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WhistlingBadger:

--- Quote from: superdav95 on March 08, 2026, 09:07:00 pm ---I just posted on your other thread about this too regarding birch.  We have lots of it here.  I think a lot of the tree environments and conditions factor into how good the wood will be.  I’ve been wanting to test out this theory having recently moved to southern Alberta where it is very windy much of the time.  In fact a lot of folks complain about the wind here and really wish it weren’t so windy.  I came here from southern Ontario were it was not really that windy but way more humid.  When we got a storm with gusts of wind we would get lots of downed trees.  So my theory is that this from day one wind resistance may yield a better bow???  We shall see.  As far as birch goes we have a good amount of it here that is fairly straight.  I’m gonna fire harden one here this year and see how it does.  I may sinew back it to boost performance if needed.

--- End quote ---

We have some river birch here in the riparian areas; the kind with dark brown to maroon bark.  The bark is really pretty for crafting or to use as a canvas to paint on, but it doesn't want to split paper thin.  As far as bow making, it's usually more of a shrub, but occasionally I see stems that are long enough and straight enough, 2-3" diameter.  I really need to try it sometime...I have more potential projects than I have time. 

I cut a piece one time that really felt like it wanted to be an ELB.  I might still have it in the pile, but I think I made it into walking sticks instead.

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