Author Topic: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )  (Read 1353 times)

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Offline sleek

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Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
« on: December 26, 2012, 11:16:09 pm »
This tree was cut down with only a knife that I made from a file. ( Kinda proud of that. ) I reckoned it was a type of elm as the leaves had the alternating pattern and classic saw tooth edges. I tried to split it with the knife, but elm being elm... to the band saw it went. Now, over one year later I am making a bow of it and it sure smells sweet to me ( my wife says it stinks ) as I cut into it with my knife. I would really like to know what type of elm this is, and am starting to lean towards wych elm. Any help would be great. This bow is going to be my Christmas bow, as my other attempts have caused problems I would rather not pass on. It will be done in time though, no worries :)

I also wonder if it really makes a difference in which elm it is as far as properties of a bow go? An while I am on the subject, what type of elm has a purple heart wood?



Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others

Offline Zion

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Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2012, 11:28:36 pm »
I think pretty much all elms will make a decent bow, don't hold me on my word tho.

Sounds like an awesome project! Are you going to be making this into a build?
The secret of life is learning to make your own luck.

Offline sleek

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Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2012, 11:36:51 pm »
Well, I can if you want me to...
Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others

Offline Zion

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Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2012, 11:51:28 pm »
i just read the build part in the title, i'll leave the decision up to you tho if you want to that'd be cool. If you don't that'd be cool  ;D
The secret of life is learning to make your own luck.

Offline sleek

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Re: Bow build with just a knife ( ish )
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2012, 03:53:14 pm »
Eh sure, why not....
Tread softly and carry a bent stick.

Dont seek your happiness through the approval of others