Bodkin Arrows

A bodkin arrow refers to an arrow equipped with a bodkin point, a type of arrowhead characterized by a slender, rigid, and often square-shaped design. Originating in the Middle Ages, bodkin points were primarily crafted to penetrate armor, especially chainmail. Their narrow profile allowed them to focus kinetic energy on a small area, enhancing their ability to pierce protective gear.

The term "bodkin" is derived from an Old English word for a pointed instrument or dagger. Historically, bodkin arrows were utilized alongside broadhead arrows—the latter featuring wider blades designed to cause significant tissue damage. While broadheads were effective against unarmored targets, bodkins were favored for their armor-piercing capabilities.

The effectiveness of bodkin arrows against various types of armor has been a subject of both historical accounts and modern experimentation. Some tests have demonstrated that bodkin points could penetrate chainmail when fired from powerful longbows at close range. However, their efficacy against plate armor, which became more prevalent in the late medieval period, appears to have been limited. Modern tests suggest that while bodkin arrows could penetrate thinner or lower-quality plate armor, high-quality, well-crafted plate armor generally provided substantial protection against such arrows.

In contemporary archery, bodkin-style points are still in use, particularly among traditional archers and historical reenactors. These modern bodkin points often replicate the design of their medieval counterparts and are appreciated for their historical authenticity and distinctive appearance.

For a visual demonstration of how bodkin arrowheads were traditionally forged, you might find the following video informative:

Blacksmithing - Forge a Medieval Arrow Tip (a Bodkin) https://youtu.be/Gz7ukr0FB0M