Hello, after a quick search on the internet, I found my way here, and seeing that there is some recent activity I thought I would try my luck.
My name is Joe, I live in Greenwood, Indiana. And I'm looking to purchase my first traditional bow. I'd like an English style longbow, preferably made of yew, anything with a draw weight of 55lbs or better. I intend to use the bow for sport, and personal enthusism. I was looking for something local, google only gave me associations, no local shops or private builders unfortunately.
Basically would anyone here be kind enough to point me in the right direction? Anyone local deal with traditional longbows? Or is there anyone here that would be willing to discuss a sale?
Hi Joe. There are some guys here who make bows, myself included. I guess the question is, do you want a fiberglass bow with yew in it or a yew "wood" bow ? Most of the guys here who make them rarely sell them, it's just a hobby for us. If you are new to trad archery I would suggest a bow with 'glass in it but if you have your heart set on an all wood yew bow, look around TradGang.com and Primitive Archer.com. You'll have a better chance of finding one there. I have made one yew bow and it was a good one. Great wood to work with but it does have it's drawbacks. At 50+ pounds, they have to be backed with something, usually and traditionally rawhide. If you are out in the woods and ding the back of the bow very much at all, you may as well hang it on the wall, it's done. I shot mine off and on for about 5 years, one day while drawing it , it exploded into about 6 pieces. It's just the nature of the wood. A quality yew bow will cost as much or more than a custom fiberglass bow. If you are new to this and have the desire to learn to make bows, you can go that route and use osage. If you just want a bow to shoot I would suggest one of the entry level type longbows like a Samick. You can go to Lancaster Archery .Com and type in Samick and see what they have .
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I do not seek the good of others as a sanction for my right to exist, nor do I recognize the good of others as a justification for their seizure of my property or their destruction of my life.- Hank Rearden
Thank-you very much tim. I have researched many different types of wood, including red oak, osage, bamboo backed, etc. I am still very new, I was looking at having one shipped but thought that I would support a local fletcher if I could manage it. I would love to start making my own eventually, but the months of time it requires is a bit too much I thought just starting out.
I would do a fiberglass backed bow or whatever resin would best prolong the quality of a yew bow, as I plan to use it often. I would like yew simply because it was the wood used by Robin Hood. It's cliche, but if Im going to pick up Traditional Archery, then I might as well start with my childhood inspiration, in my opinion.
But thank-you, I'll check out those sites and keep researching and see what I can find that suits me.
Our club (ITBA) has a traditional 3D shoot this saturday at the Scott Co. Conservation Club just outside of Scottsburg Indiana. You are more than welcome to come down and visit with us. We have a wealth of knowledge and experiance in our members and they are always willing to share. If you go to our home page at ITBA.org there are directions and shoot dates.
Steve H.
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I know you think you understand what you think I said, BUT I'm not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant !!
A friend of mine, Tom Crick shoots english style longbows and owns several. He most likely will be at the shoot Saturday. He would be a good place to start.
I am also new to the sport but I can offer one piece of advice. Coming to the shoot, meeting the experts and getting a feel for the whole experience is invaluable. I walked in green as grass and these folks were incredible. If you can make it I bet you will leave with a new level of enthusiasm and a ton of good information.
Talked to Tom he said to give you his cell # and he will be glad to give you info. on English Longbows. It is..... 502-419-6116 Hope you find what you are looking for.
