First Osage Character Bow

[4est trekker]

Here's my first attempt at an osage character bow.  A friend of mine laid out the bow and took it down the the rough profile. It weighs 17 oz., is 62" ntn, took 1.5" of just-unstrung set, and draws 44# @ 26.5".  Roughly 1.25" at the fades tapering to 3/8" at the tips.  I used tie-on knocks to keep the tip mass low.  I finished it with tung oil, followed by a polish coat of mink oil.  (Once the mink oil dries, the water just rolls of the bow.  A light recoat every now and then keeps it in shape.  I often will finish a bow by using sanding sealer followed by 2-3 coats of mink oil applied to a slightly warmed bow.)  I've not had a chance to chrono it, although it shoots plenty fast and accurate.  I also haven't had a chance to get any pictures of it while drawn. (Note: the rawhide band on the lower limb is covering a sinew wrap I made over a suspicious spot.  Rather than let it blow, I just put an insurance band-aid over it!) Sorry about the blurry pictures.   I'm no photographer.

[Dano]

Nice job, a guy can learn a ton by making one of them. I really like them knocks.

[Steve B.]

I love that bow.  I just built my first and tried to make it as primitive as possible.  I wanted to do something different with the nocks but couldn't figure it out so just filed the limb tips.  I like what you did much better and might steal your idea if you don't mind?

Very nice.

[Pat B]

Very nice job on a difficult stave. I love character bows...the more character the better.

[4est trekker]

Steve B. - The nocks weren't my idea.  They are detailed in the TTB (can't recall the volume off hand.)  It's a great way to pike a bow without actually cutting any wood off.  That is, you can wrap or even tape the nocks at different bow lengths and then test for draw weight/tiller.  It's also a handy (although a little then than perfect) way to increase/decrease the draw weight and/or adjust for tiller changes in the field.  Works great on softer woods that won't stand up to a standard nock configuration...kind of fulfills the same purpose as horn nocks on a yew longbow.

[Dean Marlow]

You did a great job on a difficult looking piece of Osage. Thanks for sharing.

[George Tsoukalas]

Very nice bow.   Jawge