How to Make a Harpoon

Harpoons have been a vital tool in the hunt for food for tens of thousands of years. Across the world, the weapon has been used and improved, tested and revised. Looking at the modern harpoon, with its compressed air launcher and explosive head, it's easy to think that the harpoon is a piece of technology that's out of reach of most people; however, even modern harpoons are based on deceptively simple techniques. The harpoon remains an effective, versatile weapon that can be made very quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Survival knife or saw
  • Metal or wooden pole, 4-foot
  • Table vise
  • Rigged steel dart
  • Marine grade braided cable, 5 to 6 feet
  • Duct tape,1 roll
  • Permanent marker
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Instructions

  1. Pole and Dart

    • 1

      Measure a 2- to 3-foot metal pole, and brace it against the ground or in a table vise, if you have one handy. Use a survival knife or saw to split a wooden pole, carefully, down its center. Carefully work this split so it doesn't run the entire length of the pole, but goes 2 to 3 inches deep into the pole. Remove the knife.

    • 2

      Slide a rigged steel dart -- available from fishing stores -- into the split you just created. Be sure to center it so the dart lies straight and doesn't lean to either side, as this will effect the aerodynamics of the harpoon when it's thrown.

    • 3

      Use duct tape to hold the dart in place. Wrap it around the split in the pole, being careful to use an even amount, as any extra weight will damage the harpoon's aerodynamics. Take the harpoon out of the restraints and test it in your hand for weight, adjusting the amount of tape or position of the dart as needed until it feels comfortable.

    Adding the Cable

    • 4

      Make a loop in one end of a coil of marine braided cable -- available from fishing stores -- and tie a sliding knot. This knot can be adjusted depending on how tight you want the line and is ideal for tying cable onto something with a tapering shape, such as the dart.

    • 5

      Slide the loop over the point of the dart and pull it tight against the shaft of the harpoon, where the dart is held in place. This will ensure that the cable remains taut even after the harpoon has been thrown and that, in turn, will enable you to use the cable to haul your catch out of the water.

    • 6

      Coil the remaining cable to one side of your work area and make any further adjustments you need to make to the cable. Where it feels most comfortable will depend on your height and build, as well as the length of your harpoon, so it may take some time to find the ideal position.

    Grip

    • 7

      Pick up the harpoon and hold it, one handed, at various points on its length. You'll feel its weight shift, tipping forward or backward depending on where you hold it. Keep switching positions on the shaft of the harpoon until you find the spot where it holds steady. This is the center of gravity. Mark it with a permanent marker and put the harpoon down.

    • 8

      Wrap more duct tape around the marked section until you have a patch of duct tape raised roughly an inch from the shaft of the harpoon. This will serve as a grip, and will help you throw the harpoon with more speed and accuracy.

    • 9

      Heft the harpoon in one hand and test the weight. Due to the increased weight at the front of the harpoon, it may drag down and forward. If this is the case, put the harpoon back down and run another length of duct tape around the rear of the harpoon shaft. Test its weight again and add or take away duct tape, as needed.