Can anybody recommend a U.S. source for historical-style, Anglo-European arrowheads? I need a few basic, large iron barbed/broadheads to make some darts. Any period of ca. 1100-1650 might meet my needs. These need not be highly finished or even sharpened. In fact, I prefer forge-black and can sharpen them myself. Any suggestions, you longbowmen?

Sean I can't remeber the fella's handle on ebay but he came on about 3-4 months ago and now routinely sells forged batches of both broad head and bodkin head arrmow heads that look pretty decent. He sell then in Collectibles/Militaria/Pre-1700 heading.

:?:

Nicola,

I can't tell for certain without a frame of refers for size, but some of those look more like forge tools than arrow heads. Could be wrong. unfortunately, they don't really help with commercially available arrowheads.

Sean,

By The Sword, Inc., has some purportedly Medieval arrowheads of obviously varying suitability and quality here. I know I have run across arrowheads elsewhere, but I can't for the life of me recall where. This will at least give you a place to start, though. I hope their prices are for at least a half dozen; otherwise, ouch! :eek:

BTW, I sense a DIY project brewing. You know how I feel about those. I usually end up saying unrepeatable things about you because you make me want to go out and try it. That said, if you end up having to get more arrowheads than you need, feel free to send some my way; I'll bet I could put them to use. :p Technically, I could make a dart/small javelin with those still not violate the barracks SOP. ;)

Sean,

Historic Enterpises has a few here:

http://www.historicenterprises.com/cart.php?m...&c=103

Ah! Brent! That Historic Enterprises Type 16 is perfect! Many thanks to you and everybody else for your help with the search!

Sorry, Greyson! I think this will be a very cool project, and I should be able to assemble a nice batch of Irish darts for well under my $100 target for my bargain-basement DIY projects. In fact, I figure I should be able to make, say, six darts for under $60. You know I'll keep the gang here posted on my progress, but I have some other projects to finish before I begin this one. Spring or summer, perhaps?

Sean,

Spring or summer is probably for the best. If you were to do this in the next couple of weeks, I would probably sucumb to the tempation, and (even though it doesn't specifically violate the SOP) stand a chance of getting myself in trouble.

I could see the headlines now, "NCO found flinging spears* out of third floor window. Claims research on repelling beseigers as defense."

-Grey

*Lets face it, reporters don't appreciate the difference between spears, javelins, and darts.

theres also a few on ehem... ebay (cough sputter) hehehe that arent bad. i saw some this past weekend that i liked. usually go for 25 for 6 in bodkin points

Ooohh, thanks! Those socketed lanceolate heads sold by that guy on Ebay also look very appropriate. What to do? What to do? It's an embarrassment of riches! I can see that I'm going to need to do a bit more research on Irish darts since it seems I'll have some choice in the form of heads I purchase. I may be able to find a pretty close match. This is going to turn out even better than I hoped!

I ordered 6 of HE's modified Type 16 barbed broadheads. I wanted only three heads (at $6 each), but the minimum order is $25. So I got six heads on the theory that this would give me two typical sets of three darts each. Maybe I'll sell three of the heads or completed darts to defray expenses. Total for all 6 heads was around $47, with shipping (a steep $12).

I propbably don't have to tell you that we want pictures when you get around to puttin gthese together.

And if you really need another home for those three extra heads, I am always willing to help people out by letting them donate their stuff to me. Aren't I just such a great guy? :lol:

-Grey

Oh, there'll be photos, for sure.

Post edited to reflect safety concerns raised by Greyson

Sean,

I've read that part of the label on my body armor too often to be comforted by your suggestion. Besides, those folks don't need any more ideas.

-Grey

Although I'd argue that modern insurgencies are too well funded, equipped and trained to bother with this, who knows what some loon might do with that info during a civil disturbance. I've edited that post out of respect for Greyson's concerns. Kooks can, and do, readily find much more dangerous information, but at least they might have to pay or search harder for it.

Greyson;

You might have to wear maille beneath your kevlar, but probably would not enjoy it.

And Sean, Greyson is right those folks don't need any new ideas or more accurately " old ideas ".
( Edited: Deleting the specifics was a good idea. )

As an aside, the shape / coverage / design of modern body armour could benefit from old armour design.
What if one used plate armour / brigantine design and covered the plate with ceramic / kevlar one might get much better ballistic protection as well as piercing protection.

In a very futuristic concept some sort of cooling / heating undergarment could keep body temperature at a reasonable comfort level ! Add MBC protection when needed and a helmet with heads-up tactical / communication display and active camo. I'm sure something good like this could be developed quickly even with current technology.

One problem is that these concepts end up becoming Billion dollar defence research contracts where the process never seems to finish except in an over expensive boondoggle.

Such small arms and bomb resistant armour need not be general issue but could be used actively by special forces, entry teams and be used passively where one is vulnerable to suicide attacks at checkpoints etc ......

Well, nobody is consulting me / us for ideas. :eek: :lol:

Sean,

I wasn't trying to make you edit you post. At the same time, I do appreciate your willingness to do so. As the guy wearing that body armor sometimes, I do get king of nervous when I start read, "hey, guess what? It can do this, but not that other thing."

Thanks. You're right, though, I was a lot more worried about rockets and mortars than I was about some berserker with a javelin and a tire iron.

-Grey

Anyhow, few of the weapons of old can compare to the good old Molotov for sheer anti-autoritarian nastyness...