How to Make Horn Nock Inserts

English longbows were the primary battle weapon of archers and were used during medieval warfare. These bows were often reinforced at the arrow nock by an insert, typically made from a separate piece of hardwood or from an animal's horn. Nock inserts reinforce the arrow that enables the archer to use a heavier draw without incurring damage to the arrow shaft. Making traditional horn nock inserts can be accomplished with little difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Padded vise
  • Hacksaw
  • 3 standard hacksaw blades
  • Horn and hoof glue
  • Buffalo Horn material
  • Bulldog clip
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the arrow nock width and depth. Secure the arrow -- nock end up -- in a padded vise.

    • 2

      Cut the horn to a flat rectangular shape -- using a sharp hacksaw -- corresponding to the dimensions of your arrow nock depth and width, plus 1/32 inch. Leaving the excess is essential for sanding the entire nock down and properly securing the horn insert.

    • 3

      Apply horn and hoof glue to the bottom and sides of the horn insert. Slide the insert into the arrow nock. Clamp the nock with a bulldog clip and allow a day for the glue to cure completely.

    • 4

      Sand the top and sides of the insert -- using medium- to coarse-grit sandpaper -- until the insert is completely flush with the top and sides of the arrow shaft.

    • 5

      Tape three standard hacksaw blades together to add width for forming the nock. Cut the new nock groove horizontally across the insert and shaft using the taped saw bladed, 3/8 inch deep.

    • 6

      Sand the inside of the new nock groove until smooth using fine-grit sandpaper. Round off the nock end to a concave shape using a wood file.