Who admires the selfbows of John Strunk?

Ghost Dog · February 16, 2007, 10:59:00 PM

I think that John Strunk is one of the most talented and versitile self-bowyers in the world. John makes bows from, yew, osage, hickory, hawthorne, cascara, hazelnut, vine maple, ocean spray, and more. He can make highly refined bows as well as bows with every kind of twist, lumps, bumps, knots and in some cases little branches sticking out the back, and they all shoot very well.

In Japan there is a designation for very highly gifted artists; Living National Treasure. In my mind John is one of our Living Traditional Treasures.

KENDALL TECHAU · February 16, 2007, 11:11:00 PM

i bought my first selfbow from john in 1987.it's a osage flatbow,cherrybark backed.john's work inspired me to take up the craft myself. he is a MASTER bowyer and as nice a fella as you'll ever meet.

Terry Riley · February 17, 2007, 03:41:00 AM

I agree, John is a master at the craft. I feel fortunate to have met him and his wife Pat. His creativity never ceases to amaze me. Just the other night at the archery shop where several of us get together to shoot each week, Gordon Ferlitch was telling me about a couple of bows that John just made that were truely unique. I haven't seen the bows but I did see the yew billet that one of the bows was fashioned from and I'm amazed that anyone could make a bow from a set of billet that wavey. I'll leave it to Gordon to describe what he saw. John's work really sets the standard IMO.

Terry

NorthShoreLB · February 17, 2007, 03:50:00 AM

How about posting pictures of John's bows.

I for one would love to see them.

the more the better

Ghost Dog · February 17, 2007, 10:19:00 AM

Here are a few images. I would like to see pictures of other Strunk bows too.

George Tsoukalas · February 17, 2007, 10:25:00 AM

Mr Strunk makes beautiful bows. He's a master. Jawge

Ghost Dog · February 17, 2007, 10:39:00 AM

Here is John with a cool looking yew bow, and a few of his twig bows.

Osagetree · February 17, 2007, 10:45:00 AM

NICE,,, drool!

Dano · February 17, 2007, 11:17:00 AM

Always love googlein' John's bows.

Ted Fry · February 17, 2007, 11:43:00 AM

John has been a big influence on many of us here , he definatley has left a mark on the history of archery. John and his wife Pat have traveled far and wide spreading the love of the bow and arrow.
No finer person around and yes a true craftsman.

Ghost Dog · February 17, 2007, 01:47:00 PM

I have one of those twig bows. It is about as big around as a broom stick, has all the bark left on, and shoots like a dream; quiet, smooth and good speed. It is made out of ocean spray. Not the kind of bow you would want to lean on the side of a tree and walk away. You may not be able to find it again!

Traxx · February 17, 2007, 02:42:00 PM

He,and Ed Scott,are 2 of the main reasons,i go to the Trad Expo.They are a huge inspiration for me,and i just like visitin with em.

Jeff U · February 17, 2007, 03:08:00 PM

Very nice!

I think we have a amazing number of talented self bowyers that hang around here.

Just to name the first few that come to mind. I admire the bows of Ferret, NorthshoreLB, Dano, Osagetree, George Tsoukalas, Eric Krewson, Gordon F., and many more....

Ghost Dog · February 17, 2007, 11:37:00 PM

Jeff, John is one of the most important progenators of the selfbow revival. It is true that we have some very talented bowyers that contribute to TG, and I imagine many of them were inspired by John.

Many years from now, when people look back at this period in traditional archery, John Strunk will be a revered name. His contributions to the Traditional Bowyers Bible is another example of his place in what will be the history of our passion.

poekoelan · February 18, 2007, 03:41:00 AM

Strunk is as nice a human being as he is a bowyer.

Ghost Dog · February 19, 2007, 12:41:00 PM

ttt

Larry O. Fischer · February 19, 2007, 04:31:00 PM

If you want to learn from the master himself, John still has a couple of openings in his class that is held during the upcoming Traditional Bowhunters Expo West here in Boise , March 1,2,3&4. Give John a call at 503-842-4944 for more information.

NorthShoreLB · February 19, 2007, 04:38:00 PM

Beautifull bows !!...any more pictures ? never get enougth of it

Ray Hammond · February 19, 2007, 10:42:00 PM

I still think one of the prettiest bows I ever saw was a John Strunk sturgeon-backed longbow....wow was that thing gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

gordonf · February 19, 2007, 11:37:00 PM

Bob,

Next time you see John check out the ultra-wavy yew bow that he recently built. It will take your breath away - only a master could tiller something like that and make it look so elegant.

I ran into John the other day while he was teaching a class in town. It had been awhile since I last looked at some of his bows and I was starting to feel pretty good about my abilities. Well, after admiring some of his latest creations (including the wavy yew) I came crashing back to earth and realized I don't know nothing compared to him.