South African throwing spear

fearn · 4th June 2005, 02:18 PM

I agree with Tom. Check out the Cold Steel samburu, since they've actually tested it successfully in hunting situations, and it certainly is a long-shank spear.

Otherwise, it's a nice weapon, aside from the warped shaft. One thing we don't talk about much on this board is that long spear shafts can get warped from leaning in a corner. It's too bad, because I think in some cases, there's the impression that the work was sloppy, when in fact, it's sloppy curatorial practices in the past history of the weapons.

Note that this isn't a criticism of you, Tim! It's a side issue, but one that's shown up on a number of the older spears shown here. Seeing something meant to fly straight that no longer can is in the same league as seeing a sword with a wonderful blade and a trashed handle. They are certainly worth saving and collecting, but there is something a little sad about the loss of function, at least to me.

Fearn

4th June 2005, 02:18 PM	#3
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	I agree with Tom. Check out the Cold Steel samburu, since they've actually tested it successfully in hunting situations, and it certainly is a long-shank spear. Otherwise, it's a nice weapon, aside from the warped shaft. One thing we don't talk about much on this board is that long spear shafts can get warped from leaning in a corner. It's too bad, because I think in some cases, there's the impression that the work was sloppy, when in fact, it's sloppy curatorial practices in the past history of the weapons. Note that this isn't a criticism of you, Tim! It's a side issue, but one that's shown up on a number of the older spears shown here. Seeing something meant to fly straight that no longer can is in the same league as seeing a sword with a wonderful blade and a trashed handle. They are certainly worth saving and collecting, but there is something a little sad about the loss of function, at least to me. Fearn