The pole you choose should be anywhere from 1–1. 5 inches (2. 5–3. 8 cm) in diameter. [2] X Research source Hardwoods, such as ash or oak, are best for this project. To sharpen your spear, find some sort of rough surface such as stone, or a brick wall/ sidewalk. Rub it against the surface and sharpen it well. [3] X Research source If you are making a spear in the wilderness, search surrounding areas for a sapling of the right size. You can choose to use live wood or a recently deceased tree, whatever is available. [4] X Research source

Form the point by using small, even strokes and always cut away from yourself to avoid injury. This can be quite a time consuming task. Even with a sharp knife, cutting away at wood can be dangerous and physically taxing.

Fire hardening is simply drying the wood out to make it lighter and harder. Moist wood is soft, dry wood is hard. By holding the spear tip over the flames, you are simply removing all moisture from the wood. [6] X Research source

Search for a limb that is roughly 1 inch (2. 5 cm) in diameter.

Creating a shelf lends support to your spear and will aid in securing the knife to the handle. [10] X Research source Brace the branch against another tree or stump to make this process safer and easier. [11] X Research source

Wrap the rope all the way up to the hilt of the knife. For extra security make another pass back down the handle. Finish the wrap with a simple knot. [13] X Research source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/9/9d/Make-a-Spear-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Spear-Step-7Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/9/9d/Make-a-Spear-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/aid46472-v4-728px-Make-a-Spear-Step-7Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:306,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:485,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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Purchased spearheads may not come pre-sharpened. You could sharpen the blade yourself if you like, or take it to a professional knife sharpener.

If you spent money on a nice spearhead, chances are you’ll want to shell out the extra money for a decent ash pole. Depending on the thickness of the haft, you may have to taper one end in order to properly secure the spearhead. Make sure you only carve enough to fit the spearhead; carve too much and you will have a gap between the haft and the spearhead resulting in a loose fit. [14] X Research source

Using a marker or pencil, mark on the haft where the holes fall. You will be drilling a small hole here to secure the spearhead.

If there are multiple holes in the spearhead socket, make sure you drill straight through the haft, otherwise the pin or nail will be out of alignment with the socket holes. [16] X Research source Drive a short nail through the holes securing the spearhead to the haft. Secure one end of the nail using either a pair of pliers or a vice. This is to stabilize the spear while you hammer the other end of the nail. [17] X Research source Using a ball-peen hammer, tap around the head of the nail until it flattens out, causing a rivet and locking the nail in place. Repeat this process on the opposite side until both ends of the nail are securely fastened. [18] X Research source