Quick Answer
Making arrows without fletching tools can be a bit more time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is not necessarily complicated. With the right materials and basic tools, a skilled individual can create functional arrows.
Selecting and Preparing the Stave
When selecting a stave for arrow making, look for straight, dense, and dry branches of wood, ideally with a diameter of 5-7 mm (1/4 inch) and a length of 60-90 cm (24-36 inches). The most common types of wood used for arrow shafts are ash, hawthorn, and osage orange. Before carving the stave, carefully inspect it for any knots or imperfections that could weaken the arrow. Use a drawknife or a rasp to rough-shape the stave, removing any bark and evening out the diameter.
Tillering and Shaping the Shaft
To create a consistent taper, use a tiller or a drawknife to gradually reduce the diameter of the stave from the nock end to the tip. Apply gentle pressure and work in small increments, checking the shaft’s balance and straightness frequently. A well-tilled shaft should have a diameter of 3-4 mm (1/8 inch) at the nock end and 2-3 mm (1/16 inch) at the tip. Once the shaft is roughly shaped, use progressively finer abrasives to smooth and refine its surface.
Sinew Backing and Nocking
Wrap a 6-8 mm (1/4 inch) wide strip of sinew around the shaft, overlapping the edges by about 1 cm (1/2 inch), to create a strong and durable backing. Apply even tension and use a bone or antler awl to secure the sinew in place. To create a nock, carefully notch the shaft about 1 cm (1/2 inch) from the tip, then wrap the nocking point with a small piece of sinew or plant fiber. This will help secure the arrowhead and prevent it from coming loose under stress.
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