How to Craft Your Own Bow & Arrow

For thousands of years, the bow and arrow was used as a tool for hunting and a weapon of warfare. In modern times, a bow and arrow is most commonly used for sport in archery and hunting. Constructing a high-quality bow is difficult and time-consuming, but making a simple bow is relatively easy. Knowing how to make a primitive bow and the accompanying arrows is a practical skill for anyone interested in archery or wilderness survival. This simple bow is not built to last long and should be replaced when it loses its spring or breaks.

Instructions

  1. Bow Construction

    • 1

      Cut a piece of dry, dead wood for the bow to a meter in length.

    • 2

      Examine the wood to identify its natural curve. The curve is the side of the wood that faces you when you pull the bow back.

    • 3

      Position the wood so that the inside of its curve faces you.

    • 4

      Scrape the larger end of the stick with a knife until it has the same pull and thickness as the smaller end.

    • 5

      Cut two notches on each end of the bow on the outside of the curve, approximately one to two inches from its tips.

    • 6

      Tie the string or line to the top notch. Pull the string down tight and tie it to the bottom notch. The bow will now have a D-shape appearance with the string serving as the back of the D.

    Constructing Arrows

    • 7

      Cut thin and straight sticks to a half meter in length. Choose straight, strong sticks that are made from dry, dead wood.

    • 8

      Whittle the arrows until they are smooth around the circumference.

    • 9

      Carve a notch at the back end of each arrow for attaching the bow string.

    • 10

      Construct a simple arrowhead by whittling the tip of the arrow into a point. Harden the arrowhead by carefully heating it over hot coals. Do not burn or singe the wood.

    • 11

      Construct more complex arrowheads by chipping, carving or cutting flint stone, glass, bone or metal. Carve a notch into the tip of the arrow and insert the arrowhead. Fasten the arrowhead to the arrow with string or thread.