Q&A for How to Make Arrowheads

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Question

What's the strongest kind of arrow?

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.

Anthony Porter

Outdoorsman and Survival Expert

Expert Answer

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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Question

How do you attach the stick to the arrowhead?

Community Answer

Cut 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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Question

How can I control the stronger stone so it breaks the other stone perfectly?

Community Answer

Hit 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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Question

Can I use sandstone?

David Grimard

Community Answer

No. Sandstone is made from sediments of sand and would break easily. Therefore, it would actually break apart on contact with anything as dense as a pine tree or harder.

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Question

Can I use a normal rock to make an arrowhead?

Community Answer

You could, but arrowheads are normally made from flint.

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Question

Can I use a rock other than obsidian to make arrowheads?

David Grimard

Community Answer

Yes. You can use rocks and minerals such as jasper or amethyst to use as a spearhead. These would work similar to obsidian, but are can be found anywhere, instead of just volcanic regions.

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Question

Where can I find a rock to make arrowheads?

Community Answer

You can find them outside in parks, or you may be able to purchase them as well.

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Question

Can I use the same technique to make an obsidian knife?

Community Answer

Yes, but the arrow head has to be smaller than the obsidian knife head.

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Question

Where do I find obsidian?

Community Answer

Obsidian is a glass formed from lava, so it is mostly in places that are or used to be volcanic.

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Question

How do I attach the feathers to the arrow?

Community Answer

Use pine-pitch glue to hold the feather in place, then wrap the feathers in sinew through the bristles of the feathers.

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Question

How do I attach the feather to the stick?

Community Answer

Try glue, like wood glue or gorilla glue.

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Question

Can I use a granite stone or river rock stone to make an arrowhead?

Community Answer

No, but they do work well for a hammer stone/ebrading stone. You can sometimes find flint near a river bank. It has a chalky surface, but when you break it open it ranges in color from gray to almost white.

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Question

Is there a specific temperature that I need to heat the rock to make arrowheads?

Community Answer

It doesn't need to be heated; what you are trying to do is to hit the rock with the other rock to make it shaped to your liking.

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Question

How would I make the arrow head sharper?

David Grimard

Community Answer

Flake at an angle. This chips off pieces of the rock without deforming it and will make your spear/arrowhead sharper.

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Question

Does a nail have to specifically be copper to pressure flake?

David Grimard

Community Answer

No. It can be anything with a high density, or you could use another rock to shape the spear you need to make.

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Question

Can I use quartz for an arrowhead?

Community Answer

Yes, quartz is one of the better minerals to use for an arrowhead.

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Question

What kind of rock was used to make the point in this article's pictures?

Community Answer

Obsidian was the rock that was used in the pictures, but you can use anything similar such as flint/chert, glass, porcelain, etc.

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Question

Can I make an arrowhead out of petrified wood?

Gavin Stair (FireUpTheChems!)

Community Answer

Yes, and it might be slightly easier, as you can whittle it instead of chipping.

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