I posted this in the Spear Hunting forum but thought people here might be interested too so...
Just wanted to share some pictures of a work in progress my Ihepua'a, Inoshishi Yari, or Boar Spear. Still needs final fitting of parts, laquering of staff, polishing of metal work, and wrapping of handle with tarred nylon twine, and finished with 4 "Turk's Heads". I designed this spear combining features of both the Japanese Yari (spear) and Naginata (halberd). It has a straight symmetrical blade of the Yari but a single edge like the Naginata. Also like the Naginata it has a Tsuba or guard below the blade that the Yari usually did not possess. This is to prevent a boar from running up the spear. I put copper reinforcing bands on both the blade end and the butt end the butt end traditionally also used as a bludgeon in battle. I will also be carving appropriate Kanji charactors into the handle. Will post more pictures as project progresses.

Tsuba and Copper band


Blade and Tsuba


Copper band on butt end with rubber cap for walking


Two sets of wrapping and "Turk's Heads" [color=red]to be added[/color] below blade end copper band, and above butt end copper band


I am planning on taking this to hunt boars at Kaupo, Maui with a pack of hounds. ;D

Looks great !!

L

A lot of work went into that . Very nice!

Hell of an idea. I have a great Zulu spear that could easily be converted to that use. All it would need is a "guard" and the use of the rubber tip. What a great tool for following
the dogs to a boar. Just so the blade is not so long to go through and hit one of the dogs.
Juan Pozzi, a good idea for use with your dogs.

Very interesting ,i have a cold steel boar spear they are really deadly but very dangerous for the dogs ,you must be very carefull because with so long spears its easy to injure a dog eye or worst.Juan

So, all you have to do is taunt the boar into charging you, ground the spear with foot on the butt, and guide the point into its neck/chest?

Got it!

Definitely not a tool for rookies but in experienced hands, and with a well trained pack of hounds a very efficient instrument for dispatching pigs. Not used for slashing, strictly a weapon for penetrating a immobile pig's heart. I'll post pictures when I finish the spear, and also when I return from my hunt.

Never been a real fan of the Cold Steel boar spear design, too wide for efficient penetration to vitals especially between the ribs to penetrate the heart. This blade will be double edged the first 3 inches of the point but single from there back. Should have good penetrating qualities as well a strength.

Ok ,we all want to see this nice weapon in action ,please continue sharing its evolution and use.Juan

Very cool, Hawaiin_Hunter! I too want to see it in action!

I can't see the photos! Have you deleted them?

Finally finished my Boar Spear. Enameled the shaft to try and match Japanese lacquer finish. Wrapped both ends of spear for grip and added "Turk's-heads" to aid in preventing slippage. Kanji lettering to invoke the spirit of the hunter/warrior.








Apologies for missing pictures in first post, album got rearranged and pics moved.

Hawaiian Hunter, that is very cool! When do you plan on blooding it?? Mahalo!

Due to a industrial injury a few years back I am supposed to undergo surgery on my lower back (3rd surgery) and afterwards get retrained in a new career. I have been fabricating spears and harpoons in the meantime to kill time while I await approval for surgery from my ex employer's insurance company (who are being dix). Recovery from surgery will take a minimum of 3 months so the hunt is still several months away unfortunately.

Don't rush it. Get your strength back. The islands aren't going to be running out of wild pigs any time soon!

Very cool! Thanks for posting the finished pictures.

Good luck with the surgery.

quote:

Originally posted by Hawaiian_Hunter:
Finally finished my Boar Spear. Enameled the shaft to try and match Japanese lacquer finish. Wrapped both ends of spear for grip and added "Turk's-heads" to aid in preventing slippage. Kanji lettering to invoke the spirit of the hunter/warrior.








Apologies for missing pictures in first post, album got rearranged and pics moved.

Very nice !! Congratulations !

I am involved on a very much alike project myself, much more rustic with ancient cavalry spearheads and bamboo...

Are the posted pictures containing the complete Kanji lettering to invoke the spirit of the hunter/warrior? would you please tell me its exact meaning ?

I would appreciate if you might tell me the significance of every symbol by itself and the complete significance of them all together...

I like very much all these traditional and somehow spiritual touch !!