Brief description

A spear is a long-shafted tool with a pointed head used for hunting, fishing, and defense. Its reach and focused tip make it effective at piercing targets from a safe distance.

Use / Function

• Hunting: Delivers a piercing strike against game.
• Fishing: Multi-prong or barbed heads secure slippery targets.
• Defense: Extends reach against threats.
• Utility: Probes water depth, mud, or vegetation.

Operating principle

The shaft acts as a lever that amplifies reach and control. Force is concentrated at the tip, allowing penetration. Barbs or sockets resist pullout while tension is maintained.

How to create it

1. Select a shaft: Choose a straight Wood pole and remove bark.
2. Straighten and harden: Heat gently over a fire and bend until true.
3. Form the head: Shape Stone or bone into a sharp point or forge a metal head.
4. Haft the point: Cut a split or socket, insert the head, and bind tightly.
5. Seal the binding: Apply Pine Resin Glue to lock lashings and resist moisture.

Materials needed

• Essential: Wooden shaft, stone or bone head, Pine Resin Glue for sealing.
• Binding: Plant fibers.
• Tools: Knife, scraper, awl, hammerstone, fire.
• Substitutes: Fire-hardened wooden point or sharpened bone splinter.

Variants and improvements

• Thrusting spear: Heavier head for close-range power.
• Throwing spear: Balanced and lighter for distance.
• Fishing spear: Multi-prong head for better retention.
• Barbed head: Backward points reduce pullout.

Limits and risks

• Breakage: Impacts can snap the shaft.
• Loosening: Heads can work free if lashings rot.
• Injury: Slips during thrust can pierce hands or feet.
• Legal limits: Some regions restrict spears for hunting.