How to Make a Retractable Spear

The spear is commonly associated with ancient weaponry, and was utilized by indigenous cultures around the globe. All spear fabrication varied between cultures, though its use was predominantly for hunting or fending off large mammals. Spears were also used underwater for spear fishing, much like modern spear-guns. Often these spears were tied to cordage in order to easily retract the weapon. A spear can be made to propel through the water and be retracted using elastic tubing.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Elastic tubing (surgical tubing)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a piece of bamboo or wood about 5 to 6-feet tall. Shape the piece of bamboo or wood into a staff shape. Trim off any bark, knots or rough spots using a sharp carving knife. Sand the wood down with fine grit sandpaper to a smooth finish.

    • 2

      Shape one end of the spear to a sharp point using the carving knife. The style of the spear tip is completely up to your discretion and the tools you have available. With a piece of sharp metal or rock, you can tie or glue it to the end instead of sharpening the wood if you prefer.

    • 3

      Chisel a groove at least 1/4-inch deep-by-1-inch wide around the diameter of the spear, about 1 foot from the blunt bottom end. This will be used to secure the tubing.

    • 4

      Cut elastic tubing to the spear's length plus half. For a 6-foot spear you will cut the tubing to 9 feet long. Tie the elastic tubing onto the chiseled groove as tight as possible.

    • 5

      Coil the tubing up in your hand. Pull the tubing taut against the length of the spear, up towards the tip. Grip the spear while holding the tubing taut about 6 inches below the tip. When you're ready to use the spear, point the spear at the target and release your grip. The tension in the elastic tubing will release and propel the spear forward at a high speed, uncoiling the tubing. Retract the spear by pulling on the tubing.