Apprentice Horn Bowyer :)

[Benn_of_Trades]

Hello all,
  I am completely new to bow making with horn. I have made many bows from staves, boards and even some pvc ones ( not a fan of pvc at all). I would like to learn to all that I can to make horn bows, but alas I cannot find a good source for information on this subject, Everything I find is sketchy or so limited I am unsure how to begin or even were or what materials to use. I could really use some time of Step by step guide or book on how to master this craft. If anyone has any information for me I would greatly appreciate your insight and knowledge.

[mikekeswick]

Adam Karpowzi's book is a 100% must have. http://www.ottoman-turkish-bows.com/
I cannot recommend this book more highly.

[mullet]

The only problem is you will have to find one that is used, get someone to loan you it, or read German. There are not any left in English.

[blackhawk]

In your other thread you mention only making a few bows? And here you state you've made many?  Wood you care to share and show these bows you've made it can be hard to judge experience level by self biased hearsay only   

Hope this isn't another case of you can be anything ya want to be on the interwebs...  

[Benn_of_Trades]

Hmm I will have to do some searching for that book since I do not speak or read German. I do appreciate the information and references from everyone so far thank you.

@Blackhawk I am sorry for poor word choice in my other posting. I have only about 2 years of bow making experience I can look and see if we have some pictures laying around or have my family members that I made these bows for to send me some if it will help you, help me in some way.

[Parnell]

In my experience the only way to learn anything is by doing it, Benn.  Bad Chris offers some valid advice, though.  Lots of help on here but people do come and go and I think the "trade secrets" of hornbow making are something coveted by many and given out by few.  Probably would find long term help by building a little reputation, but hey, that is only an opinion.  Of course, just diving in and photos of your progress will also invite help.

I'm in the same basic boat as you.

Have a good day and good luck.

Mean ole Chicken Hawk.

[blackhawk]

 ^^^^

  

Over the years we've seen lots of posers and imposters come n go on the forums...so when one comdradicts themselves in there first 3 posts ever it makes this shrood skeptic even more skeptical is all...hope ya understand where I'm coming from... Not trying to be mean...its just that if folks know where your at experience wise they'll know better how to direct and help you is all

Eddie that's the first I heard Adams books are no longer available in English... Glad I got mine a few years ago

Benn..have ya made any sinew backed short bows before??? That's a good starting point in learning the sinew process part,and before ya add a whole nother dimension to the process(horn)

[Benn_of_Trades]

@ Blackhawk I have backed a few bows with sinew yes. But not until recently I had the hardest time finding it and most butchers didn't even know what it was! I ended up have to buy some off ebay. I do understand what you mean as well by people coming in and talking a big game and then leaving or not delivering. I see it almost every other week here at work as we seem to get a lot of younger people with all this fork lift, machining or this and that experience and in the end can hardly read a tape. So no worries my feelings have not been hurt in the slightest.

[blackhawk]

If there is resources that ya need (adams book,sinew,and maybe horn)and can't get at home the trading post here is invaluable...share some of your work,thoughts,opinions,and posts more here and make a good name for yourself letting folks know who you are and such....and you should be able to find what ya need by way of trade lots of folks will be resupplying there sinew soon as its hunting season

Stick around and make some friends it'll help you in getting what ya need in the long run...most folks are very friendly and helpful here...(unlike me)   its more than just nother "forum" here with no faces hidden behind a screen....its a family and family always helps family

[wizardgoat]

Adams book is the text book on horn bows, so much info in it.
I have everything I need to attempt a horn bow, but its still pretty
intimidating. If youve already made a few short sinew bows successfully,
Maybe a north american style horn/sinew bow should be next.

[duke3192]

on this subject of asking for help. Water buffalo horn has long solid tips and a wicked curve, does anybody have suggestions as how to cut this horn to get maxium benefit. I went to Adams site recently looking for a copy of his book and there is a message there that its first edition is sold out, look for the second edition soon. We can only wait and hope.
Johnny

[mullet]

^^^^

  

Over the years we've seen lots of posers and imposters come n go on the forums...so when one comdradicts themselves in there first 3 posts ever it makes this shrood skeptic even more skeptical is all...hope ya understand where I'm coming from... Not trying to be mean...its just that if folks know where your at experience wise they'll know better how to direct and help you is all

Eddie that's the first I heard Adams books are no longer available in English... Glad I got mine a few years ago

Benn..have ya made any sinew backed short bows before??? That's a good starting point in learning the sinew process part,and before ya add a whole nother dimension to the process(horn)

Yea Chris, I was talking to James a few nights back and he told me he talked to Adam and that was the last of them. Can I borrow yours?

[Aaron H]

Does anyone know when Adam's second edition will be available?