How to Make a Spear in the Wilderness

The ability to fashion tools for emergency use is an important part of wilderness safety. A simple spear, for example, can be used for both hunting and defense, and it is very easy to make with minimal materials.
The basic materials for spear making are readily available in most wooded areas. A knife will serve as a cutting instrument for every step, but if you do not have one, fashion a blade or scraper from stone or other tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Saw
  • Scraper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a straight tree branch suitable for the spear shaft. The branch should be 1-inch in diameter for small game hunting (or at least 2 inches if your spear will be used for defense) and 5 to 6 feet long.

    • 2

      Cut down the branch, if necessary. Remove any offshoots, large knots or scars. Smooth off any rough areas that might cut your hands.

    • 3

      Fashion a head suitable to your spear's purpose. The head end of the spear should be completely straight and free of large knots or cracks.
      For a very small game or fishing spear, cut a slit 4 inches down the middle of the shaft and split apart the strips. You might have to steam or head the strips to help them keep shape. If you are making a hunting or defense spear, shave the end of the shaft into a point, sharp but not abrupt enough to weaken the wood. Fire-harden the head by heating over hot coals. Remove it from the fire just before the wood starts to char.

    • 4

      Wrap the center of the shaft with cordage, if available, for gripping. Also, wrap the shaft just behind the head to support the wood.