Info Favorites Register Log in
myArmoury.com Discussion Forums

Forum index Memberlist Usergroups Spotlight Topics Search
Forum Index > Historical Arms Talk > Construction of Kern darts Reply to topic
This is a standard topic  
Author Message
Neal Matheson




Location: sussex UK
Joined: 08 Feb 2009
Likes: 2 pages

Posts: 145

PostPosted: Wed 16 Dec, 2015 9:21 am    Post subject: Construction of Kern darts         Reply with quote

Hi, I know this subject has come up before but not I think in this detail. I am planning on making a few more darts and having a good go at getting a bit more proficient with them. I am wondering if there are any extant examples or detailed descriptions. I am planning on using javelin heads, hazel and ash cut in the round rather than split from planks and duck or goose feathers. As semi disposable weapons I would have thought that the darts would be made to a less exacting finish than spears polearms etc.
Thanks in advance.
Neal

http://www.seeknottheancestors.com/
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Sean Flynt




Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Likes: 10 pages
Reading list: 13 books

Spotlight topics: 7
Posts: 5,981

PostPosted: Wed 16 Dec, 2015 10:22 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Have you seen this latest discussion of javelins? https://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p=261011

I've been part of these discussions, and don't have much new to offer. I think that if you treat these like a giant arrows, you'll arrive at the appropriate level of finish and detail. As you say, they're essentially disposable.

A few notes:
• Look at the continental "lancegay" for depictions that might help develop the Irish version.
• Consider the details of the Mary Rose darts in the thread linked above. Those were huge (almost more for dropping than throwing) but might give you some ideas.
• I had amazing success with turkey feathers, poplar dowel, a finger loop and a .45 casing or medieval arrowhead on the tip. Even after the flights are bent and ragged, they do a wonderful job of keeping the javelin straight. It's pretty much effortless.
• I've seen pretty much every typical arrow shaft profile reflected in javelins--barreled, tapered tail to tip, straight, etc.
• I still want to try wood flights on a hardwood tool handle. The kind with a metal, male-threaded tip should provide enough weight at the tip to give you a good idea of performance before you invest in a proper head. When/if I get to this project, I'll try the Windlass javelin heads or find something similar at KOA or Ebay.



 Attachment: 152.94 KB
dart_447.gif


-Sean

Author of the Little Hammer novel

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Hammer-Sean-Flynt/dp/B08XN7HZ82/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+hammer+book&qid=1627482034&sr=8-1
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Sean Flynt




Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Likes: 10 pages
Reading list: 13 books

Spotlight topics: 7
Posts: 5,981

PostPosted: Wed 16 Dec, 2015 10:27 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

From that other thread. This is one the most helpful images I've seen.


 Attachment: 82.34 KB
a1249_749.jpg


-Sean

Author of the Little Hammer novel

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Hammer-Sean-Flynt/dp/B08XN7HZ82/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+hammer+book&qid=1627482034&sr=8-1
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Neal Matheson




Location: sussex UK
Joined: 08 Feb 2009
Likes: 2 pages

Posts: 145

PostPosted: Wed 16 Dec, 2015 11:50 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

That's great thanks Sean. I think I had seen that thread, I'll have a more detailed look.
http://www.seeknottheancestors.com/
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website


Display posts from previous:   
Forum Index > Historical Arms Talk > Construction of Kern darts
Page 1 of 1 Reply to topic
All times are GMT - 8 Hours

View previous topic :: View next topic
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum






All contents © Copyright 2003-2024 myArmoury.com — All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum