Primitive Archer

I once made (in 2013) a broomstick bow. I don’t know the wood species, but it was about 1700 mm long, 28 mm diameter, with good, straight grain and dense wood, so I decided to give it a try. The end result was 41 pounds at a 27-inch draw, and it is a hunting-legal weapon here in Finland. I even left the original sticker on it.

The first image shows it in its intended use as a broomstick, and then the finished bow (the sticker and full draw).

My newest bow, just for me. Madake backing (from Jaap), sugar maple, ipe, and a horn belly. Osage power lam, with ipe and bulletwood in the handle. The handle is wrapped in green vegetable-tanned leather.

Draw weight is 57 pounds at a 28-inch draw (about 54# at my 27-inch draw). Length is 1720 mm (67.7") nock to nock. Width is 33 mm at the widest point, 24 mm at the handle, and 9.3 mm at the nocks. Physical weight is 766 grams. Taper rate is 0.007.

I like this bow; I am close to what I really want. The next one will be a bit lighter—about 45–50# would be just right. I will also make the handle differently, using a more modern method: two short belly laminates and gluing a one-piece handle between the back and the belly laminates (like "simk" makes his bows). I like the traditional look of this kind of glued handle, but it is very difficult to do correctly, and there is always a risk of it popping off, especially when using woods like ipe or bulletwood.

However, I like the shape of the bow, the materials are good (I think that madake backing is the best backing material and horn belly is the best for belly), and there are many nice details. Even so, it is almost impossible to make a bow I would be perfectly satisfied with!

I get a lot of satisfaction from being involved with PA. trades.  Before Kidder took on the PA Trade, I ran it for a couple of years, but there were always a few who posted words to the effect of "I'd love to join in but I don't think I'm good enough".  It was for this reason I suggested a junior trade and here we are, on year three.  I have a great deal of admiration for Kidder and co, as I know from experience that running the main trade is a big ask and I would be really saddened if no-one took it on for 2026

Same here. Also slow going from one place to another.

Yes me too.  I have to keep refreshing page to get anywhere