naked and knotty...(warning clickbait!) russian olive bow

[superdav95]

Hey guys,  I got this russian olive sapling stave from Pierce schmicheal here on pa about a year or so ago and decided to do something with it.  the pics shown are some progress pics over last couple days.  I went with the hollow limb design due to the high crown on this one. there was also a pith that i wanted gone too in working limbs.  its quite knotty and and laid it out as best as i could to avoid as many of the edge knots but inevitably there was some.  Its a very pretty wood this olive wood and after smearing some tung oil on it really popped!  I put some shots through it and its very light in the hand.  Ive not got out to full draw quite yet but figured id post my progress thus far.  so far its around 55 to 60lbs at approx 27". its 66" long ttt and about 1.5" or just a hair over width out the fades and then tapering.  The stave had a pronounced deflex out the handle which i figured i would just go with.  I heated in a tiny slight sweeping mid limb reflex after the deflex.  If i was to describe this wood I would say it similar to pacific yew but not quite as dense or springy.  the sapwood on this one has a 2 tone aspect to it which is kinda neat.  anyway Ill post a fully draw in next day or so when my wife isnt so busy.  I may get a short video clip uploaded too.   Ive got one last youth camp to do then will be home and sleep in my own bed for a change!  thanks for looking. 

[Del the cat]

Very handsome bow, does look very much like Yew!
Del

[mmattockx]

Wow, that's a lot of knots and a beautiful bow. Top notch work, Dave.


Mark