I haven't seen it mentioned, but was wondering if Lilac would make a good bow, the stuff sure is hard.
I've heard it was very good if you can find a piece that is straight enough. I've already looked over my neighbors bush but nothing seems bow worthy. Too small and gnarly but if I ever find one I'm giving it a try too.
If I remember right I think there was a guy in TBB4 that made a bow from lilac and it worked out really good.
I got some mock orange it also is very hard like your lilac draw-knife would sometimes skip right off it. I found that the mock orange took dry heat super good flip the tips approx 2" grain all held, straighten the limbs alls holding, and will be adding some reflex for sinew backing. the stick is 1 1/4" x 60" 58"ntn 35#@27" hope to up it some w/ sinew. I will be looking for more M.O. and lilac. I new it made good arrows. keep us posted, Chuck
I got some mock orange it also is very hard like your lilac draw-knife would sometimes skip right off it. I found that the mock orange took dry heat super good flip the tips approx 2" grain all held, straighten the limbs alls holding, and will be adding some reflex for sinew backing. the stick is 1 1/4" x 60" 58"ntn 35#@27" hope to up it some w/ sinew. I will be looking for more M.O. and lilac. I new it made good arrows. go for it keep us posted, Chuck