Hand-Forged Medieval Swallowtail Arrowhead

Hand-Forged Medieval Swallowtail Arrowhead

Appearance and Construction

This hand-forged arrowhead features a classic triangular shape with a sharp central point for good penetration. Its defining features are the two long, backward-sweeping barbs that resemble a swallow's tail. These barbs cause the arrowhead to catch upon entering a target, making its removal extremely difficult. The entire piece has a rugged, dark, forged finish that gives it an authentic historical appearance. It is fitted with a conical socket at the base for easy and secure mounting onto a wooden arrow shaft.

Historical and Practical Use

How Can You Use This Arrowhead?

You can mount this head on a shaft to create a complete, historically accurate arrow. It is an excellent accessory for:

• Historical Archery: Add an authentic dimension to your shooting.
• Reenactment and LARP: The perfect detail for your medieval archer costume.
• Collecting: Expand your collection of bladed weapons with a historically interesting piece.
• Crafting: Use it as a base for making your own replica medieval arrows.

A Weapon That Changed the Course of Battles

Barbed arrowheads were widely used during the High and Late Middle Ages. Their primary purpose was not to pierce heavy plate armour but to cause the most severe injuries to lightly armoured or unarmoured targets. The wide cutting edges and barbs would tear tissue and cause massive bleeding. Removing such an arrow from a wound was nearly impossible without surgical intervention and often led to even more severe damage.

An Interesting Fact: The Horse Killer

One of the most effective tactics against heavily armoured knights was to target their horses. A horse was a large and much less protected target. An arrow with a swallowtail head could inflict a painful and fatal wound on a horse, taking it out of the fight. A knight without a horse became a vulnerable and slow target for infantry on the battlefield. The ability of archers to eliminate enemy cavalry often decided the outcome of the entire battle.

Specifications

Care and Safety

How to Care for Your Arrowhead

Because the arrowhead is made of steel, it is susceptible to rust. To ensure it lasts as long as possible and maintains its appearance, we recommend regular maintenance. Dry it thoroughly after each use, especially in damp conditions. Occasionally, wipe it down with a cloth lightly soaked in a preservative oil (e.g., WD-40 or any gun oil). Store it in a dry place.

Safe Use

While the materials, construction, and craftsmanship would permit practical use, the manufacturer does not provide a warranty for damage incurred from live shooting. Therefore, we offer this arrowhead for purely decorative, collectible, or costume purposes.

Important Notice: This is a sharp object with functional points and edges. Exercise extreme caution during any handling, especially when mounting it on a shaft, to prevent injury. Never shoot towards people or animals. Always ensure you have a safe backdrop behind your target.