Spear Making

Spear making is the bushcraft art of shaping a straight stick into a spear, one of the very first tools humans ever made. You choose your wood, strip the bark and carve a sharp, even point with a knife. It's part history, part woodwork and a surprisingly absorbing way to spend time in the forest.

The earliest spears were simply long, straight sticks with a carved tip. To toughen the point, early people would warm it over the embers of a fire, drying the wood so it held its shape. This is known as fire-hardening.

Later came stone. Sharp points, often made of flint, were bound to the shaft with cord made from plant fibres or animal sinew and fixed with sticky tree resin. Attaching a point to a handle like this is called hafting, and it was a big step forward in tool making.

Some spears were built for throwing and some for thrusting. Fishing spears sometimes had several prongs, because fish are slippery and rarely cooperative.

Pick your stick first. You want something straight, strong and without any big knots. Hazel and ash are bushcraft classics because they grow long and true. Strip or shave off the bark, then start on the point. Your Activity Leader shows you how to grip the knife and always cut away from your body, taking off long, thin slivers to build a gradual taper. Rushing it gets you a wonky pencil, so take your time. Finish by smoothing any rough patches, then stand back and admire your prehistoric handiwork.

Yes, completely. You don't need any woodwork skills, just a bit of patience and a willingness to follow the safety rules. It's quiet, focused work that many people find oddly calming, with the added bonus of walking away knowing how to make a tool from scratch. Your group chat may not need to know you've gone full Stone Age, but they will anyway.

Comfy outdoor clothes you don't mind covering in wood shavings, plus closed-toe shoes. Long trousers are smart, as you'll probably be sitting on the ground or a log while you carve. Tie back long hair so it stays out of your way.

You might also like Wood Whittling, Survival Skills and Axe Skills.

See all Camp Wildfire activities