Thoughts on a packable multi-use spearhead?

FortyTwoBlades

FortyTwoBlades

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I know there had been some talk about larger arrowheads being down the pipeline, and this idea had been discussed before (I brought it up in fact!) but I figured I'd post this up and get some feedback. What are your thoughts about something like this?

OdinSpear.jpg


Something with about a 6-8" blade and a socket handle. It could be used as both a knife or trowel, which would allow you to carry a fully-functioning spearhead without having to add to your kit. The sharpened edges would be useful when harvesting wild edibles--flora OR fauna:D--as well as digging cat holes or loosening soil for tent stakes.

If such a piece were added to the ESEE line it could be manufactured by Imacasa/Condor, as they already produce socketed tools and would be able to do so inexpensively.
 
Doesn't CS offer something like that called the Bushman or something? Sure ESEE could probably make a great version
 
The Bushman is a great little knife, but it can't function as a trowel/spade. Thus it's just a knife/spear and we already usually have a knife on us. :D This would be adding a broader blade that would be both more functional in its role as a spear, but also adding function as a digging tool. Sort of like a "hori hori" with a socket handle.

A hori hori:
hori-hori.jpg


You might even add a scooping curve to the blade, forgoing use as a knife entirely and just making it a trowel/spear, but why take away one extra use? It's a thought though.
 
Pretty sure Cold Steel also offers very similar spear heads. One being the boar spear with "stops" and also onw without.
 
I suppose that could work...and they're cheap enough. I didn't realize that they sold just the Assegai head by itself. I'll snag one this summer when funds are more permitting and give it a go. You can expect a review to that extent when I get one! :D
 
Now that that's covered, what do you folks think of the idea of carrying/using the CS Assegai head as a trowel? Looks like a low-cost high-utility option.

I inquired over in W&SS about what would make a good packable set screw that didn't take a screwdriver to install/remove and received the excellent advice of using a screw eye. It would be able to be screwed in by hand (or with additional mechanical advantage given by a stick through the eye) and would give a place for additional securing by cord wrapping.
 
that's a good idea using eye screws. i have the boar spear, it'd make a decent field expedient trowell, might have to give it a shot one of these days.
 
Got any pics of the backside of the socket? I only ever manage to find pics of the "pretty" side for some reason. :D
 
I've been meaning to pick up some of the Cold Steel spearheads. (one of the few products of theirs that I would bother with.:D)
 
sorry, don't have pics, but its like the bushman's construction, except they weld the seam for strength.
 
otis williams said:
sorry, don't have pics, but its like the bushman's construction, except they weld the seam for strength.
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You'd be surprised by the quality of a number of their products--you just have to sift through them to find the gems among the mall ninja stuff. The Bushman, Pocket Bushman (it's not for everyone, but I love mine!), their 'hawks, and their machetes (made by Lasher Tools) are all worth the money. :)

shotgunner11 said:
I've been meaning to pick up some of the Cold Steel spearheads. (one of the few products of theirs that I would bother with.:D)
Click to expand...

Good to know. I was worried about there not being enough of the back seam closed to make a decent grip. :)
 
shotgunner11 said:
I've been meaning to pick up some of the Cold Steel spearheads. (one of the few products of theirs that I would bother with.:D)
Click to expand...

They make alot of fine inexpensive survival products. The Finn Bear is one of my allaround favorite bushcrafting blade designs and the knife costs 10 bucks. The roach belly is the same. The GI tanto after some grinding work is also a perfectly good beater knife for 15 bucks, and blades like the pendleton hunter are of fine quality and design. Sure they have alot of BS designs but they also have alot of really practical and inexpensive ones too. The Bushman, which I believe is the model you're thinking of, is also considered a fine beater blade for the money. I spent the last two days tweaking a boot knife/spear tip design and I think now I have it down. Personally I find those round shaft handles to be useless, lashing is a much more secure choice. Having lashing points drilled and ground into the handle to secure the blade is more important than having a hole in the handle... all it takes is a folding saw, cut a .15 inch thick section down the middle of the top of a shaft, stick the knife in, and lash to the spear point.
 
I believe Shotgunner was referring to the Assegai/Boar Spear heads, but I have a sweet cord wrap on my Bushman I'll have to post up. Works great.
 
I mounted the Cold Steel Bushman on a 5' long wood hangle, made a "Native" looking sheath to make it Sheeple-Friendly and carry it on hikes.

Never get any funny looks and it's very sturdy. There's a YouTube video showing a guy shooting one through a 3/4" plywood sheet with an air cannon, numerous times.
8003111-lg.jpg
 
Very nice! Too bad the blade on the Bushman is too narrow to dig very well. :)

I've batoned mine through elm before, and had the blade under so much strain it looked like an S as it went through the curly wood, but it came out straight as an arrow afterward. :cool:
 
My CS short assegai...

picture010zw.jpg


I dont think it will work well as a trowel as the "handle" would be too short.

picture008o.jpg


out of focus but you can see the size of the handle and weld
picture009uz.jpg


I find it ironic that CS' best quality products are also there lower cost products. Makes you wonder what the extra money is for on their "other" stuff. I have quite a few CS pieces I like and they were all less than $30 each.
 
I know--that's the crazy thing, right? Thanks for the pics--it looks perfect. You can always get by with a slightly short handle if you have to. :cool:
 
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