http://flickr.com/photos/craighatfield/1442175807
Early English archers were renown for their skills. Many credit their success to the invention of English long bow. But it may be more because of their war arrows. The English War Arrow was longer than most, and this allowed for greater impact and longer flight. You can craft your own replica 15th century English War Arrow.
Instructions
1. Mark the poplar shaft 4 inches from the notch end. An arrow shaft is tapered at both ends. Use sand paper or a plane to taper the arrow shaft. It should taper from 1/2-inch to 3/8-inch thick at either end.
2. Fit the shaft for the arrow head by whittling the shaft until it slides neatly in the arrow socket. Glue the arrow head on to the shaft.
3. Create a nock. Set the shaft into a vice and find the direction of the grain. Use a hack saw to slice 1/4-inch nock parallel to the grain of the wood. Insert the horn sliver and glue in place. When the glue is dry, cut the horn down to the width of the shaft and sand smooth. Cut 1/4-inch deep nock into the horn with the hacksaw.
4. Sand the shaft until completely smooth. Apply a protective coating of beeswax to the shaft.
5. Fletch the arrow. Start by cutting your feather along the quill into two parts. Leave some quill with the feathers to keep them together. Cut them to length--about 8 inches. Glue three feathers to the shaft 2 inches from the nock, equally spaced around the shaft. Trim the feathers. Lash the feathers to the shaft with thread.
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