Imagine standing at the edge of the wilderness, the air crisp, the scent of pine heavy around you. What single tool, wielded by our ancestors for millennia, still connects us to that primal hunt? The hunting spear. It’s more than just a stick with a sharp end; it’s a symbol of skill, precision, and survival.
Yet, choosing the right spear today feels surprisingly complex. Should you go for traditional wood, modern carbon fiber, or perhaps a heavy-duty broadhead? Many hunters feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of materials, weights, and tip designs. Choosing incorrectly can mean a missed opportunity or, worse, an unsafe hunt. You need a tool that balances durability with perfect handling.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential anatomy of the modern hunting spear, explain which materials suit which prey, and reveal the secrets to selecting the perfect balance. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for.
Let’s sharpen our focus and dive into the ultimate guide to selecting your next hunting spear.
Table of Contents
Top Hunting Spears Recommendations
- Boar Hunting Spear: Chosen as the premier hunting tool for many years, this cold-forged boar spear has a steel blade constructed of durable SK-5 medium carbon
- Made with Top Quality Materials: Heat-treated blade provides for flexing under stress, preventing breakage; Secure-Ex sheath for safety and blade protection
- Unique Yet Classic Design: Wide leaf-shaped, blade and dual cutting edges cut and thrust with equal capability; Unique and stylish handle made of premium ash wood
- Bring Back the Classics: Boar spear reigned supreme as the hunting tool of choice in the dark forests of Europe, and made many appearances on the battlefield as well; Use them today if you want to try a challenge
- Dimensions and Specifications: Cold-forged boar spear blade constructed of durable SK-5 medium carbon steel weighing 4.25 pounds with a length of 89 inches; Handle: 71" x 1-2" Premium Ash
- 44″ Overall Length – Long enough for reach, short enough for control and portability
- 8 ⅛″ Double-Edged Blade – Precision-cast 2Cr13 stainless steel with black-oxide finish minimizes glare
- Grooved Shaft Grip – Reinforced nylon-fiberglass handle with bolt adds throw accuracy and durability
- Snap-On Sheath – Rubberized TPR sheath keeps the head secure and your gear safe
- Balanced Weight – Designed for short-range throwing and powerful thrusts
- Durable Construction: High-grade steel razor-sharp replacement heads and perfectly balanced shaft tested on elk, deer and big bore hogs
- Lethal Design: 85" overall two-piece length with wider, sharper blade for increased accuracy and penetration.
- Effective Hunting Tool: Personally designed for thrilling big game animal hunts.
- Complete Package: Includes practice point, spearhead, and all-weather grip.
- Portable Carry: Two-piece design allows for easy transport and storage.
- Of course Cold Steel will always look to the future, constantly striving to make the world's strongest, sharpest knives
- Sport type: Tactical & Military
- ✅【FIBERGLASS REINFORCED HANDLE】The handle is reinforced with nylon fiberglass and bolts, offering exceptional durability and shock absorption. The shaft is lightweight but strong as heck, features strategic cut-outs for a secure grip and perfect balance.
- ✅【RAZOR-SHARP BLADE】The blade is 1/8" thick steel, made of tough, corrosion-resistant 2Cr13 stainless steel with a non-glare black oxide finish. This versatile spear is designed for piercing, impaling, slicing, and breaching, ideal for hunting, self-defense, and survival.
- ✅【RECREATIONAL THROWING SPEAR】With a total length of 44 inches, the spear is expertly balanced for both accurate recreational throwing and practical use. It’s perfect for hitting targets like stumps, hay bales, or tree rounds, great for competitions, practice, or camp fun.
- ✅【VERSATILE SURVIVAL & TACTICAL TOOL】Its rugged design and included TPU sheath for safe carry make it a go-to piece for any backcountry kit. Use it for clearing brush, survival scenarios, camp tasks.
- ✅【COLLECTOR-GRADE QUALITY】Kalkal Tactical spear with a non-slip ergonomic grip. It’s the perfect statement piece for collectors, fantasy enthusiasts, or hunters, whether mounted on a wall or carried on an adventure.
- Double-Edged Blade Strength: The 8-inch hunting spear point blade is made from 2Cr13 stainless steel with a black oxide finish, offering rust resistance and power for piercing, breaching, or target practice in the field or at camp.
- ✅【FIBERGLASS REINFORCED HANDLE】 The grip and shaft are made of nylon fiberglass and bolt-reinforced, offering exceptional strength and shock resistance. The non-slip ergonomic grip improves accuracy and effectively hits distant targets, creating an effective hunting and fishing tool.
- ✅【SHARP BLADE】 The razor-sharp 11mm thick spearhead is crafted from durable 2Cr13 stainless steel to resist corrosion and hold an edge. The double-edged blade provides piercing, impaling, and breaching. It can give you the edge in self-defense and is a versatile survival and hunting weapon.
- ✅【RECREATIONAL THROWING SPEAR】 Not only a spear for survival tools, the Kalkal spear is an excellent choice for recreational throwing. Accurately hits targets such as stumps, trees and hay bales; perfect for competitions with friends and family.
- ✅【PERFECT DIMENSIONS】 Blade length: 8 inches; Handle length: 36 inches; Equipped with a TPU snap sheath for safe carry. The razor-sharp blade has a black oxide coating for a non-glare finish and provides rust resistance.
- ✅【MULTIPURPOSE TACTICAL SPEAR】 An ideal survival/tactical spear for hunting, self-defense and more, also suitable for collectors and fantasy enthusiasts. Make a statement on your wall or by your side.
- HANDCRAFTED DESIGN: Each spear is individually forged by skilled artisans using traditional metalworking techniques for authentic Viking-style weaponry
- FORGED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Made from high-quality forged steel for superior strength, durability, and historical accuracy
- TRADITIONAL FEATURES: Features an Etched Spearhead and Ash Wood Leather Wrapped Handle connection typical of Viking-era spear designs
- BALANCED WEIGHT: Carefully weighted and balanced for authentic handling and display purposes
- DECORATIVE PIECE: Perfect for historical collections, reenactments, or as a striking display piece for medieval enthusiasts
Choosing Your Edge: A Hunting Spear Buying Guide
Hunting spears are ancient tools that still offer unique advantages in the field today. Whether you are a modern survivalist, a historical reenactor, or simply adding to your outdoor gear collection, selecting the right spear matters. This guide helps you navigate the options.
Key Features to Look For
A good hunting spear needs several crucial design elements. These features ensure it performs when you need it most.
1. The Point Design (The Head)
- Shape: Look for leaf-shaped or triangular points. These shapes create excellent cutting action and penetration. Barbed points help hold the target, but they can make extraction difficult.
- Grind: The edges must be sharpened well. A convex or concave grind offers strength while keeping a keen edge.
- Attachment Method: How the head attaches to the shaft is vital. Secure lashing (using strong cord) or a well-fitted socket joint prevents the head from detaching during impact.
2. Shaft Length and Balance
The spear must feel comfortable in your hands. A standard hunting spear usually ranges from 5 to 7 feet long. Shorter spears offer quicker thrusts but less reach. Longer spears give you distance but require more strength to wield effectively.
3. Weight Distribution
The best spears balance slightly forward of the center. This forward weight helps drive the point through the target. A poorly balanced spear feels floppy and wastes your energy.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine the spear’s durability and performance.
The Point Material
- High-Carbon Steel: This is the gold standard. It holds a sharp edge well and resists bending. Quality steel ensures the point stays intact after hitting bone.
- Modern Alloys: Some modern spears use tough, lightweight alloys. These resist rust well but sometimes do not hold an edge as long as high-carbon steel.
- Stone/Obsidian (For Replicas): If you are buying a historical reproduction, stone points offer authenticity, but they break easily.
The Shaft Material
The shaft carries the force of your throw or thrust. Good shafts resist snapping.
- Ash or Hickory Wood: These woods are traditionally favored. They offer flexibility, shock absorption, and great strength.
- Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber: Modern shafts provide excellent rigidity and are completely weatherproof. They often weigh less than hardwood.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about the materials; it is about how they are put together.
Improving Quality
- Heat Treatment: Well-made steel heads undergo proper heat treatment. This process hardens the metal, making it strong without making it brittle.
- Tapering: A good shaft tapers smoothly toward the point. This reduces air resistance, allowing the spear to fly or thrust faster.
- Finishing: Smooth finishes on wooden shafts prevent blisters on your hands during use.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
- Soft Metal Points: If the point bends easily when pressed against a hard surface, the metal is too soft.
- Knots in Wood: Large knots in the shaft create weak points. These spots often cause the spear to snap under stress.
- Poor Seams: Check where the head meets the shaft. Gaps or loose fittings mean the spear will fail during a hard impact.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need the spear. Your use case dictates the ideal design.
Throwing vs. Thrusting
A spear designed for throwing (like a javelin) needs to be lighter and perfectly balanced for flight. A thrusting spear, used in close quarters, prioritizes a heavier, more robust head for deep penetration.
Survival and Bushcraft
In a survival situation, you need durability. Choose hardwood shafts and simple, securely mounted steel heads. You need a tool that you can repair in the field.
Reenactment and Display
For display, aesthetics matter. Check the historical accuracy of the point shape and lashing style. For reenactment fighting, ensure the tip is blunted and approved for contact, or use a safe replica.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hunting Spears
Q: Are hunting spears legal to carry?
A: Legality changes based on your location and intent. Always check local hunting and weapon laws before carrying a spear in public or using it for hunting.
Q: What is the ideal length for a general-purpose spear?
A: A length between 6 and 6.5 feet usually works best. This length gives you good reach without making the spear too unwieldy.
Q: Should I choose a barbed or unbarbed spearhead?
A: Unbarbed heads are generally better for hunting because they penetrate deeper and are easier to remove. Barbed heads are better for securing a catch but can cause more tissue damage.
Q: How do I keep a wooden shaft in good shape?
A: Oil the wood regularly with linseed oil or a similar wood preservative. Store the spear indoors, away from extreme dampness or dryness.
Q: Is a modern metal spear better than an all-wood one?
A: Yes, for actual hunting or hard use, a metal head on a strong shaft (wood or composite) is superior in strength and edge retention.
Q: Can I use my hunting spear for self-defense?
A: While effective, carrying a spear for defense might be illegal depending on where you live. Use caution regarding local weapon ordinances.
Q: What is the best way to sharpen a leaf-shaped steel tip?
A: Use a whetstone or a good quality file. Maintain the original bevel angle of the edge. Keep the sharpening process consistent on both sides.
Q: How much should a quality hunting spear weigh?
A: A well-balanced hunting spear usually weighs between 2 to 4 pounds. Too heavy, and you tire quickly; too light, and it lacks striking power.
Q: What makes a spear “balanced”?
A: Balance means the weight distribution favors the tip slightly. You should be able to balance it easily on your index finger near the center of mass.
Q: Are replica spears safe to use for practice throws?
A: Only if the manufacturer specifically states they are designed for impact. Always inspect replica points for cracks or loose fittings before throwing.