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Post by Grizz on Jan 13, 2008 12:50:15 GMT -5
Atlatls are ancient weapons that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world and are one of humankind's first mechanical inventions. The word atlatl (pronounced at-latal or atal-atal) comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztec, who were still using them when encountered by the Spanish in the 1500s. Other words include spear-thrower, estolica (Spanish), propulseur (French), speerschleuder (German) and woomera or miru (English versions of the most common Australian terms).
An atlatl is essentially a stick with a handle on one end and a hook or socket that engages a light spear or “dart” on the other. The flipping motion of the atlatl propels a light spear much faster and farther than it could be thrown by hand alone.
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Post by Buckskin Billy on Jan 13, 2008 14:49:44 GMT -5
damn ,how did you ever afford all of them $25.00 words.impressing
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Post by Grizz on Jan 13, 2008 18:55:18 GMT -5
;DI took out a loan ;D
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Post by phoenix1967 on Jan 24, 2008 21:57:36 GMT -5
I made my first atlatl at the tender age of 13... Same time I started making knives. (that was a fer bit back) I took a 24 inch piece of plaster lathe, glued a piece of dowel rod across one end, and commenced ta flinging broadhead hunting arrows around the neighborhood. It worked well enough for the POLICE to confiscate it. I smiled, ;Dhanded it over, and as soon as they left, made Atlatl #2. I found that by exercizing a bit more discretion, I got to keep it longer. ;D
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Post by Grizz on Jan 24, 2008 22:07:41 GMT -5
cool story. I'm very interested in these just haven't made the time to sit down and really learn about em. Looks like it'd be a blast to have one and have some friendly competitions around tha house.Surely I could outshoot Billy with one seeings how he's blind outta one eye & can't see outta tha other one ;D
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Post by Buckskin Billy on Jan 24, 2008 23:03:28 GMT -5
oh yeah well tell em how you poked yer finger in my eye and made me that way.
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Post by phoenix1967 on Jan 24, 2008 23:18:53 GMT -5
Funny thing with these things, is that its more of a feel thang than a sight thang. You look at what you are wanting to hit, swing the stick at it, and it just kinda goes there. Accuracy is actually instinctive. Kinda like magic. 'Least it was with me. So old blind in one eye, and can't see outa tha other Billy might just whup up on ya!
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Post by Grizz on Jan 24, 2008 23:21:46 GMT -5
The last time he tried to do that is when I poked him in the eye and sent him on his way ;D LOL
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Post by Buckskin Billy on Jan 24, 2008 23:23:53 GMT -5
to the moon.one of these days griz all ya gonna be eating is green moon cheese
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Post by brianking on Feb 3, 2008 6:52:10 GMT -5
We had a lot of fun with the atlatls and rabbit sticks this summer and got some great photos brian
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