This is a tutorial I made after we opened this discussion: http://mythicscribes.com/forums/research/3718-ask-me-about-archery-longbows-especially.html
It shows how to make traditional arrows and is broken into steps.
The supplies you will need are:
12 arrow shafts 3RiversArchery - Search Results for cedar shafts
12 nocks (optional)
A hacksaw blade (optional)
sandpaper
12 points 3RiversArchery - Search Results for field points
Fletch-tite and hot melt adhesive 3RiversArchery - Search Results for glue
feathers 3RiversArchery - Search Results for feather fletching
fake sinew (optional) 3RiversArchery - Search Results for artificial sinew
fletching jig (optional) 3RiversArchery - Search Results for fletching jig
A note about the supplies will accompany each post to help you decide, but I have limited number of supplies I work with, so I can only advise on the things I have used, and based on my historical research.
Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you have about traditional arrows or quivers. If I can, I'll do a leather quiver tutorial as well. Thanks for your interest and support.
There are a few steps I'm not taking videos of. The first step once you have your dozen shafts, is to sand them. I use 220 sandpaper and sand until they are perfectly smooth. Also, if you should get a shaft that is not perfectly straight, you can straighten it by heating it with friction (either sandpaper or your pant leg) and then gently pressing it in the direction it needs to be straightened in while it's still hot. You can do this once it is finished as well, but it's easier to straighten them before you start shooting.
A note about arrow shafts: I have had arrows hit and splinter on the range, and when a shaft is compromised it is always best to retire it. You can test its sturdiness by gently bending the arrow. If you hear any amount of fiber snapping, it is time to retire the arrow. You can salvage the point by heating it and pulling it off with pliers, and if your fletches come off easily, you can save those too, because they also suffer damage when shooting.
When buying feathers, you may choose anything you like. I'll show you how to use pre-cut feathers and how to cut your own. Also, many archers use two different colors (known as hen feathers and cock feather) which I will discuss in the fletching tutorial, so keep that in mind when ordering.
I have no affiliation with 3 Rivers Archery, but I buy from them because it's cheaper than my local archery shop. That being said, it is easier to buy supplies in person because you can hand select your items. I have had fine results ordering online, but my first set of arrows I made from hand-selected materials.
It shows how to make traditional arrows and is broken into steps.
The supplies you will need are:
12 arrow shafts 3RiversArchery - Search Results for cedar shafts
12 nocks (optional)
A hacksaw blade (optional)
sandpaper
12 points 3RiversArchery - Search Results for field points
Fletch-tite and hot melt adhesive 3RiversArchery - Search Results for glue
feathers 3RiversArchery - Search Results for feather fletching
fake sinew (optional) 3RiversArchery - Search Results for artificial sinew
fletching jig (optional) 3RiversArchery - Search Results for fletching jig
A note about the supplies will accompany each post to help you decide, but I have limited number of supplies I work with, so I can only advise on the things I have used, and based on my historical research.
Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you have about traditional arrows or quivers. If I can, I'll do a leather quiver tutorial as well. Thanks for your interest and support.
There are a few steps I'm not taking videos of. The first step once you have your dozen shafts, is to sand them. I use 220 sandpaper and sand until they are perfectly smooth. Also, if you should get a shaft that is not perfectly straight, you can straighten it by heating it with friction (either sandpaper or your pant leg) and then gently pressing it in the direction it needs to be straightened in while it's still hot. You can do this once it is finished as well, but it's easier to straighten them before you start shooting.
A note about arrow shafts: I have had arrows hit and splinter on the range, and when a shaft is compromised it is always best to retire it. You can test its sturdiness by gently bending the arrow. If you hear any amount of fiber snapping, it is time to retire the arrow. You can salvage the point by heating it and pulling it off with pliers, and if your fletches come off easily, you can save those too, because they also suffer damage when shooting.
When buying feathers, you may choose anything you like. I'll show you how to use pre-cut feathers and how to cut your own. Also, many archers use two different colors (known as hen feathers and cock feather) which I will discuss in the fletching tutorial, so keep that in mind when ordering.
I have no affiliation with 3 Rivers Archery, but I buy from them because it's cheaper than my local archery shop. That being said, it is easier to buy supplies in person because you can hand select your items. I have had fine results ordering online, but my first set of arrows I made from hand-selected materials.
Last edited:
Minstrel
Vala
