Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 03:44:01 pm

Title: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 03:44:01 pm
 This bow has been a long slow journey. I started back in 2008 and posted a few sneak peak pics of the stave and roughed out bow. Due to multiple surgeries this one had been set aside several times. Though its heavy for me now I hope to be able to work back up to the draw weight eventually. I had a hard time hitting full draw but tried to get close for the pic. So here she is.
  This is a Yew flat bow with Halibut skin and waterbuffalo horn tips. It is 60" tip to tip and is 64# at 25".
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1499.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1530.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1552.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1548.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1484.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1293.jpg)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Josh on January 06, 2010, 03:45:25 pm
That is one beautiful bow,  Your finish work is outstanding!  ...it was WELL worth the wait.  Peace!   :)  -josh
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 03:46:53 pm
 Here are a few more;
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1236.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1232.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1526.jpg)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Badger on January 06, 2010, 03:50:36 pm
   Great looking bow, makes me regret not having skinned those giant halibut I caught off the coast of oregon, very tough skin, should make a good backing and be more than just decorative. Steve
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: half eye on January 06, 2010, 03:55:42 pm
That is one VERY NICE bow!!!!!
half eye
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 03:58:47 pm
 Thanks Steve, it was your post about not completing a bow for years that gave me the kick to finish this one.

Thank you Josh.

Thank you Half eye
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: DanaM on January 06, 2010, 03:59:27 pm
About time you finished this bow :) Fantastic looking bow Keenan :)

BTW did ya make that nice string with your new jig ;) :D
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 04:04:26 pm
 Thanks Dana,,,,,somehow I knew that would be one of the first questions........ ::)  And no this string is one of the last ones that Dave will ever make for me. ::)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: cracker on January 06, 2010, 04:05:31 pm
Hey that hallibut skin is some good looking stuff. Great lookin bow.Ron
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Stoker on January 06, 2010, 04:06:09 pm
Very nice bow! Halibut and water Buffalo Surf and turf lol
Thanks Leroy
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 04:25:41 pm
 Thanks Cracker, It's definitely diffrent and easy to damage the scales until finished but as Badger said it's some tough stuff. Much like sturgeon skin.

Thanks Stoker, "Surf and Turf"  I like it!  ;D
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: huntinoly on January 06, 2010, 04:30:01 pm
That a great looking bow, how wide are you at the fads and tips. I have not used yew yet but would like to give it a try. Greg
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 04:37:19 pm
 Thanks Greg, The bow is 1 5/8" at the fades and 1/2 " at the tips. 1/4" at the nock
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: mullet on January 06, 2010, 04:41:21 pm
 I like it, Keenan. The contrast between the skin and yew is nice. Now I need to get off my butt and finish the yew bow I'm working on.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: adb on January 06, 2010, 04:44:42 pm
Very nice work!!!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Pat B on January 06, 2010, 04:52:06 pm
Very nice bow, Keenan. The contrasts between the yew, halibut skin and buff tips is outstanding.
  You look like it is a bit stiff for ya. I can feel your pain!  ;)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: El Destructo on January 06, 2010, 04:53:48 pm
Awesome Bow Keenan....been waiting a while to see this one finished too...but then I have a bunch of them waiting too....one of them has been waiting quite a while on some Fish Skins also.............. ::)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Dano on January 06, 2010, 05:23:03 pm
OUTSTANDING!!!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 05:26:18 pm
 Thanks EL D I do still have those small skins for you but waiting on some big ones ::)

Thanks Pat. Yes it is a bit much for me.  Most the damage is low back and nerves to the leg, not sure I will ever be back where I was but this gives me a target. ::)

Thank you adb.

Thank Eddie. I tend to like contrast as well.  As far as getting off the butt and finishing projects,,,,,,that's my reselution ::)

 Thank you Dano.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: El Destructo on January 06, 2010, 05:35:37 pm
Keenan...just remember...You have to push yourself.....but you have to find your limits too...I am still struggling with my Injuries 17 years later...and having to press myself to keep Mobility....I know my Brother and Mother are still recovering from Their Back Surgeries...My Mom's was 10 years ago...but then She is now 70 ...and my Brothers was 2 years ago....and He is still only back to work part time...can't be on His feet for 10 hours a day....He had L4 and 5 Discs replaced through His Belly...still has pain and Numbness down his one Leg...and weakness too.so remember to push it to your limit...only You know when it's too much.......and I still love that Bow......... :o
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Del the cat on January 06, 2010, 05:36:16 pm
Funny...I'm sure I'd posted a reply, but it isn't here.
Anyhow...beautiful bow, that skin has a great steely look to it, great contrast with the wood, lovely clean simple lines.
Nocks match in nicely too. I'm jelly-ous
Del
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Blacktail on January 06, 2010, 06:59:58 pm
holy cow,that is a nice bow..i am glad to see that you are back at it...i really love the grains of yew..john
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Ryano on January 06, 2010, 07:24:45 pm
Sweet looking bow Keenan. You still got it.  ;D
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: ken75 on January 06, 2010, 07:29:57 pm
this is why im here , outstanding job
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: zenmonkeyman on January 06, 2010, 07:38:31 pm
Absolutely stunning.  I love that you left the skin shy of the edge, makes a beautiful contrast.  And that nock is the cleanest looking one I've seen yet.  Keep em coming!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: gmc on January 06, 2010, 08:12:05 pm
You bows are always exceptional, thanks for posting. 
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 08:19:21 pm
 Thank you all for the nice compliments;

 Ryano; Thanks for the encouragement but I think I'm slipping some.  The eyes aren't what they used to be and it seems everytime I lay a tool down it takes me 30 minutes to remember where I put it.  ::)

 John Thank you, This is one that you saw when you came over,,,Remember?

El D.   Learning to pace myself has been on the forfront of the brain these last few years,,,,,pain is a great teacher.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 06, 2010, 08:25:41 pm
Wow Keenan, that is one pretty bow. I love the skins, but those tips have are incredible, beautiful flow to them.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 06, 2010, 08:28:42 pm
Great looking bow Keenan
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 06, 2010, 08:35:33 pm
Thank you Justin and Mark
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: ricktrojanowski on January 06, 2010, 10:24:10 pm
Beautiful work, I really like those skins, they really work well with the Yew. 
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Okie on January 06, 2010, 10:42:18 pm
Great lookin' bow. The contrast is really nice. Nice tiller too!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: zeNBowyer on January 06, 2010, 11:13:55 pm
Where  did  you  get  the  idea  to  use  halibut  skin? Never  heard  of  using  it,
very  striking  looking, is the  skin  particularly  durable?
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: brownhillboy on January 07, 2010, 12:35:12 am
Great looking bow!  I really like the tips and your finish work is outstanding!  Nice job. :)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: juniper junkie on January 07, 2010, 12:45:33 am
Thanks EL D I do still have those small skins for you but waiting on some big ones ::)
awesome bow Keenan, I like the skins. now....about those projects.. ;D BTW we are still waiting to see a string. I am glad you got this finished, looks great..
Thanks Pat. Yes it is a bit much for me.  Most the damage is low back and nerves to the leg, not sure I will ever be back where I was but this gives me a target. ::)

Thank you adb.

Thank Eddie. I tend to like contrast as well.  As far as getting off the butt and finishing projects,,,,,,that's my reselution ::)

 Thank you Dano.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: juniper junkie on January 07, 2010, 12:51:48 am
I was just looking at the pics again, I just never noticed that large vein on the side of your head before, ;D I know that bow is a brute cant wait to see how it shoots, BTW, have you shot it yet?
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Gordon on January 07, 2010, 12:59:25 am
Dang Keenan, there you go raising the bar on us again. The skin job is superb, but that tip picture keeps drawing me back in. The lines are perfect and I can't find a flaw anywhere. You out did yourself buddy.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: elk country rp on January 07, 2010, 01:23:23 am
Keenan, you and a few others (Gordon, Manny, Half Eye, Rich, David- to name just a few) have a way of reminding me that NOW is the true renaissance of archery. beautiful & inspiring!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 07, 2010, 02:02:01 am
Ricktro and Okie, Thank you it is a great darker contrasting color for the lighter woods.

Zen, I can't take the credit for original thought, many of our ancestors used sturgeon,eel, and other fish skins for backings. Most bottom fish have a very tough skin and it can add some protection as well as cosmetics. Some will lose there color and become transparent when dried.

 Thanks Brownhill.

Yes Dave, that is a vein popping out of my head :o Still can't hit full draw but getting closer. ;D  Jim Hall shot it a bit tonight and really liked it. 

Thank you Gordon, Coming from someone of your impeccable detail work that means allot.  The skins have some touch up where that bow got moved around in the long process and lost a few scales. I almost decided to reskin them but did the touch up instead.

Elk Country, Thank you,  I believe we are in a true renaissance of archery! Growing daily back to the roots of Archery! ;)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Innocente on January 07, 2010, 02:07:32 am
gorgeous work. i love the overlays, and the fish skin looks way better than i thought it would.  seriously, gorgeous.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Pappy on January 07, 2010, 05:54:46 am
 It's a beauty in all aspects.Very nice job Keenan. :) Love the tips,love the grip love the skins and tillered nice also.What else is there. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 07, 2010, 09:57:00 am
Thank you Innocente

Thanks Pappy, I can't wait to see how that one that you are working on turns out
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Pappy on January 07, 2010, 10:39:26 am
Hope it looks half as good as that one, :)I plan on working on it this weekend if it ant to cold to work outside. :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 07, 2010, 10:54:31 am
Keenan, well done. That is a great bow. It is very well tillered and beautiful to see. Mighty impressive work. :) Jawge
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: tombo on January 07, 2010, 10:59:34 am
Real Pretty ! What did you finish the fish skin with ?  Tom
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 07, 2010, 11:05:56 am
 Thank you Jawge.

Hope it looks half as good as that one, :)I plan on working on it this weekend if it ant to cold to work outside. :)
   Pappy

 Now Pappy, what could be cold about your neck of the woods?  ;D  I doubt the Mrs. would mind bow work on the dinning table  :o

 Tombo, Thank you. The finish is spray on Minwax Polyurethane.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: OldBow on January 07, 2010, 01:54:37 pm
As soon as I read the description and the maker, I knew this would be great. Bookmarked under Jan Self Bows for BOM for sure.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: nathan elliot on January 07, 2010, 02:06:49 pm
Very nice bow, specially the finish. You sure know how to showcase the grain in wood, the feathering on the belly is a work of art.

Nat
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: jpitts on January 07, 2010, 02:27:57 pm
Beautiful bow. I know it's already been said, but the skins, the tips, the grain feathering and the grip, all are exceptional.
I think you're right about this being a renaissance.
Thanks,

Jimmy
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 07, 2010, 04:23:21 pm
 Don, thank you for the kind words of confidence. ;)

Nat, Thank you, Yew often lends to the feathering of the grains like that when it's fairly tight ringed.

Jimmy, Thank you, seems more and more, we are seeing people trading in the wheels for more of a challenge. ;)

When I was in China for a month back in 2000 I was told by a student that to them silverware seamed cold and impersonal and he could not get used to the feel of steel in his mouth. After just a month of using chop sticks. I understood what he was talking about.  I think of bows in the same light now.  Cold aluminum or plastic doesn't ever give the warm feeling of wood or leather in the grip.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Rich Saffold on January 07, 2010, 05:23:38 pm
Wow Keenan that is a very beautiful bow ;D  I bet there's an Elk out there who is gonna be really bummed to see it too......

It's very shiny, and I was wondering what finish you used on the bow?

I love spearing Halibut!

Rich
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Little John on January 07, 2010, 05:25:13 pm
Keenan, don't know how I mised this post. You make the most awsome bows, always did and still do. I hope you can work up to pulling this one with authority by September.    Kenneth
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Jesse on January 07, 2010, 05:47:38 pm
beautiful work there keenan :o
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: zeNBowyer on January 07, 2010, 06:30:54 pm
Keenan 
    What  I was asking  was  halibut  in  particular-is  the  skin  particularly  durable in  some  way (as  in shark  or rayskin  is  very  strong  with a  hard outer  layer,  which  is why  it  is  used  with  sword  handles),
seen  a  few  remarks  about  people  using  it for  a  covering  but  nothing  about the  particular  qualities  of the  skin  itself
zeNBowyer
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 07, 2010, 08:26:31 pm
Rich, Thank you . The finish is Minwax polyurethane, I'll be slipping on the camo skins that Gordon gave me, for elk hunting so hope the elk is just bummed and doesn't get to see the bow ;D

Jesse, Thank you.

Kenneth, thank you and thanks for the encouragement.

Zen,  The Hailbut is somewhat delicate when green but seems very tough when dried. It definitely lighter then Sturgeon but not paper like snakes.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew
Post by: Keenan on January 08, 2010, 02:45:01 pm
Here are a few more pics,
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1604.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1608.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1607.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1575.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_1264.jpg)
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: adb on January 08, 2010, 07:14:01 pm
Very shapely nocks!!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: medicinewheel on January 09, 2010, 09:47:47 am
Incredibly nice bow!
Like every detail about it!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Shaun on January 09, 2010, 11:00:55 am
Keenan, been a while since I cruised the PA site but was delighted to find this gem. You turned that stick of yew into functional art of the highest order. Well done sir!
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Gordon on January 10, 2010, 01:11:36 am
I just can't get over those nocks Keenan - I'm blue with envy...
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Keenan on January 10, 2010, 04:53:15 pm
 Adb, Thank you.

 Frank thank you, glad ya like it. 

 Shaun,  Thank you for such a nice compliment.

 Gordon,  Thanks again.  But its hard to picture you being blue ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Pappy on January 11, 2010, 07:25:31 am
Like it even better ,if that is possible.  :) :) Beautiful work.  :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 11, 2010, 11:03:25 am
Going to be hard to beat for BOM. The tiller is perfect, the tips are awesome, and the skins are pretty and original.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: adb on January 11, 2010, 12:10:54 pm
I think we should just give it to him now... he's got my vote!! ;D
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Keenan on January 11, 2010, 01:28:21 pm
 Pappy,Thanks again, I;m sure yours is going to be stunning as always. can't wait to hear what you think of yew.

Justin and Adb, Thank you for the vote of confidence. However with all the incredible bows that we see every month and some of the unique ones made already this month I'm sure it will be a tight race as always.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: PeteC on February 02, 2010, 09:19:59 pm
Outstanding Keenan! I like everything about this one.It's got the power too.Hope you can work back into it soon.Great bow. God Bless
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Keenan on February 03, 2010, 08:47:45 pm
 Thanks Pete.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Timo on February 03, 2010, 09:17:39 pm
Nice bow Keen! Really like the backin.
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: El Destructo on February 03, 2010, 09:27:04 pm
Like I said the First Time I seen this Bow..."AWESOME".....and it's going to be Awesome when it wins this Month too......... them Tip Overlays...and the Finish on that Skin...it's just......well....Awesome....... >:D.........hey...did I mention that I like this Bow...... :-[
Title: Re: Halibut skinned Yew (More pics)
Post by: Keenan on February 05, 2010, 12:55:17 am
 Thanks Timo.

Thank you, Mike  Just got some more skins today from My farrier so got to thaw them and see whats there.