I bought one of those Redhead styrofoam layer cubes they sell in Bass pro that are made for bow and arrow practice and used it for spear throwing practice.

One of these throwers, I don't remember which I bought specifically 'it was at least a year ago', it looks a little different than all of them but most similar to the greek javelin I think. I could of sworn I bought a viking throwing spear about a year ago but I don't see it on there.

http://armor.com/polearms.html

Anyway, it held up pretty well but a ways into it, I threw it pretty hard and it went in deep. I had to pull it hard to get it out and only the shaft came out, the spear head itself dislodged. No big deal, I was throwing this spear pretty hard but it doesn't look like it had any sort of adhesive on the wood. It was just kind lodged in there with pressure or something. There is no threading or anything.

Is that how it is?

Btw, this spear head is a really good dagger I just found out. It's actually quite ergonomic.

I think they are just pressure-fit - aka jammed in there. I think they may use a hydraulic press to do it. They'll pin it for you, if you ask them to.

You can see the pin in this one.

http://armor.com/view.html?pole227c.jpg

Hi Guys

Normally we have friction fit our spears over the last 10 to 15 years or so. Prior to that we did pin or rivet them sometimes. Before that we riveted them all. The reason why we have adjusted this over the years is how our customers have been using them. It seems that back in the beginning most folks used them as display items and only occasionally handled them. When they where pinned the wood would seattle over time and the heads would rattle a bit. Its tough to tighten them up when they are pinned.

That is when we moved to friction fitting them so one could reset the heads easily. But this does allow them to work lose as Christopher found out. Today it is one of the things we strive to help the customer with by offering them either way on request. It is safer and stronger for throwing or training to have the heads pinned or riveted. But some folks also like to be able to remove them for transport or to tighten the head down on occasion.

Our javelins are all riveted.

If you would like to pin or rivet your piece just drop me a note and I can talk you through it it is pretty easy.

Period wise I have seen originals in all states so I do not think it is a major issue for authenticity needs.

Best
Craig