Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Holten101 on August 04, 2011, 08:49:42 am

Title: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Holten101 on August 04, 2011, 08:49:42 am: This Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28” is my latest bow. Im not really comfortable with bendy handle bows, so this is semi rigid/bendy. Its not my fastest bow by far, but its sweet shooting and very forgiving. I will have to make a few more high density bows to get the most, speed wise from species like Blackthorn.

I have left the back, largely untouched and left the pondage low since I was convinced all the thorn pin holes would cause trouble…now im less convinced, its tough wood:-).

Im sorry that I cant provide ”real” draw pics…but my bow arm is badly messed up (muscles ache in upper arm to an extent that I cant shoot…worries me like hell:-().

You might notice 2 brown spots on the belly…thats from correcting some of the natural deflex…lower limbs still has some, which makes the bow slightly assymetrical at brace (I dont like when the lower limb looks weaker at brace….but thats selfbows for ya;-).

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3196.jpg)

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3200.jpg)

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3199.jpg)

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3201.jpg)

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3203.jpg)

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3204.jpg)

Lower limb to the left:

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/Holten101/IMG_3209.jpg)

Thanks for looking

I have learned after cutting this ”stave” that long, relative straight Blackthorn pieces are rare…Im fortunate to know were I can get a 3 m pipe straight trunk, gotta ask permission to cut it first though;-)
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: n2huntn on August 04, 2011, 08:52:20 am: Thats a nice bow .
Jeff
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: dwardo on August 04, 2011, 09:28:41 am: Nice bow and i like that tiller. The question is where the ell did you find a bit of blackthorn that straight!!
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Lee Slikkers on August 04, 2011, 09:46:35 am: LOL, I with Dwardo...Lovely bow and the bark on is sweet but I have never seen a Blackthorn that wasn't a short, gnarly mass of twisted limbs and trunk.

I've love to see pics of before & after...from the cut stave to this, would be neat to see what folks start with.
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Holten101 on August 04, 2011, 10:13:20 am: Thanks. Its mainly outer bark, which have been passed over with sandpaper (the cambrium layer is suprisingly green). I got the stave from a thicket at the local 3D range. As I said...I know of an even longer, straight piece. If I get permission to take that one down (should be no problem to get) then Ill make sure to document every step....I hope I can get it soon, while the berries are blue so that ID wont be an issue;-)

Blackthorn checks like crazy. I took great care, and it still split.

Cheers
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Lee Slikkers on August 04, 2011, 10:27:17 am: Very cool, I'd be interested in seeing that...

Is Blackthorn in the same family as Hawthorn?
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Holten101 on August 04, 2011, 10:33:53 am: Yes...Hawthorn and Blackthorn is in the same family Rosaceae, but Blackthorn is genus Prunus and Hawthorn genus Crataegus.

They dont look alike at all.

Cheers
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Lee Slikkers on August 04, 2011, 11:19:38 am: OK, I know we have Hawthorn here in MI but not sure we have any Blackthorn.
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: druid on August 04, 2011, 11:59:23 am: Good looking bow.
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: medicinewheel on August 04, 2011, 12:14:39 pm: Beauty in simplicity!
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: ErictheViking on August 04, 2011, 02:20:15 pm: very nice bow Holten, love the bark left on.
Title: Re: Blackthorn (Sloe), 64”ntn, 45# @28”
Post by: Polar Bear on August 04, 2011, 07:28:46 pm: I like the looks of this bow. If you decide that you want to get rid of it I would like a crack at it. No pun intended.