In the realm of hunting spears, there are really only a handful of quality spears that would make effective hunting spears. The design of a hunting spear is simple meaning that the components that must be rated for quality really fall into two categories: the spear handle or shaft and the spear tip. The types of materials used, their durability, ease of use, and the purpose of the spear should all be taken into account when choosing a hunting spear.
In no particular order…
A hunting spear comparison would not be complete without the inclusion of the Cold Steel Boar Spear. This spear has been specifically crafted for hunting and is without a doubt the most recommended hunting spear currently available.
This spear was made for hunting. It is a whopping 82″ long with an 18.5″ spear head. That’s right…one and a half feet of cold forged SK-5 steel. Cold Steel is known for their quality metal working as famous by the quality of their Black Bear Classic knife. Their spears are no different.
Being a boar spear, this spear has two metal flanges behind the spear head to keep the spear to stop the spear from going through the target. This is the main difference between the Boar Spear and the Assegai Spear discussed next.
The handle of the spear is American Ash making it the only wood and longest spear in the list of spears. As mentioned before when it comes to spears there are two parts that need to be analyzed for quality. The spear head and the handle. Cold Steel has shown excellence in both and has provided us with a high quality hunting spear.
2. Cold Steel Assegai (Short/Long Shaft)
Modeled after the combat spears in Africa, the Assegai is the Boar Spear’s little brother in size, but not usability.
The Assegai comes in two shaft sizes, the longer being best for hunting, but sometimes hard to find. The overall length is almost identical to the Boar Spear coming in around 82″, but the spear head is smaller at 13″ compared to the prior’s 18″.
Now its time to see this awesome spear in action:
While made with the same still for the head and same American ash for the handle, the Assegai does not have the boar specific flanges on the head. Nothing is in place to stop this spear from going straight through its target…and believe me…it will.
3. United Cutlery M48 Talon Spear
While not a traditional looking or functioning hunting spear, the M48 Talon does its part to be a hunting spear whether you are hunting pigs or zombies.
The spear itself is a little under 4 feet long overall with an 8″ blade. While not as long as the Boar Spear, the Talon was made to be a multi purpose spear with its shorter length being easier to handle in non hunting situations including breeching or prying.
The handle is made of fiberglass making it very durable and weather proof. The rubber sheath also makes for a safe addition especially if you plan on traveling or hiking with the spear.
United Cutlery is known for its zombie apocalypse style gear including survival hammers and tomahawks. But don’t be mistaken for their look. These are not cheap wall hangers, these tools are meant to be used and abused.
The look and feel of the M48 Talon is quite different than the Cold Steel Boar Spear, but both are well made and quality tools. The Boar Spear is more traditional for those who plan to hunt or throw. The Talon is more modern. It may not be the best from a throwing standpoint, but it’s advantages are highlighted in survival circumstances.
4. United Cutlery M48 Magnum Spear
What seems like the perfect blend of spear styles, United Cutlery has come out with a new spear style known as the M48 Magnum. This spear is a little over five feel long and comes with a sharp 10″ stainless steel blade. The longer overall length and blade length make this a modern throwing spear. The shaft is aluminum making the spear light and ready for fast and accurate flight.
Since the spear is new there is not a large following like the M48 Talon, but I don’t think it will be long before the Magnum has its own following for the simple reason that it combines the best things from the two best selling hunting spears currently available.
From a pricing standpoint, the Magnum is in line with the Boar Spear and a little more than the Talon.
For a hunter, I recommend the Boar Spear or the M48 Magnum depending on your style. For the survivalist, I recommend the M48 Talon.