Club Obi Wan

I was wondering about this. I make longbows, and inscribe a name on each one as they are unique in character and are alive in the sense that once under tension they become an extension of the archers muscles, eyes and brain. In this regard a whip is very similar. Is a whip less worthy of the distinction of a name than a longbow? Surely not! So, does anyone name their whips? Something besides Morgan, Strain, or Jacka?

Weston

I don't normally name them, but I did have to dub my 20' latigo monster "The Duke"...

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73 ... 0010x7.jpg

Wow, I think "Big Red" might have worked too!

Weston

Fluffy

Weston wrote: I make longbows,

HOLY @#$%!!!! Thats all I had to hear for you to get my attention!!! I've been an avid bowhunter all my life. I generaly use a compound "I'm a hoyt guy" but I shoot recurves and long bows too. When I decide to try to hunt with one I'll definately get a hold of you!!!

I've been known to draw a bow a few times, too. What do you make them of, what sort of draw weights, and are these just for you or do you sell them?

LJ

I make them out of various hardwoods, such as Osage Orange, Black Locust, Black Walnut, and so on. I have made some out of Yew. Most of my bows are "selfbows", meaning they are carved from a single piece of wood, though I do sometimes back them with sinew, rawhide, or snake skins. Most of the bows I make are hunting weight, meaning 40lbs or above. I sell them sometimes, and have given many away to friends and family. The money I get from what few I sell just goes right back into the hobby.

My hunting bow is a 60# Pacific Yew longbow. It is backed with deer rawhide and has been named "The Bard". I have made better ones since that one, but it just does it for me. I'm helping my brother-in law make one out a character laden Osage stave, in fact I used the shaving to start my barbeque just a few minutes ago. I'm glad to know there are other guys on here that appreciate archery. I believe the craft of whip making and bow making come from the same place; a deep desire to make something beautiful and powerful with your hands, the use of which requires dedication and time, powered only by your mind and body.

Weston

Cool! I've been reading and researching in anticipation of making a bow and trying to source a decent stave - almost as difficult around here as finding good boatbuilding wood.

LJ

Weston, I envy your skills in making longbows. I enjoy hunting with bows, but they are compound. I've shot longbows, but never owned one or got good enough with one to risk wounding an animal and losing it. I have a nephew that makes them and just got got back from a trip to Alaska where he got his first bear. PM me with a pic of one of your bows if you get a chance, I would love to see it.

myrddin wrote:Fluffy

Wahahahaha!!!

I never give name to whips. I give names only to my spiders and to my axe

Weston: I tried to make bows. I got on almost finished but guy who sold me wood(ash), decived me. It was very dry piece with, and has bad grains. But anyway I make bow from it, and when I was molding(?) it has broke :/. Now I have to repair it somehow nad finish it.

Anyway it's very fine hobby , but my self I prefer blacksmithing.

Karol

Kiscien,
What type of work do you do in your forge?

Franco

Hi,

for now i rather plaiting. I was learning(I got my own smithy but for now i ain't got time for that) artistic metal work. Last time I made 3 knives, but I was effacing them not forging. When my hand will cure(I had tumor in my right wrist), I think I will go back to forging

Regards,
Karol