American Holly

[Gsulfridge]

Anyone ever use holly for a bow or for risers/overlays?  Looks like its SG is high enough to possibly try a bow out of it. It is a very white wood and might make some nice contrasts as risers or overlays. Just trying to get some opinions on it if someone has worked with it. Searches didn't turn up much info. My uncle has several on his property that are plenty big enough for staves, but I don't want to cut one unless its decent wood.

[Ryan_Gill_HuntPrimitive]

yup it will make a decent bow...just really white!  stain it..  I would say there are better woods out there, but there are so many, like holly, that make great bows but are used very little.

[Dan K]

I just cut a stave myself. I have a bunch of them around me. Not sure yet what type of bow to make but curious to see what comes of it. What type bow are you thinking?

[Gsulfridge]

I was thinking of a flat bow, parallel to mid limb, and straight taper to 1/2" tips. Stiff handle. 64"- 66" long. Not sure really what to try. I don't have any cut yet, other than some small sections for risers. I may wait and see how yours turns out. 

[DarkSoul]

Bows have been made of holly before.
Proof 1.
Proof 2.
Proof 3.