Backpack bow challenge!

[Justin Snyder]

Sean has my vote. That is a sweet little bow partner.  Justin

[D. Tiller]

I'm getten ideas! How come everyone reaches for sinew when they make short bows? I think we are proving that it's not necessary!

[benjamin]

1/2 primitive, what the brace height on that and have you tested it for distance or through the chrono? That looks sweet!

[son of massey]

  ive finally decided to jump in on this, the shortys posted so far look great and seem like a very different bow to have around.   im starting off with a 36" bit of (i think shellbark) hickory that has two decent sized knots and some prop twist.   i also have a 37"er from the same tree that is a bit straighter but less clean. hopefully one of them will make it to at least an 18" draw.   in case they dont the theory/strategy i wanted to play with was a straightforward bendy handle flatbow with tillering at the ends that are just short of whip tillering-the plan is to coax more working limb from less total limb to get either the 36 or 37" staves out to 20" draws. SOM

[Justin Snyder]

I'm getten ideas! How come everyone reaches for sinew when they make short bows? I think we are proving that it's not necessary!

Thousands of years of evolution of bows on numerous continents have proven that sinew is the most viable option for short bows. Why make a square wheel when a round one works so well.  Justin

[Sidewinder]

I would think that whatever the final result is that is should be duplicateable and durable so thats its attainable for others to do as well. I tend to agree with Justin on the sinew issue. I don't feel confident enough in my skills to make one as short as these yet, however if I did, I would sure want to make sure I could use it regularly as needed. That to me is what the sinew would ensure. Durability.  As far as reinventing the wheel, well there is wisdom in that ole adage.Just my two cents worth.

  Danny

 

[D. Tiller]

The NW Indians made short bows without sinew and they worked just fine. Very much as the one above!

[wolfsire]

28", no sinew

[D. Tiller]

I rest my case!!! 

[Justin Snyder]

I rest my case!!! 

   thousands with sinew and a few without.  I don't think I would rest to much. Especially in the NW, you might grow moss.   

[D. Tiller]

Too late! Moss grows on things that move out here.