variety of primitivity

[Stringman]

I've been trying different styles of "primitive" arrows and trying to settle on a mix between what works good for me and what is local material. I have worked with dogwood and like some aspects of it, but obviously cane has some huge advantages and I really like working with it (but its not local.) I have had some trouble with the cane and self nocks so felt obliged to use plastic in an effort to not split the cane at a critical moment. I just finished these three dogwood shoot arrows and haven't shot them yet. I'm curious how they will fly, cause they are plenty heavy. Also like the look and feel of them now that I added the straightening grooves.

[JackCrafty]

Where are you located?  I think cane would be your best bet, even though it does not grow near you.  Heck, some Native American tribes would use stone (for arrowheads) and bow wood that came from hundreds of miles away...  when walking was the only method of travel!

Nice stuff, by the way.  Very nice!

[jonathan creason]

Those are all incredible!

[Stringman]

Thanks guys, I live in central Illinois. And I try to follow 2 rules. One -  make it with your hands. Two - make sure it works well and will be an efficient weapon. I'm not making museum quality stuff, so sometimes I cross the line between modern and primitive. Main thing though is that I enjoy doing it. And because I try to use primitive materials I'm cutting down on the trips to Cabela's before deer season. 

[Pat B]

Very nice arrows. They look very effective.   If you add a sinew wrap below your self nocks they will never split. At least I've never had one split.

[Sparrow]

 Have you tried wrapping a little sinew below the notch to reinforce your nocks ?  Beautiful,functional looking arrows.  '  Frank

[Phil Rees]

I'm not making museum quality stuff 

I beg to differ there Stringman ..... museum quality ... too right they are

H.F.

[hillbilly61]

Ware in central IL? I'll be up near Peoria next week. I could bring some cane for ya.

[Stringman]

Jacksonville - 30 miles West of Springfield. When you come up? Maybe we could hook up?!?

[hillbilly61]

I'll be up next thur-sun PM me your phone # and I'll call yousome time this weekend.