spear

[FortyTwoBlades]

Even with a longer socket, they are lightweight sheet steel formed in the shape of a spear. They are fine for simple thrusting and some slashing but they simply lack the weight for much chopping. The same os true of the Bushman. There is simply not the mass.

I guess I just don't understand the fascination at times where any object immediately prompts a need to use one for something it was not intended to.. I suppose one could use a spear to drive tent pegs as well.

In a related matter and circumstance, Victorian cavalry practiced tent pegging with lances from horseback but it did not relate using weapons for something they were not.

Cheers

GC

It may be light as compared to historical European spears, but that is not to say that it has insufficient mass to chop reasonably well when used as just the head. The key is to use it more as one would swing a machete, which may also be accomplished when the head is mounted on a short shaft. It's certainly not going to win any contests, but it works and is much more portable in that mode. The head may also be used much like a trowel for digging purposes if so needed. I actually have the drawings done up for a hand trowel designed for attachment to an extended handle for both improved digging as well as makeshift spear use. The need to dig almost certainly outdoes the need to use it as a spear in a modern camping/backpacking circumstance, so if it must sacrifice function in one way vs. another then rather it be a good digger and still a halfway decent spear.

 

[horseclover]

It may be light as compared to historical European spears, but that is not to say that it has insufficient mass to chop reasonably well when used as just the head. The key is to use it more as one would swing a machete, which may also be accomplished when the head is mounted on a short shaft. It's certainly not going to win any contests, but it works and is much more portable in that mode. The head may also be used much like a trowel for digging purposes if so needed. I actually have the drawings done up for a hand trowel designed for attachment to an extended handle for both improved digging as well as makeshift spear use. The need to dig almost certainly outdoes the need to use it as a spear in a modern camping/backpacking circumstance, so if it must sacrifice function in one way vs. another then rather it be a good digger and still a halfway decent spear.

Enjoy.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Yeah, yeah--I know it's not to your tastes.

 

[horseclover]

Yeah, yeah--I know it's not to your tastes.

You might like looking into the historic trowel bayonets and hospital corp/ hunting knives of the American army.from the civil war period up to WWI. They make for quite good shovels.

It's not really a matter of taste, rather a matter of staying on topic. Nor really a need to be schooled on how to use a blade but rather what a blade is intended for.

Cheers

GC

 

[BePrepared]

i don't like "historically accurate" blades.

I'm a form follows function kinda guy. If the classic way of making a knife is the BEST way of producing a knife with maximum efficiency, great. If not, modernize it and improve on the old design.

History is great, but it has nothing to do with that tool is best.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

You might like looking into the historic trowel bayonets and hospital corp/ hunting knives of the American army.from the civil war period up to WWI. They make for quite good shovels.

It's not really a matter of taste, rather a matter of staying on topic. Nor really a need to be schooled on how to use a blade but rather what a blade is intended for.

Cheers

GC

I'm quite familiar with trowel bayonets, actually. :thumbup: Regarding your comment regarding staying on topic, it rather was. The Cold Steel model specifically was mentioned by the OP. I merely pointed out additional practical (if not intended) uses for the spear that makes it more worth consideration as a modern tool.

i don't like "historically accurate" blades.

I'm a form follows function kinda guy. If the classic way of making a knife is the BEST way of producing a knife with maximum efficiency, great. If not, modernize it and improve on the old design.

History is great, but it has nothing to do with that tool is best.

I disagree with the bolded statement, but I think I know where you're coming from and if I'm correct then I agree with you. History has EVERYTHING to do with what tool WAS best for the circumstances of the time. However, modern times call for modern tools, including modern renditions of historical tools adapted or revamped to make them better suit the different world they now inhabit and the different carry and use conditions of the modern individual.

 

[BePrepared]

I disagree with the bolded statement, but I think I know where you're coming from and if I'm correct then I agree with you. History has EVERYTHING to do with what tool WAS best for the circumstances of the time. However, modern times call for modern tools, including modern renditions of historical tools adapted or revamped to make them better suit the different world they now inhabit and the different carry and use conditions of the modern individual.

I'm pretty sure that you know exactly where i'm coming from. I don't think that what was the best knife in the 16th century has the slightest thing to do with what is the best knife now.

Traditionalists are an enigma to me. I go for function...

 

[horseclover]

Is anyone aware of anyone who makes functional hunting or fighting spears? The Cold Steel ones don't appear to be well made, and most of the others I have found are purely decorative.

Thanks!

Jesse

The original poster is dismissing the Cold Steel and looking for other market leads.

He has not qualified what other uses aside from hunting and fighting he had in mind.

Cheers

GC

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Which is why I pointed out other potential uses, as well as stating that the CS piece IS reasonably well made--it's just an economy spear.

 

[horseclover]

As you mentioned, however, going custom is likely the best route.

I don't believe I did but you are free to find it in this thread and post my comment recommending a custom. I did open with my own mounting of a handmade spear point but also included my own lists of other production possibilities. More than once.

Which is why I pointed out other potential uses

That is the off topic nature of many of your posts. You may not believe that to be your perception but it is certainly mine. Other potential uses were not solicited and in the hewing sword exchange, you perceive most equate a short sword with a gladius. Another maxim you have somewhat invented to suit your own outlook. However, it is as off topic as spears to use as shovels. Rather than continue the discussion further, I simply posted (quite clearly and without a need for further reply.... Enjoy. You then take to task that my taste doesn't mesh with your own.

So what?

You'll continue to nip at my heels but first, do find the post in this thread where I suggest a custom is the best option. Really, do, I am waiting with bated breath. Whether I reply further may or may not make your day in continuing to lecture me about what we have posted in this (and other) threads. I tend to find these exchanges a bit of a bore when you ignore most of what I am writing and then bother to take what I say out of context.

Really, I ask again that you find where I am suggesting a custom as the best option for a using spear.

Post a list of spears you own and their qualities. Post of your own experiences with them. Post pictures of spears you own or admire. Those would be on topic to the original post.

Enjoy

GC

 

[BePrepared]

I never really quite managed to agree that cold steel spears (as a general rule) are low quality IF you include the bushman series.

Personally the best spear i own is my Bushman on a 5.5' oak haft. It has been thrown into various trees DOZENS of times, and i haven't even managed to scuff the black coating yet

the edge is still paper slicing sharp, even on the tip.

The steel of the blade returns to true every time, even when bent substantially.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I don't believe I did but you are free to find it in this thread and post my comment recommending a custom. I did open with my own mounting of a handmade spear point but also included my own lists of other production possibilities. More than once.



That is the off topic nature of many of your posts. You may not believe that to be your perception but it is certainly mine. Other potential uses were not solicited and in the hewing sword exchange, you perceive most equate a short sword with a gladius. Another maxim you have somewhat invented to suit your own outlook. However, it is as off topic as spears to use as shovels. Rather than continue the discussion further, I simply posted (quite clearly and without a need for further reply.... Enjoy. You then take to task that my taste doesn't mesh with your own.

So what?

You'll continue to nip at my heels but first, do find the post in this thread where I suggest a custom is the best option. Really, do, I am waiting with bated breath. Whether I reply further may or may not make your day in continuing to lecture me about what we have posted in this (and other) threads. I tend to find these exchanges a bit of a bore when you ignore most of what I am writing and then bother to take what I say out of context.

Really, I ask again that you find where I am suggesting a custom as the best option for a using spear.

Post a list of spears you own and their qualities. Post of your own experiences with them. Post pictures of spears you own or admire. Those would be on topic to the original post.

Enjoy

GC

I spoke in error, as I had misread one of your earlier posts regarding the A&A spear, so you have my apologies on that point. Consider the comment retracted. However, I find it a bit odd that you think I'm trying to "nip at your heels" or lecture you. Neither is my intention, I assure you, nor was it my intention to put words in your mouth. However, you are lecturing me about the content of my posts, which by my estimation are still in line with the topic unless the OP states otherwise. Furthermore you were the first to veer "off topic" regarding alternate uses for spears with your comment regarding using the Windlass hewing spear as a pizza cutter. So I'm not sure why you've gotten so apparently touchy over my "unsolicited" mention of using the CS Assegai as a makeshift digging tool.

This is all getting a little silly and I don't feel inclined to discuss it further.



Regarding models that I have experience with, I own the Windlass hewing spear and Indian lance head, and have used the CS Bushman in spear format as well as their Assegai model. They all work, though none of them are particularly fancy.

 

[BePrepared]

 

[Dave Behrens]

I don't believe I did but you are free to find it in this thread and post my comment recommending a custom. I did open with my own mounting of a handmade spear point but also included my own lists of other production possibilities. More than once.

That is the off topic nature of many of your posts. You may not believe that to be your perception but it is certainly mine. Other potential uses were not solicited and in the hewing sword exchange, you perceive most equate a short sword with a gladius. Another maxim you have somewhat invented to suit your own outlook. However, it is as off topic as spears to use as shovels. Rather than continue the discussion further, I simply posted (quite clearly and without a need for further reply.... Enjoy. You then take to task that my taste doesn't mesh with your own.

So what?

You'll continue to nip at my heels but first, do find the post in this thread where I suggest a custom is the best option. Really, do, I am waiting with bated breath. Whether I reply further may or may not make your day in continuing to lecture me about what we have posted in this (and other) threads. I tend to find these exchanges a bit of a bore when you ignore most of what I am writing and then bother to take what I say out of context.

Really, I ask again that you find where I am suggesting a custom as the best option for a using spear.

Post a list of spears you own and their qualities. Post of your own experiences with them. Post pictures of spears you own or admire. Those would be on topic to the original post.

Enjoy

GC

View attachment 289609

 

[horseclover]

[removed] silly cat picture and if that is lipstick on the cat the photographer should be shot[/removed]

I spoke in error, as I had misread one of your earlier posts regarding the A&A spear, so you have my apologies on that point. Consider the comment retracted.

Retracted? Deleted from your previous reply. That's cool. I do note you are not really remembering much about what either of us write.

However, I find it a bit odd that you think I'm trying to "nip at your heels" or lecture you. Neither is my intention, I assure you, nor was it my intention to put words in your mouth.

It may be light as compared to historical European spears, but that is not to say that it has insufficient mass to chop reasonably well when used as just the head. The key is to use it more as one would swing a machete, which may also be accomplished when the head is mounted on a short shaft. It's certainly not going to win any contests, but it works and is much more portable in that mode. The head may also be used much like a trowel for digging purposes if so needed. I actually have the drawings done up for a hand trowel designed for attachment to an extended handle for both improved digging as well as makeshift spear use. The need to dig almost certainly outdoes the need to use it as a spear in a modern camping/backpacking circumstance, so if it must sacrifice function in one way vs. another then rather it be a good digger and still a halfway decent spear.

Note again that my reply to this reply regarding the Boar spear was simply one word

Enjoy

To Wit, your reply was

Yeah, yeah--I know it's not to your tastes.

What do you really know about my tastes? I probably know less about you, than you do of I but I don't profess to aside from a predilection to misread what others post, indeed good bit of what you write yourself.

However, you are lecturing me about the content of my posts, which by my estimation are still in line with the topic unless the OP states otherwise.

The OP did return with the remark:

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have read a number of reviews that say that CS spears just don't hold up very well, but I'll give them another look, along with the rest of the things y'all have suggested.

So maybe you are right, maybe he would love to read about shoveling and enjoying sliced pizza. As you have been replying to me, I am simply returning in kind even though dropping a pretty big hint that "your way" doesn't exactly blow smoke up my skirt.

Furthermore you were the first to veer "off topic" regarding alternate uses for spears with your comment regarding using the Windlass hewing spear as a pizza cutter.

Yes, twice and cut and dry about it as my initial reaction to the Windlass hewing spear and your take as makeshift gladius. I could write a good deal more about it and could probably even post pictures at events I have handled it at.

So I'm not sure why you've gotten so apparently touchy over my "unsolicited" mention of using the CS Assegai as a makeshift digging tool.

Maybe you are confused. Look above at the quoted post you made recently. There is no mention of the Assegai and the reply was a rebuttal to my thoughts of the boar spear and its chopping ability. Maybe you can find the post where you talk about the chopping ability about the Assegai. Did you mean the Assegai when you write about chopping and shveling ability?

I assumed that remark to relate to the boar spear but would have the same opinion of the Assegai

This is all getting a little silly and I don't feel inclined to discuss it further.

It was truly silly as soon as you assume my taste has anything to do with my one word reply to your shovel and machete dissertation.

Regarding models that I have experience with, I own the Windlass hewing spear and Indian lance head, and have used the CS Bushman in spear format as well as their Assegai model. They all work, though none of them are particularly fancy.

And that may be the sum total of (quite minimal) useful information I have gotten from the thread.

Cheers

GC

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Yikes. Hope everyone's day improves (even if you are having a good one already).

Wonder if the OP got a spear yet.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Retracted? Deleted from your previous reply. That's cool. I do note you are not really remembering much about what either of us write.


Note again that my reply to this reply regarding the Boar spear was simply one word

Enjoy

To Wit, your reply was



What do you really know about my tastes? I probably know less about you, than you do of I but I don't profess to aside from a predilection to misread what others post, indeed good bit of what you write yourself.

The OP did return with the remark:

So maybe you are right, maybe he would love to read about shoveling and enjoying sliced pizza. As you have been replying to me, I am simply returning in kind even though dropping a pretty big hint that "your way" doesn't exactly blow smoke up my skirt.

Yes, twice and cut and dry about it as my initial reaction to the Windlass hewing spear and your take as makeshift gladius. I could write a good deal more about it and could probably even post pictures at events I have handled it at.

Maybe you are confused. Look above at the quoted post you made recently. There is no mention of the Assegai and the reply was a rebuttal to my thoughts of the boar spear and its chopping ability. Maybe you can find the post where you talk about the chopping ability about the Assegai. Did you mean the Assegai when you write about chopping and shveling ability?

I assumed that remark to relate to the boar spear but would have the same opinion of the Assegai


It was truly silly as soon as you assume my taste has anything to do with my one word reply to your shovel and machete dissertation.

And that may be the sum total of (quite minimal) useful information I have gotten from the thread.

Cheers

GC

*Sigh* You seem to be trying so hard to take offense to everything I say. Suit yourself. I've done my best to be patient, cordial, and respectful, but you keep responding as if I've been anything but. Whatever I've done to knot your knickers, I'm good and truly sorry, ok?

Have fun with the thread. I'm done here.

 

[horseclover]

Have fun with the thread. I'm done here.

Yeah, yeah--I know it's not to your tastes.

Enjoy

GC

 

[horseclover]

BTW, my own apologies to all and that includes to Baryonyx Walkeri.

My thoughts in rebuttal on this part of the thread have been about accuracy and assumption. I have similar faults and should not have even posted the first.... Enjoy

I have a tendency to pick nits once found and it is truly all a grand waste of keyboard use.

No small token of my own admiration for any that post on the internet would truly express what all contribute, regardless of content.

Cheers

Glen Cleeton

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Yeah, yeah--I know it's not to your tastes.

Enjoy

GC

Ok--that's funny. I don't care who you are! Apology more than accepted, sir. I generally run towards similar nit-pickiness, and I admit that my posts in this thread have been less precise than I normally maintain. I only just got back from a long weekend at the family camp and have been scrambling like crazy to catch up on everything that piled up on me while I was away, so if some of my comments have missed the mark slightly that's because I've been a little distracted.