I worked in a blacksmith shop during college but haven't been around the craft in over 6 years, so when I had a chance to spend a few hours Wednesday night back in the shop, I worked on forging some socketed arrow heads. The forging went better than I expected considering how long it has been, plus this was my first attempt at making sockets.
I made a couple of short bodkin style arrowheads and one that is more broadhead shaped. These were all out of mild steel since they were "practice".
I mounted the broadhead style head to an arrow I had never finished and am pleased with its outcome (considering my level of proficiency).
Here's the arrow: (5/16" poplar dowel with oak nock insert and duck feather fletching).
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TUtB2K5q5mI/AAAAAAAAA7U/oHI30bwRZmw/s1024/arrow-socketed01.jpg)
And a close up:
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TUtB2Z3vd_I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/6xenV7zHT7Y/s1024/arrowhead-socketed01.jpg)
I know it's far from perfect, but with additional practice I hope to make some nice arrowheads in the future.
Questions, comments and constructive criticism welcome.
**UPDATED**
Here's another arrow showcasing a point I forged the same night as the above arrowhead. This arrow is 32" long from nock to base of point. 3/8" at point end straight tapered to 5/16" at nock. Nock has oak insert. ~6" turkey feathers with medieval thread wrap. Arrow weights 781 grains.
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3nkAsNrI/AAAAAAAAA8g/gvf1wQffI6U/s1024/war-arrow01.jpg)
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3na7KnhI/AAAAAAAAA8c/YLj4RBv_M44/s1024/bodkin01.jpg)
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3m9nNg8I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/iR1UqOXXf3I/s1024/bodkin02.jpg)