Hand-Forged Roman Pilum Butt Spike - Outlet
Complete your Roman *pilum* replica with this essential and historically accurate butt spike. Its authentic look and precise craftsmanship make it the ideal choice for any enthusiast of Roman history, whether for reenactment or for building your collection. This butt spike gives your *pilum* not only the correct visual appearance but also functional balance. This conical spike is hand-forged from carbon steel. Its surface is left in a rough, blackened state typical of period metalwork. At its wider end, there is a hollow socket that fits onto the wooden shaft and features a pre-drilled hole for a rivet, ensuring a secure attachment. Further product information ...
Hand-Forged Roman Pilum Butt Spike
Authenticity for the Roman Legionary
This butt spike is the perfect component if you want to craft a faithful replica of a Roman *pilum* yourself. Simply fit it onto a wooden shaft with a diameter of up to 31 mm and secure it with a rivet.
- Balancing the Throw: The Roman *pilum* had a heavy iron head. This butt spike served as a counterweight, stabilizing the spear's flight and ensuring a precise impact.
- Protection and Defence: It protected the end of the wooden haft from splitting. In close combat, it could even be used as a secondary weapon, either for stabbing or for planting the spear in the ground as an obstacle.
The Pilum in Historical Context
The Roman *pilum* was one of the most effective and characteristic weapons of the legionaries. Its greatest advantage was its unique construction: the iron shank below the tip was designed to bend upon impact with a shield. This prevented the enemy from pulling the spear out and throwing it back, effectively taking them out of the fight. The legionary could then safely advance and fight with his sword. This butt spike was therefore crucial for balancing a weapon that would otherwise have had poor aerodynamics.
A Historical Tidbit
Legionaries typically carried two *pila*: a heavier one, primarily for throwing at the start of a battle, and a lighter one that could be used as a spear in close combat. The butt spike thus gave the weapon a second purpose after its main head had served its function.
Specifications
| Overall Length: | approx. 98 mm |
| Max. Outer Diameter: | approx. 36.75 mm |
| Max. Inner Socket Diameter: | approx. 31.24 mm |
| Material Thickness: | approx. 2.05 mm |
| Weight: | approx. 51 g |
| Material: | Carbon Steel, Blackened Finish |
Care and Maintenance
Since this product is made from carbon steel, it is susceptible to rust. The rough, blackened finish provides some protection, but for a long lifespan, you should keep it dry and clean and wipe it with a thin layer of oil after each use (e.g., Ballistol, WD-40, or another mineral oil).
Disclaimer
This is a single component for further crafting. The materials, construction, and craftsmanship would allow for practical use (e.g., in historical fencing or reenactment). However, as the manufacturer provides no guarantee for such use, we offer this product for decorative and DIY purposes only. When mounting and handling, always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
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