2 new bows: Holly and Serviceberry

[Zion]

I went to the ocean this summer and saw a holly sapling and i just had to get it since the holly around me grows about knee high. I debarked it right away and it checked badly that night, on the back and belly. It still ended up making a nice bow, super smooth and quiet, though it is a little long for my usual taste. 68# @ 25"
I tried something a little different with the serviceberry bow and made the tips pretty narrow and stiff, not a Molly but really narrow limbs. I wanna try the same design a little bit wider so i can get more weight out of it. 63# @ 25"

I know it's hard not seeing FD photos, i'll try to get some soon, no guarentees with how late my practices are lately lol. 

[Zion]

Oh yeah i stained the holly bow with charcoal with a few coats of tung oil over that, i think it looks pretty cool!

[adb]

Some serious character in those! Can't wait to see the full draws.

[Zion]

Thanks abd, i'll get them up as soon as i can.
More details on the serviceberry:

[Adam]

Looking good!  This is a great time of year for that too.  Now you can deck the halls with bows of holly.



Sorry, couldn't resist.

[DuBois]

You been stayin busy! Good job keeping that holly together with those big checks! I really like the serviceberry. How did you get that coloration in the finish? Doob

[bowmo]

Nice! Gnarly pieces of would. Tiller looks nice on both of them.

[Dan K]

Wicked serviceberry!  Love the character.

[soy]

Nice work on the lot!!!

[blackhawk]

Cool primitive sticks...

I'd be a lil concerned about the longevity of the holly....does it make any creeping noises? Sometimes a check like that can make noises,and sometimes they can cause the bow to actually spit in half....jus a FYI for ya is all,and I'd keep it as a personal bow

[dwardo]

They look great although its hard to see in the pictures. Try a less busy background for your next lot, the colours look fantastic mind.
I have cut holly in the past just to make the odd spoon and whittle something and it checked immediately after being cut, within minutes!

 

[Arrowind]

Awesome!    BOTH are really cool!  I like the primitive look.   The stain / colors on both are very nice.   



I LOVE IT WHEN ZION POSTS BOWS!

[IdahoMatt]

Looking good Zion.  Can't wait to see them bending

[Parnell]

Very cool.  That's what it's all about right there.  I wish more people just starting out with bow building would by-pass the red oak build along and just start playing around with sapling bend through the handle bows.

[Zion]

Thanks for the kind words everybody!
Lmao Adam 
Dubois, for the serviceberry I heat treated the outer tips to keep them a bit stiffer and to eliminate side-to-side bend. The rest is just the natural color of the wood.
Thanks Blackhawk, I don't intend to give away ANY of my bows yet. Specially the holly, I'll just shoot it till it blows. It isn't making any noises yet haha.
Thanks dwardo, yeah i'll get a smooth background for the FD's so you guys can see the tiller better. I think next time i cut Holly i'll keep the bark on for a bit 
Thanks Arrowind, I appreciate it!
Yeah Parnell i agree, although people say red oak is good for learning, all i've really known is sapling bows and they teach you pretty quick. The materials are also easier to get. And they can look pretty darn cool too!