Can anyone recommend a book on bowmaking?

[Pine Marten]

Hello everyone.

YPM is going to be 10 soon (TEN! How did that happen??!) and for the past three years, he's developed a real interest in archery, and more specifically in making bows and arrows. It mostly derives from his interest in pre-history, as he's also been trying to make flint arrowhwads and fletched arrows with some success, but he's gone about as far as he can in a self-taught way. And I can't help much beyond the basic green hazel stick with a string bow. Does anyone know of any books on making bows for beginners? I suspect this is more likely to come from America, given that's where most of our modern bows originate, but that's OK, that's what American uncles are for.

Thank you!

 

[nun_hunter]

Not a book but I've watched this a couple of times and I really enjoyed it. I'm sure you and your son would too.

 

[Frank Homes]

Try Frank Bilson ..Modern Archery..i think that covers a bit of bow making.

 

[Ade8mm]

The Heritage of the Longbow
Pip Bickerstaffe

 

[old keeper]

That is a true craftsman, very impressive. So few of the old skills left.

Incidentally PM You say "YPM is 10, how did that happen?". YOK is 64 how did THAT happen!

 

[bowji john]

Try Philbrookelongbows.co.uk

A true gent, former soldier and free fall display team member

And not a bad bowyer, tracker, bushcraft instructor and ‘all round good egg and snappy dresser’

 

[salukiwhippet]

The Bent Stick is a good one on basic bows, iffy wood, speedy drying techniques etc.
Traditional Bowyers Bible series is much more in depth and technical. And expensive.
Hilary Greenland's Traditional Archer's Handbook is another good basic one, plenty of drawings etc.

 

[finnbear270]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiepdTNvvn_AhVMh1wKHc5KBwEQFnoECBkQAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarkstretton.blogspot.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw3XOxPJzejXxQlr9II-riVg&opi=89978449

Traditional Bowyer's Handbook: How to build wooden bows and arrows: longbows, selfbows, & recurves.: Amazon.co.uk: Hayes, Clay C: 9781548762810: Books

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[lambic]

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood​

 

[Millerich]

Hello everyone.

YPM is going to be 10 soon (TEN! How did that happen??!) and for the past three years, he's developed a real interest in archery, and more specifically in making bows and arrows. It mostly derives from his interest in pre-history, as he's also been trying to make flint arrowhwads and fletched arrows with some success, but he's gone about as far as he can in a self-taught way. And I can't help much beyond the basic green hazel stick with a string bow. Does anyone know of any books on making bows for beginners? I suspect this is more likely to come from America, given that's where most of our modern bows originate, but that's OK, that's what American uncles are for.

Thank you!

Has he read Longbow, by Robert Hardy? I haven’t read it myself, but he was highly regarded as an archery expert as much as his acting accolades.

 

[lambic]

Saw some very interesting YouTube videos by a chap called Todd. Medieval bows and crossbows, but sure you are aware of his work

 

[Ross22]

All you need

The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Volume 1 by Editor-Jim Hamm: Used: Good Paperback (2000) | Ergodebooks

Available now at AbeBooks.co.uk - ISBN: 9781585740857 - Paperback - Lyons Press - 2000 - Condition: Used: Good

www.abebooks.co.uk

 

[tomg327]

Hello everyone.

YPM is going to be 10 soon (TEN! How did that happen??!) and for the past three years, he's developed a real interest in archery, and more specifically in making bows and arrows. It mostly derives from his interest in pre-history, as he's also been trying to make flint arrowhwads and fletched arrows with some success, but he's gone about as far as he can in a self-taught way. And I can't help much beyond the basic green hazel stick with a string bow. Does anyone know of any books on making bows for beginners? I suspect this is more likely to come from America, given that's where most of our modern bows originate, but that's OK, that's what American uncles are for.

Thank you!

Hi,
Although books are good, particularly the traditional bowyers bible vol 4 and traditional bowyers handbook.
But for the best chance of success, try this one.
I'm pretty obsessive about watching bow making videos and this one is fabulous for beginners.

If he has questions he can ask Dan on Reddit or you can join the board bow buildings FB page, he is on there too.
Both are excellent places to get help from some extremely experienced bowyers.
If he wants to do a pure primitive build then this video is excellent, but it is very hard work!
Ryan Gill really knows his stuff and had loads of resources.

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Interest in pre history?
Interest in bow making?

The book is ‘hunting with the bow and arrow’ by Saxton Pope it’s the chronicle of his friendships with Ishi and Art Young.
It details Ishi’s thoughts on bow making and pope and young’s experiences using them

Ishi was the last living member of the Yana people of California. So in my view, probably the last free/Stone Age man in North America

You can download it from the Gutenberg project for free.

Hunting with the Bow & Arrow by Saxton T. Pope

Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by volunteers.

www.gutenberg.org

 

[Clubby]

Hi have a look on you tube for a guy called Will Lord. Makes bows that he strings with deer tendon or natural materials, makes his own flint arrows,axes,daggers etc etc. Pre history is his thing,wears skins and is regarded as one of the best flint men in the country second only to his dad.