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Medieval arrow shaft production methods

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DC:
I've often wondered about how many of these battles there were? We hear about the big ones but I don't think it would be possible to have them to often. A country couldn't afford it. Maybe one every ten years or so? Or would they go lifetimes without a battle at all? Would they have to refletch the arrows every ten years or so. It would be shame to show up at a battle with rotten moth eaten arrows.

WillS:
There were at least nine "important" battles during the hundred years war, and plenty more smaller, less crucial skirmishes, revolts and naval battles.  Most of these would involve archery.

There is no real evidence of arrows being reused.  They were almost certainly single-use - in fact it's common belief that arrows made for immediate use were very simple, and very likely to survive only a couple of shots - no fletch binding, no nock inserts etc.  Arrows made for storage (such as the MR arrows) would have had binding and better glues, simply to keep them in one piece during storage and transport.

burtonridr:
Thanks for all the replies, this is really interesting stuff! It does seem likely that most are shoot shafts from the sound of it.

WillS, when you are making arrows by splitting, what are you using for wood? Cut your self or store bought? Split dry or wet? Can you provide some more detail on how you are creating the shafts in a quick efficient way?

BTW, I tried splitting shafts from a mtn alder and douglas fir last weekend. I had real trouble controlling the split and had runoff issues. Part of the issue was due to knots, finding a knot free section is tough. In the end I didnt end up with anything usable. For now it looks like red dogwood shafts are my best bet.

JW_Halverson:

--- Quote from: burtonridr on December 03, 2018, 03:35:43 pm ---
BTW, I tried splitting shafts from a mtn alder and douglas fir last weekend. I had real trouble controlling the split and had runoff issues. Part of the issue was due to knots, finding a knot free section is tough. In the end I didnt end up with anything usable.

--- End quote ---

When it comes to splitting, those knots will getcha every time.  You have to pick your battles carefully and saw out the sections where the grain is pretty well linear straight.  I suspect both woods would split easier and cleaner when good and dry, too.

Good luck and post some photos of your work while you are at it.

Del the cat:
"There is no real evidence of arrows being reused"
It is hard to imagine any physical evidence that could show/prove it.
There is, I believe, anecdotal evidence for arrows being reused in battle.
Accounts of the battle of Towton suggest that one side were shooting into a strong headwind/blizzard. The opposing force were said to pick up the arrows that fell short and return them to deadly effect.
Also, can anyone suggest a reason why you wouldn't reuse arrows that were lying at your feet, when your own supply was limited?...
Me Sir me Sir! I know... sea battles... they couldn't retrieve arrows that fell in the sea!  >:D ::) ;D :o
Del
Cut to scene at Towton.
"Hell's teeth Jim I'm running short of arrows!"
"Pick some of those up and use them!"
"Damn you Jim, I'm not going to shoot filthy Lancastrian arrows!"
(Jim sighs and rolls his eyes)

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