The wings of the nock may break during the process of making the nock - take is slow and be carefull. The end of the shaft is well boiled then heavy lace is quickly wrapped at the depth the string will sit; this is only a little past the width of your string. The split is made with a knife in the center, and the wings carfully bent out. You may also saw a split, prior to boiling to speed up heating and reduce chances of damage during bending. If the boil time is too short, you will break the fibers of the wood as it is bent; the result is that the wings will fail far sooner. I wrap the loose lace end through the split as i am forcing the wings open. Forcing the wings open is first done with a knife, then they are made even on the corner of a table. Prop the split open with a small stick and allow to dry and cool. After cooling, the nock is shaped. I grind away excess wood and then sinew is heavly wrapped bellow, between, and arround the nock.  The feel of th...