Javelins

[Dan D'Silva]

Hello all,

I'm slowly getting together arms for an Achaemenid javelineer impression, hopefully using points of this type, and if not, then the nearest thing I can find or make.  I suppose it could also be a very large arrowhead, but I'm assuming it's a javelin head because that's what Roger Moorey identified them as.

How many should I have?  And what's the minimum thickness and wood type that makes an okay javelin that won't break too easily?  The only dowels the hardware stores around here stock are poplar and red oak, and max out at 48 inches/122cm.

If I need any other type or greater length, I'll have to send away for it...  there are also broom handles which often seem to be made of good hardwood and are a bit longer, but they start at 1 inch thick and I think that's a bit too much for such a small point with a tiny neck.