How to Make a Steel Spear Head

Spears are one of the oldest tools ever created. Although they can be used as a weapon, in a wilderness or survival setting spears are very useful for hunting small animals or fishing. The simplest spears are made of wood, though a steel spearhead can be made to give the spear added strength and durability. Making your own steel spearhead does not require many supplies and can be done even if you are not an experienced blacksmith.

Things You'll Need

  • Handheld maul hammer
  • Vise grips
  • Small anvil or railroad track
  • Charcoal grill
  • Blow dryer
  • Firewood
  • Leather gloves
  • Metal file
  • Construction-grade steel rod
  • Metal bucket
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a fire in the charcoal grill using the firewood. Oak or any other hardwood works well. Be sure to put on a pair of leather gloves before handling the fire or hot steel rod.

    • 2

      Insert one end of the steel rod, which should be no more than about 12 inches long, deep into the center of the fire. Use the blow dryer to stoke the fire where the steel rod is sitting.

    • 3

      Remove the steel rod from the fire once the end has become bright red by holding the cool end of the rod with a vise grip.

    • 4

      Hold the hot steel rod to the anvil or railroad track section using the vise grip and begin to hammer the hot end with the maul. Use large arching swings and make a pulling motion as the hammer strikes the rod. This will help shape the edges of the spearhead.

    • 5

      Repeat Steps 2 through 4 once the steel begins to cool down and turn a bluish gray color.

    • 6

      Dunk the hot steel rod into a metal bucket of water once you have fashioned it into the desire spearhead shape. Sit the rod aside and allow it to cool completely.

    • 7

      Sharpen the edges and tip of the spearhead using a metal file.