New member here, so i hope this is appropriate discussion topic. I'm trying to find a good location for purchasing hardwood dowel (or whatever shoudl be used!) for crafting replica polearm weapons. I'm currently experimenting with a Windlass Greek spearhead. Primary use is costume, but I would like them to be sparring and "combat ready" ideally, although I have no direct intent to use them as such.... Authenticity is not a huge concern at this point (hope I'm not offending anyone with here with that...). I'd like the entire spear to come in under 6' (for practicality purposes) so I think I'm looking for a shaft around 5'.

This is my first foray into these sort of things as well, so I'd greatly appreciate any advice or assistance. I've been combing through some of the other threads and it seems like there are quite a few experienced crafters out there doing this sort of thing, but so far I've struck out with my local lumber yards and hardware stores.

Here's the item description from swords of honor:

""The Greek Hoplite was a heavily armed foot soldier whose principal weapon was ""the long shadowed spear."" It was a weapon that varied in length from 6 to 18 feet, and could be used both as spear and pike. Shorter versions were used as throwing weapons. The earlier versions were made of bronze, but iron, once it was available, became the material of choice. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Overall-16"" Blade-11"" long, 23/4"" wide Wt.-1 lbs. 4 oz.""

Excellent. Thank you Jean. I'll let you all know how things work out. Not sure how google failed me on this one, but perhaps it was for the best!