- Create a second notch on the opposite side of the base.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat's the strongest kind of arrow?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.The best and strongest arrows you can get are carbon fiber ones. People love them because they’re durable, strong, and more cost-effective than aluminum. Carbon arrows last a long time and stay straight, which really helps with consistent and accurate shooting. They’re also lighter than aluminum, which means faster speed and better accuracy. When picking carbon arrows, think about the diameter and spine (flexibility) that will fit your draw weight and shooting style. Thicker arrows work well with more powerful bows and can handle more force without bending. Thinner arrows are better for lighter draw weights but aren’t as strong under heavy tension. Make sure to choose arrows that match your height and bow strength for the best performance and safety.
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QuestionHow do you attach the stick to the arrowhead?Community AnswerCut a notch into the tip and insert the arrowhead. Secure it with glue, or wrapped with string or strong thread - or ideally, both. For greater authenticity, use animal tendon, or birch tar or pine pitch.
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QuestionHow can I control the stronger stone so it breaks the other stone perfectly?Community AnswerHit the other stone at a slant, from the bottom to the top, so the top is pointier. Don't hit too hard or too soft.
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Tips
- For best results, aim to strike the platform at roughly a 50 degree angle from the desired break line. [8] X Research sourceThanks
- Applying heat to the core or flake can make it easier to work with at the expense of durability. Make sure you know the properties of your material, since different materials require different temperatures. [9] X Research sourceThanks
- Creating both notches simultaneously (alternating flakes) can help you keep them symmetrical. [10] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- This process creates many tiny sharp particles. Wear goggles to protect your eyes and do not work in an enclosed space.Thanks
- The core will become extremely sharp as you develop the edge. You'll need extra thick gloves to protect your hands.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Tools in bold are described in more detail above.
- Heavy duty leather gloves or a leather palm grip
- Goggles
- An outdoor location to sit and work
- Core (if you're starting at Part 1)
- Hammerstone or billet (if you're starting at Part 1)
- Flake (if you're starting at Part 2)
- Pressure flaker
- Notching tool (optional)
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about outdoor recreation and survival, check out our in-depth interview with Anthony Porter .
References
- ↑ http://www.wildernesscollege.com/making-arrowheads.html
- ↑ http://www.wildernesscollege.com/making-arrowheads.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuzh1uaSf4
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuzh1uaSf4
- ↑ http://www.cavemanchemistry.com/oldcave/projects/stone/bottle.html
- ↑ http://www.cavemanchemistry.com/oldcave/projects/stone/bottle.html
- ↑ http://flintknappinginfo.webstarts.com/uploads/BasicConcepts.pdf
- ↑ http://www.wildernesscollege.com/making-arrowheads.html
- ↑ http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/Heat%20Treating%20Guide%20with%20Table.html
- ↑ http://www.cavemanchemistry.com/oldcave/projects/stone/bottle.html
- Videos provided by Shawn Woods
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you want to make your own arrowhead, find a flat piece of glass, like the base of a beer bottle, or a thin piece of rock. This is known as your flake. Once you have your object, you’ll need to grind the edge of the flake to remove any weak fragments. You’ll also need to select a small, flexible shaping tool, like an antler or a copper tip. Stabilize your flake against your knee and use your tool to shape an edge around the entire object. Work on both sides of the flake to reduce the object to 2 convex sides with 1 edge between them. Always keep the side you’re working on face down since pushing through the top of the object will shatter it. If you want to bind your arrowhead to an arrow shaft, create 2 notches at the base. To learn how to break off a piece of rock for shaping, keep reading!
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