Locksley
Well-Known Member
Every now and then, near the old homestead, a Chesapeake oyster shell gets turned out of the ground, like some flint arrowhead left behind as a memory prod by a Shawnee hunter. Prods like these are everywhere and bind our lives, some crossing timelines and cultures; some, like grass, so common they�ve all but lost their evocative power for most of us.
As traditionalists, they surround us. Aren�t we always faintly aware that the bow we lift is a memorial to some stiff-legged peasant at the Battle of Agincourt, or to the �Ice Man,� asleep beside his on a high frozen mountain, or to Hercules, because of his virtue and courage as an archer, the only ancient ever completely transformed from mortal to god on Mt. Olympus, or to Ishi, hiding, with the terrible knowledge that he was the last vessel in a drowning world? Doesn�t the arc of the loosed hunting arrow outline the umbrella under which all these worlds stand together? Don�t you summon their courage and integrity with each arrow you intend for a life?
Hunting the Osage Bow, Chapter 1, pp. 22-3
Favorite Traditional Archery Books
The Bent Stick by Paul Comstock
Twenty chapters on making bows from woods such as hickory. Explains drying wood, bow designs & layouts, how to "tiller" a bow, sinew backing and much more.
This was my first book on bow making that got me started on a career as a bowyer. A great book to get you off to a good start in your bow-building career. Great information and easy to read. Highly recommended!
You can order directly from Paul by sending $13.95 to:
Paul Comstock
PO Box 1102
Delaware, OH 43015
Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 1- 3
Many authors and each book contains over 300 pages of information.
Volume 1 covers cutting and seasoning wood, bow design & performance, using natural glues, tillering, handles & finishes, and much more.
Volume 2 explains eastern woodland bows, ancient European bows, recurves, making bow strings, shooting accuracy and more.
Volume 3 focuses on bow making tools, Indian bows, takedown bows, building a stone age bow, problem solving, wooden arrows and more.
These three volumes have almost 1,000 pages of information that will benefit anyone making bows. Jim Hamm is the publisher and has brought together the top bow makers in the country to provide us with an awesome amount of solid advise. If you're just starting your bow-making career, I'd suggest volume 1 to start with. Tim Baker's chapter on bow design and performance in volume 1 is amazing. I guarantee you'll soon have all three books!
The Art of Making Primitive Bows and Arrows by D.C. Waldorf
Seven chapters and 50 pages that discuss using hand tools, bow design, sinew backing, making bow strings, arrows and quivers.
This is a great book loaded with photos and illustrations that take you step by step through constructing your own bow, bow string, arrows and plains Indian quiver. The quivers he makes and shows are works of art!
Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans by Jim Hamm
A complete step-by-step guide to creating wooden bows, sinew backed bows, composite bows, strings, arrows and quivers.
This book is great if you're looking to create Native American style bows and equipment. Loads of pictures take you through the construction of both primitive style bows and arrows. If you think building a bow is a challenge, you should see Jim Hamm's flint tipped arrows.absolutely gorgeous!
The Witchery of Archery by Maurice Thompson
Originally published in 1878, this book has been described as the main inspiration for the renaissance of archery in the United States at the beginning of the last century.
This is not a how-to book but a must have for your archery library. I read this book two to three times each year. Join the Thompson brothers on some marvelous adventures hunting birds, small game, big game while enjoying life camping and providing for themselves. I guarantee you'll read the chapter "Three Weeks of Savage Life" over and over again.
Favorite Archery Related Links
The Society of Primitive Technology - a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, practice, and teaching of primitive technology.
bp-Outdoors - a comprehensive site for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Includes an outdoor directory of Internet sites dedicated to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Listings for hunting and fishing include "How to, tips and tricks", valuable instructions and safety reminders.
Archery Exchange - starting place for all your archery related internet browsing.
Huntseek - your hunting, gun and fishing source.
The Bowyer's Edge - Classical Archery and the Hunting Archer with Dean Torges
'A wonderful resource of articles'
Hunter's Shooting Association - Advanced Field Marksmanship for Hunters
Practical Primitive - Workshops on specific topics, and provide Personal Mentoring sessions on almost any aspect of Traditional and Primitive skills.
Rudderbows.com - Primitive archery with Jim Boswell
Outdoor Equipment Guide - a Digital Magazine dedicated to providing readers with product reviews of quality Outdoor Gear.
Traditional Handmede Longbows - Visit this site if you're interested in bamboo backed osage longbows.
http://www.traditional-archery-supply.c ... urces.html
As traditionalists, they surround us. Aren�t we always faintly aware that the bow we lift is a memorial to some stiff-legged peasant at the Battle of Agincourt, or to the �Ice Man,� asleep beside his on a high frozen mountain, or to Hercules, because of his virtue and courage as an archer, the only ancient ever completely transformed from mortal to god on Mt. Olympus, or to Ishi, hiding, with the terrible knowledge that he was the last vessel in a drowning world? Doesn�t the arc of the loosed hunting arrow outline the umbrella under which all these worlds stand together? Don�t you summon their courage and integrity with each arrow you intend for a life?
Hunting the Osage Bow, Chapter 1, pp. 22-3
Favorite Traditional Archery Books
The Bent Stick by Paul Comstock
Twenty chapters on making bows from woods such as hickory. Explains drying wood, bow designs & layouts, how to "tiller" a bow, sinew backing and much more.
This was my first book on bow making that got me started on a career as a bowyer. A great book to get you off to a good start in your bow-building career. Great information and easy to read. Highly recommended!
You can order directly from Paul by sending $13.95 to:
Paul Comstock
PO Box 1102
Delaware, OH 43015
Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 1- 3
Many authors and each book contains over 300 pages of information.
Volume 1 covers cutting and seasoning wood, bow design & performance, using natural glues, tillering, handles & finishes, and much more.
Volume 2 explains eastern woodland bows, ancient European bows, recurves, making bow strings, shooting accuracy and more.
Volume 3 focuses on bow making tools, Indian bows, takedown bows, building a stone age bow, problem solving, wooden arrows and more.
These three volumes have almost 1,000 pages of information that will benefit anyone making bows. Jim Hamm is the publisher and has brought together the top bow makers in the country to provide us with an awesome amount of solid advise. If you're just starting your bow-making career, I'd suggest volume 1 to start with. Tim Baker's chapter on bow design and performance in volume 1 is amazing. I guarantee you'll soon have all three books!
The Art of Making Primitive Bows and Arrows by D.C. Waldorf
Seven chapters and 50 pages that discuss using hand tools, bow design, sinew backing, making bow strings, arrows and quivers.
This is a great book loaded with photos and illustrations that take you step by step through constructing your own bow, bow string, arrows and plains Indian quiver. The quivers he makes and shows are works of art!
Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans by Jim Hamm
A complete step-by-step guide to creating wooden bows, sinew backed bows, composite bows, strings, arrows and quivers.
This book is great if you're looking to create Native American style bows and equipment. Loads of pictures take you through the construction of both primitive style bows and arrows. If you think building a bow is a challenge, you should see Jim Hamm's flint tipped arrows.absolutely gorgeous!
The Witchery of Archery by Maurice Thompson
Originally published in 1878, this book has been described as the main inspiration for the renaissance of archery in the United States at the beginning of the last century.
This is not a how-to book but a must have for your archery library. I read this book two to three times each year. Join the Thompson brothers on some marvelous adventures hunting birds, small game, big game while enjoying life camping and providing for themselves. I guarantee you'll read the chapter "Three Weeks of Savage Life" over and over again.
Favorite Archery Related Links
The Society of Primitive Technology - a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, practice, and teaching of primitive technology.
bp-Outdoors - a comprehensive site for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Includes an outdoor directory of Internet sites dedicated to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Listings for hunting and fishing include "How to, tips and tricks", valuable instructions and safety reminders.
Archery Exchange - starting place for all your archery related internet browsing.
Huntseek - your hunting, gun and fishing source.
The Bowyer's Edge - Classical Archery and the Hunting Archer with Dean Torges
'A wonderful resource of articles'
Hunter's Shooting Association - Advanced Field Marksmanship for Hunters
Practical Primitive - Workshops on specific topics, and provide Personal Mentoring sessions on almost any aspect of Traditional and Primitive skills.
Rudderbows.com - Primitive archery with Jim Boswell
Outdoor Equipment Guide - a Digital Magazine dedicated to providing readers with product reviews of quality Outdoor Gear.
Traditional Handmede Longbows - Visit this site if you're interested in bamboo backed osage longbows.
http://www.traditional-archery-supply.c ... urces.html
