Questions for the self bow guru's

[twostrings]

Hey all, I've recently become quite fascinated by selfbows. Up to this point, I had never given them much thought, but the idea of making, shooting, and hunting with a selfbow I made myself is very appealing.

My question is, what literature should I look into before getting started making osage (or other woods) selfbows? I'd prefer to learn how to make them out of a stave using hand tools instead of power tools.

I have sifted through a TON of good information in this forum that is all very helpful, but I'd like to have all the material consolidated into easy to read books that I can keep out in my shop.

Thanks in advance to any information you may have. Also, have any tips you have for a newbie starting out?

mh

[No-sage]

Hunting the Osage Bow by Dean Torges is what you want for osage bows.  From tree to hunting trip in Alaska, all in one book.

[Art B]

I started with Paul Comstock's book the "Bent Stick" myself. Traditional Bowyer's Bible volume #1-#4 are excellent also.

Lots of info available here, in books and videos...Art

[PEARL DRUMS]

Gary Davis' "RattleStick" DVD is a winner as well.

[Osagetree]

Jim Hamm "Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans"


Or follow along here. I should get back to this soon!
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=005006

[frank bullitt]

Have all mentioned except, Gary's dvd. It should be good one, too!

I would recommend The Bent Stick, as a start!

Also if you could find a copy of Al Herrin's book, Cherokee Bows and Arrows.

[longbowhntr]

"Also if you could find a copy of Al Herrin's book, Cherokee Bows and Arrows."

I second what frank bullitt said. Pretty much just follow the book and you will most likly end up with a shooter.....

or if you can make it to OJAM (march 17,18,&19)you could make one there with a whole lot of advice from a bunch of guys that know how to build bows. If you want more info just send me a PM or email.

Good luck David

[Walt Francis]

I do not consider myself a Guru, but here are my suggestions:

2X - regarding Hunting the Osage Bow by Dean Torges.

If you are looking to build many bows get the Bowyers Bible series.

[George Tsoukalas]

I'm not a guru either but here's my site. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[Eric Krewson]

Dean's book for osage bows, has everything you need to know and is very complete.

Videos,I haven't seen all of them but have see a bunch and they all leave something out, time constraints I guess.

Bowyers Bibles, some good information and a lot of fluff to fill pages.

Bottom line, get some wood, tools, a place to work and jump in with both feet. Ask us questions when you hit a snag and don't let fear of failure stop you.

[twostrings]

Everyone, this info is really helpful. I think it is cool to see that so many of you suggested the same resources. That gives me confidence in purchasing some of them.

Eric, I love your encouragement! "Get some wood...and jump in with both feet" That gets me pumped!

Thanks to all,
Matthew

[jasonbker]

I would suggest take what you know at this point and add some experience... Building bows is not a pass or fail just time lost in imagination for what the wood holds... Post a few pics when you get started...  

[Ironfist_Canada]

Get yourself a copy of Making a wood bow by Mark Keller its an amazing video. Also there is a pretty neat paperback book called  "The Flat Bow" it has all you need in it to build a selfbow.