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Craftsmanship

Handmade Catapults in the UK: What "Handmade" Really Means

A handmade catapult is shaped, finished and tested by one person rather than stamped out of a mould. Here is what that process looks like at TJ Catapults, and how to spot genuine handmade work.

By TJ Catapults · 7 min read · Updated October 2026

"Handmade" gets printed on everything. For a catapult it should mean something specific: one person chose the materials, shaped the frame, finished it, fitted the bands and shot it before it was packed. Here is how that works at TJ Catapults in the UK, so you can judge any maker by the same standard.

Step 1: Choosing the material

Every piece starts with a handle or fork. We work with deer antler, camel bone, hardwoods and recycled Stihl chainsaw parts. Each blank is picked for how it will sit in the hand, not just how it looks. Natural material is irregular, so we reject more than we use.

Handmade deer antler catapult made in the UK
A deer antler handle. The curve and texture are natural, which is why no two pieces match.

Step 2: Shaping and finishing

The handle is cut, shaped and sanded until there are no hot spots in the grip, then sealed or polished depending on the material. This is the slowest part and the one most visible in the finished piece. A good grip disappears in the hand; a poor one tires you within a few shots.

Step 3: Fork and band attachment

The fork must be strong, smooth where the bands sit, and aligned so the bands pull straight. We fit either flat bands or tube bands depending on the build. If you are not sure which suits you, read flat band vs tube band slingshots.

Handmade Crown Derby style catapult with fitted bands
A finished Crown Derby style catapult, banded and ready to shoot.

Step 4: Testing before it ships

Each catapult is drawn and shot before dispatch to check alignment, band balance and that nothing creaks or shifts. A catapult that fails is fixed or reworked, not sold.

Why handmade costs what it costs

Our handmade catapults start from around £45. That reflects selected natural materials, time at the bench and individual testing, without a middleman. It is the most direct way to get a piece made by the person you can contact if anything is wrong.

How to spot genuinely handmade work

  • Photos show the actual item, with natural variation visible.
  • The seller can tell you what each material is and where it came from.
  • Finishing is clean around the fork tips, band seats and grip.
  • You can contact the maker with questions before buying.

Browse what is currently available in the shop, or read more about who we are.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a catapult handmade rather than factory made?

A handmade catapult is shaped, sanded, finished, banded and tested by an individual maker. Natural materials such as antler and bone mean no two are exactly the same. Factory catapults are cut or moulded in batches to identical dimensions.

Are handmade catapults better for accuracy?

Not automatically. Accuracy comes mostly from the shooter, a comfortable handle and consistent bands. A handmade piece can be shaped to feel better in the hand, which helps consistency, but technique matters most.

Can I get a custom handmade catapult?

Yes, bespoke orders are available. Contact us with the handle material, hand size and intended use and we will advise what is possible.

Why do two catapults of the same name look different?

Because natural materials differ. Two "Crown Derby" or "antler" pieces share a style and build method but each handle has its own grain, colour and shape.

See the catapults in person

Every catapult in the shop is handmade in the UK by us, and photographed exactly as it ships.

Shop the collection

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