Maple backed Osage working recurve

[Marc St Louis]

I was asked to make a couple Osage static recurves a few months ago.  I started pulling out the Osage slats I had laying about, I needed something for a 31" draw so not interested in making short bows.  I had enough for the commissioned bows plus another shorter set.  I started work on all of them, focusing more on the commissioned bows.  With those out of the way I switched my attention on wrapping up the other.  I did not make as a static recurve with this bow, I thought I would try something a bit different.



Now I hesitate to call this a working recurve but it's not my usual static either, neither is it an RD bow.  It's a bit similar to a bow I made many years ago that closely copied a Wilcox duoflex.  In any case it is something I kind of like the looks of plus it shoots like the devil.  In fact I like it so much that I think I'll make another using Buckthorn and Maple.  String tension is quite high and it has a very smooth draw.  The bow is 64" long with shallow D section limbs just under 1 3/8" wide.  The draw weight is just under 50# @ 28", which is good since I like lighter bows these days.  Now there was a bit of character with these Osage slats.  One had the remains of a rather large knot on one edge, I left the limb a bit stiff there, and the other had some pretty wild run-offs, probably why I didn't go with a static recurve.  I shot it several times and it is fast, it also has a lot of string twang.  I am quite pleased with this bow and I may take it out this Fall but I will certainly have to dampen the string.

Here are more pics

[PEARL DRUMS]

Cool bow, Marc. I'm not sure why you wouldn't call it an RD? I think its a perfect example of such. Either way, I like it.

[osage outlaw]

Very nice work.

[DC]

Very nice bow Marc. My last two bows have been very similar to that but I had more deflex and more reflex. They were unbacked Ocean Spray and they both broke. Asking too much I think.

[BowEd]

Very nice bow Marc.That turned out sweeter than a good peach cobbler.I think I'd just call it a good bow.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Just noticed its a lefty.

[Hawkdancer]

Nice bow, Marc!  Looks natural to me, I shoot that way all the time!
Hawkdancer

[Stick Bender]

 Very nice bow looks fast !

[Bayou Ben]

I'm new to the forum, but I have been admiring your work for a couple years now.   As always, this bow is inspiring.  I like the green finish on the maple too.  Could you share what you are using for dye? 

[upstatenybowyer]

Oh man Marc, you never disappoint. I'll bet you can just feel the potential energy in that bow when it's braced. And that bend... whoo eee! What a beaut!

[Badger]

    I really like that Mark, I bet it is fast. Any chance these will be showing up at the flights? They need to. I was working on drawing up a from this morning for several bows I plan on making and the form looks very close to these bows. I would call it a recurve instead on R/D as it has a lot of string contact on the limb. Very impressive!

[Marc St Louis]

Thanks guys.

I wouldn't call this an RD bow, the tips are just too recurved.

The dye I used was aniline dye in alcohol.

Not likely Steve although I'm sure it would do well at the flights

The one I plan on making with Buckthorn will have a more extreme bend

[Dances with squirrels]

Nice. Looks like it would be a good shooter.

[bjrogg]

Simply beautiful Marc.
Bjrogg

[Selfbowman]

Well done Marc. That's a nice bow. Arvin