Replicating the Ashcott-Heath bow (video)

[billy]

Here's a fascinating video I found on youtube.  It is with British bushcraft expert Ray Mears, and in this video he and a bow maker replicate the Ashcott-Heath bow using stone tools.  This is an excellent series that I absolutely LOVE watching.  Hope you guys find it educational and entertaining...I know I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoOHf8Hfl_E&feature=related

[billy]

And here's part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ahhYil1lUQ&feature=related

[LEGIONNAIRE]

thanks billy that was exellent watching.

[Blacktail]

yes,they are some great videos....and the stone tool work is sweet...it really blows my mind how yew is still a great bow wood with out the sap..john

[billy]

HEy John,

Yes, Yew actually is pretty robust, even with no sapwood.  When I was living in Oregon I had a roommate who made a yew bow and he removed all the sapwood. It was rather short, and I remember him overdrawing the hell out of it.  It had to be about 55 inches long, and he was drawing it 28 inches! And it wasn't backed with anything.   I used to cringe every time he shot it, just waiting for it to explode.  It never did. 

 

[Marc St Louis]

I believe the bowyer is Chris Boyton

[Lombard]

Just watched the whole series of videos. Interesting not only for the bow and arrows, but for the stone age tools, that were vital to everyday life for our ancestors. Looked like some good eats that he cooked up also.