Shooting knockless arrows

[Greenman]

Personally I don't think this should be in this section as it is "historical recreation", however I thought I had better get my version in first, The Saracens devoped a device called a "julbah" for shooting knockless arrows that the enemy couldn't shoot back, it was also used for shooting arrows with a razor inserted in the knock. Sneaky lot the Saracens. Having just smashed 2 knocks in an evening I decided to make one. Basically what it is , is a 2 cm hollow tube with a slot cut in it for the string ,and a thin cord attaching it to your hand. The knockless arrow goes in the end of the julbah and the slotted end goes on the bow string, the arrow can then be shot normaly, the julbah remaining with you curtesy of the thin cord. Traditionaly the julbah was made from an eagle quill, so my immediate response was to check out the local wildlife, initial inspection revealed one squirrel, a blackbird with a limp and a distant seagull so no luck there, was tempted by the blackbird but decided it had enough problems without me chasing it round the garden so retired to the garage where I found a piece of alumimium tube about 1 cm diametor which would do the job. So I cut a 2cm length , cut a knock in it, attached a thin cord and put a taper on the end of an arrow. The Club were shooting that evening so I took the arrangement with me to try out. During the Tea break when I had the Shooting line to myself I shot it....the arrow left the bow , turned 180 degrees and smacked me on the back of my head. This wasn't the desired result so I tried again with exactly the same result ,at this point I decided to stop ,partly because one of the ladies was doubled up in what appeared to be pain. Analysed the problem later and decided a longer cord to the wrist was required, on to the Mk2 next week. Had more of an audience this time, but it worked, the arrow whizzed off towards the target, the only problem being the julbah whizzed with equal velocity in the opposite direction almost taking part of my ear with it, didn't shoot it again as it hurt ,on to the Mk3. The Mk3 was covered in soft leather so it wouldn't hurt and a pair of safety goggles were worn...problem sorted, though it was necessary to check that there was no one in front,to the right or behind when you shot it. Orders are being taken for this essential accessory, though you will have arrange your own Insurance and safety goggles.

[joetapley]

Nice story.

The modern version is sold under the name Magnock. The clever part is that you tie the Magnock launcher to the bow string rather than you.

[Dave]

I think that's well deserving of a Fonz

Goldy, give the man his award

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by joetapley

Nice story.

The modern version is sold under the name Magnock. The clever part is that you tie the Magnock launcher to the bow string rather than you.

Sounds like the Mk4, the maglock still requires an attachment on the arrow. Attaching the julbah to the bowstring would seem to be the way to do it.

[Thunk]

Is this the reason why the Saracens didn't go on to rule the world - they were beated to death by their own julbahs?

[joetapley]

Attaching the julbah to the bowstring would seem to be the way to do it.

But still stick with the safety glasses - or better yet a Darth Vader style helmet.


What's worrying is if the Saracens used a wrist strap there were no doubt very good reasons for doing so - so whats the catch.

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by thunk

Is this the reason why the Saracens didn't go on to rule the world - they were beated to death by their own julbahs?

Interestingly, a 15th century French knight who wanted to restart the Crusades did some research into how English archers would have faired against the Saracens. He came to the conclusiom that the English archer would have come out on top for two reasons; the English arrows had far harder impact, the lighter Saracen arrows were less effective, he recorded one Knight coming off the battlefield with 15 arrows in his horse and 5 in him and they were both still in fighting trim. Also the Saracen bows had thicker strings than the English ,so that the English could at a pinch shoot the Saracen arrows back, but the Saracens couldn't shoot the English arrows, their knocks being too thin. His theories were never put to the test.

[Gold Flinger]

Well Greenman, what can I say. You've re-affirmed the Fonz's raisson d'etre: to recognise and reward extreme acts of stupidity!
Perhaps, if your target boss had bought a bow and started shooting back at you in a bid to defend himself, I could understand you going to such lengths. I just thank the Lord that you found the aluminium tubing before you found a Golden Eagle!
I went through a spell of smashing nocks, we've all been there, that almighty crack that preceeds the bitter-sweet knowledge that although you've anihilated 80 pence worth of plastic, your groups are nice and tight.
But it never once occurred to me to dispense with them all together! My biggest regret is that I didn't get to see you shoot yourself in the head. How many of your fellow archers sprayed tea all over their equipment at that moment?
Have a Fonz!

[Greenman]

Not sure whetherI I am happy about this or not ! Refused requests to do it again, and still no orders for a "julbah".

[Gold Flinger]

Oh you should be very happy indeed Greenman. You're now a member of a very exclusive club. Welcome aboard and happy Christmas!