I demonstrate how to use modern tools to fletch river cane (also applicable to wood) arrows using a technique present on Native American arrows in the Southeast and Midwest. I typically use turkey tail or secondary wing feathers for this and save primary feathers for atlatl darts (see my other video on radial fletching for atlatl darts, also applicable to arrows). I have also used crow tail feathers. This method is simple and effective and causes arrows to spin in flight. The slow motion clip of spinning arrow flight is from an archaeological projectile experiment on a bison carcass. The bison was an old female who died instantly just prior to the experiment and was butchered afterwards for meat and hide.
Tools:
-Scissors
-Sharp knife
-Sandpaper (60 or other rough grit)
Materials:
-Secondary wing feathers or tail feathers
-Hide glue (Titebond genuine, Old Brown Glue, granulated, or homemade)
-Natural unwaxed linen thread
-Shellac (premixed or flakes [the latter has longer shelf life])