Here's everything you need to know to make an atlatl. You don't have to be a skilled DIYer to make it, which is one thing we really like about it!
In order to make an atlatl, start by finding a straight sapling, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and preferably one that is of a very lightweight species of wood, such as poplar. Cut a section from it, approximately 24-28 inches in length. Use your camp knife and a baton to split the sapling down the middle, into two halves. You will need to choose the thicker of the two halves and proceed to use your bushcraft knife to flatten and smooth the split surface while leaving the other side half-round. Next, find an appropriate tree limb with a symmetrical fork, and then cut the fork from the limb, leaving approximately two inches below the fork and then cut each fork to a length of approximately one inch. Then cut a peg, approximately two inches in length.
Next, drill one hole in the end of the flattened section of sapling using an auger or bow drill with sand for an abrasive and, once the hole is drilled, insert the peg firmly into the hole so that it extends approximately one inch above the flattened surface. Carve a handle on the other end of the sapling section by first rounding the edges and then carving shallow groves in either side for your index finger and thumb to help you retain your grasp on the atlatl when using it to launch a dart. Once you have the grip and finger grooves carved, drill a second hole in the flattened side, approximately one inch above the point where your thumb and index fingers meet when grasping the handle section of the atlatl, and then firmly insert the fork into that hole and you will have a completed (although very primitive), fully functional, atlatl.
Now you need to make atlatl darts. They can be made as simple as cutting a reasonably straight section of sapling to approximately 36 inches in length, removing the bark, sharpening one end, and then cutting a nock in the other end that will mate with the peg on your atlatl.
Wow! We'd never heard of an atlatl until we read this piece, but we're very intrigued by this unusual weapon. Have you ever used one? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Article Source: Off the Grid News
I’m betting by the pic, and little hint, that its an Atlatl.
Takes one hour to make and………….. 3 years to master so you’ll be dead long before you master it. Good luck and$#%&!@*you to the ” survivalist ” pretending to share knowledge about surviving. Cunts.
Got one!
Are you guys talking about a atlatl I was talking about making one last year deadly ancient weapon
I’m so fuckin pissed they switched the dual survival guys fuckin bullshit I quit watching the show
Dual survival used to be awesome
They are effective and not too hard to make. Mine didn’t work out so well but I didn’t put that much time into it. It does take a lot of practice to get good with it.
I agree. When Dave got kicked off, it really was over with. Then Cody simply got burned out on it and disgusted with Joe who wouldn’t listen and still thought he was in the military. When Cody left, they should have just stopped the program. I don’t think it’s even on anymore but I’ve missed a few years since going off the grid.
Sure, if you already know how to use an atlatl.
Otherwise it’s quite hard to learn, takes a lot of time. Just make a bow. In most places you can with a sharp knife and a few hours. It’ll serve you a lot better in range, accuracy and ease of use.
next page next page I’m done.
Atlatl
Only takes an hour to make and life time to learn how to hit your target
Matt Graham is awesome, as is Cody. You know when 1 person drives one of the show as well as cause the show to be removed for his actions the problem the problem should’ve been obvious.
They were replaced by 2 guys from naked and afraid for a couple of shows that have aired. None recently though.
Atlatal
Bueno bueno
Thank you for finally covering the atlatl. I prefer it to the bow as a bushcraft weapon. 2 years real life experience full on bush living. The atlatl isn’t a “spear thrower” technically as the darts are flexible while a spear should be a rigid thrusting weapon (I’ve written several articles on spears, which I also carried regularly, and still do when I go for a trek)
Reading the directions, especially without pictures, I really didn’t recognize this as an atlatl. Furthermore, while a 3′ dart might work, traditional darts were usually anywhere up to twice as long. Very good weapon, not so good directions, in my opinion.
Atlatual