Wilderness Gathering 2015

[NorthernRaider]

[NorthernRaider]

I wish to god I could get even basically competent at flint knapping, I did try twice on course up here to learn the basics but I never get it right, its infuriating because in a similar vein I got to grips quite well with using a hand axe for rough wood worker but I was hopeless trying to use an adze, I guess I'll never be a jack of all trades but its a good laugh trying to learn new skills.

[bigpaul]

Flint knapping is something I believe takes years to perfect, not something I can aspire to myself as this is not a flint area, I'd have to go 50 miles each way to collect flint, not bad now but in a SHTF would probably be impossible, you can make arrowheads out of bone and I purchased some horn strips to make some with but haven't actually got round to yet. NR I recommend you talk to TH about arrow making.

[Devonian]

There will also be plenty of scrap metal around for making arrow heads, anything from corrugated iron to car doors, all you need is a lump hammer (or even a stone) and ideally some tin snips.

[bigpaul]

that's all providing you have a lump hammer and some tin snips(and probably a rasp/file)??

[Devonian]

that's all providing you have a lump hammer and some tin snips(and probably a rasp/file)??

A lump hammer is easy to improvise.

Tin snips, yes I have a few pairs and they are something I recommend everyone to have in preps.

But even if you don't you can still fashion and cut thin sheet metal easily using a variety of items.

In terms of arrow heads, you should also give consideration to slate, which again is easy to break and form appointed implements with - old slate roof tiles are ideal.

[bigpaul]

true, also bone and glass can be used to make arrowheads, I think you can make points out of old tins but I'm not sure how strong they are, at a basic level you could just sharpen the arrow to a point and harden it off in a fire(that's harden NOT set fire to ).

[Devonian]

true, also bone and glass can be used to make arrowheads, I think you can make points out of old tins but I'm not sure how strong they are, at a basic level you could just sharpen the arrow to a point and harden it off in a fire(that's harden NOT set fire to ).

Yes tin is good and you can layer it and wrap it to make a heavier head if needed, hence the need for a lump hammer or at least a nice big stone

[bigpaul]

plenty of stones lying about on Dartmoor!!

[Midnitemo]

Blimey I don't believe it!...something good that actually fall's on my weekend off....potentially a goer even if only on a day ticket.