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Arrow Specifications

By Jeremy Spencer
Standard Arrow

General notes

The EWBS Standard Arrow is the oldest replica war arrow specification and was developed by Hugh Soar and Chris Boyton nearly 20 years ago. It was originally shot at some BL-BS events but we are now the proud custodians.
The arrow must have an identifying mark or initials of the archer.
Two will be shot
Minimum weight 802.5 grains (52g)
































Nock:

A horn reinforced self-nock (reinforcement approximately 2”) must be used. A slot depth of around ผ" is suggested.

Shaft:

Ash is suggested to make the weight but not required
Minimum shaft diameter at the shoulder 3/8”
Minimum Shaft length (bottom of nock to shoulder) 31 ฝ”

Fletchings:

Fletchings can be cut in a triangular or ‘shield’ pattern. The edge may be trailing as nature intended or cut at an angle of 90 degrees or less. The corner may be radiused. Turkey is acceptable.
The fletchings may be bound on but this is not required.
Minimum length 6”
Minimum height พ”

Head:

Forged type 16 (for preference) or a bodkin
NB hand forging not essential


Livery Arrow

General notes

The EWBS Livery Arrow is a faithful representation a typical military arrow found onboard the wreck of the Mary Rose.
Minimum weight 980grains (63.5g)

Nock:

A horn reinforced self-nock (reinforcement approximately 2”) must be used. A slot depth of around ผ" is suggested. The nock does not need to be further reinforced with bindings but this may be advisable for longevity and safety.

Shaft:

Any shaft wood found on board the Mary Rose is acceptable. These include ash, birch, oak and most commonly aspen or poplar. Either a torpedo or bob-tailed shaft profile is acceptable.
Minimum shaft diameter at the shoulder 1/2”
Minimum shaft diameter at the nock 3/8”
Minimum Shaft length (bottom of nock to shoulder) 30 ฝ”

Fletchings:

Fletchings must be cut in a triangular pattern. The rear edge must be cut at an angle of (or near) 90 degrees to the shaft. The corner may be radiused. Turkey is acceptable.
Minimum length 7 3/8”
Minimum height 5/8”

Bindings:

The fletchings must be bound on at a minimum of 4 turns per inch. Red silk is preferred but linen is acceptable. Verdigris compound is not required over the bindings but may be used.

Head:

A Hand forged Tudor bodkin must be used.

Quarter Pound Arrow

General notes


The EWBS Quarter Pound Arrow is a representation of a heavy military arrow used to penetrate armour. It is similar to those that were shot during the Hundred Years War.
Minimum weight 1/4lb (113.4g)

Nock:

A horn reinforced self-nock (reinforcement approximately 2”). A slot depth of around ผ" is suggested.
The nock does not need to be further reinforced with bindings but this may be advisable for longevity and safety.

Shaft:

Any indigenous hard wood is acceptable but the denser woods like oak, ash or birch may be needed to make the weight. Either a torpedo or bob-tailed shaft profile is acceptable.
Minimum shaft diameter at the shoulder 1/2”
Minimum shaft diameter at the nock 3/8”
Minimum Shaft length (bottom of nock to shoulder) 30 ฝ”

Fletchings:

Fletchings must be cut in a triangular pattern with a trailing rear edge as nature intended.
The fletchings may be bound on but this is not required.
Minimum length 7 3/8”
Minimum height 5/8”

Head:

A heavy hand forged plate-cutting bodkin must be used.