Barb configuration

[MT-Ed]

I've noticed that the barbs on spear tines vary quite a bit. Some tines have arrowhead shaped points, and the barbs stick out quite a ways. Others have just a small cut in the tine and the metal is bent outwards. I'd love to hear every/anyone's opinions on each type. Are there advantages/disadvantages to either? Does one type hold better than the other?

[jasonmichalski]

small cut tines suck, there easy to make that's why some spear have them, they don't hold well.

[PikeDemon]

Big barbs is what ya need, not those little ones like on a NIMS spears cut in to the tines an bent over.

[MT-Ed]

How wide do you recommend making the barbs? Do you recommend single or double barbs?

[MT-Ed]

Weeeeeee Dogies Blackhawk!!!! Couple more questions, if I may. What welding method did you use on those? Is that first photo a welding jig for the barb? What are the plates on either side made of? That's beautiful work you did there!!!!

Ed

[JCrean]

That looks familiar

[lamdilligaf]

Here's a couple from Sat.  Notice the barbs on the spear.  Not all cut barbs are bad.  These tines are cut, tapered and hardened, and hold incredibly well.

[IceHutt]

Blackhawk,   Nice TIG and metal work ! Are you looking to relocate out west with a new job?   I have a welding shop and could use an ice fishing welder.......    Happy trails.

[jasonmichalski]

these barbs are hammer forged cut shaped and hardened too, the bad cut barbs are the small cut barbs.

P2270004 by Darkhouse Forge Decoys and Spears, on Flickr