Hi all! My name is Justin Steinmetz. I've been making bows for about 8 years now. Lately been getting into some fantasy style bows, but still functional without loosing performance.
This particular bow was a first for me. For me, and I'm sure other bowyers out there, once you get an idea in your head, it's there to stay until you make it a reality. So this horn bow was a work in production for a little over a year. With most of the time sitting there with me pondering what to do next. Finally, after trial and error, the bow became functional. Yet, it was still lacking something.
I brought it to the Kalamazoo Show last year (unfinished) and it sparked a lot of interest. Other vendors pulled the bow back and commented how smooth the pull was. Then I Brought it to the west Windsor Renaissance show in NJ and it again sparked a lot of interest. A character by the name of Dark Lord came up to me and wanted it for his costume.. but it was still UN-finished. It only took me one look at his costume and I knew what the bow needed... Some giant horns near the handle! He was a first time archer and needed a bow to complete his character and this was the perfect one. So we agreed on a price and I took it back to the bowshop and made some modifications. A few weeks later, it was complete. I was very excited to see him with it in costume, so we arranged a photoshoot in his backyard.
Click here to vote for this bow for BOTMhttp://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,2983.0.htmlThe bow is made entirely made from exotic horns; gemsbock, blesbok and springbok horns. The main part of the limbs are made from split gemsbock. The larger horns near the handle are that of a blesbok. The horns that wrap around the top section of the bow are from a female springbok. Everything was roughed up with sharp razor and cleaned with acetone before gluing. All the horns are attached with the mixture of the bowgrip and thickener, then secured with sinew. The shiny finish is heat cured bowgrip epoxy.
The bow stands approx 60" tall and weighed in at 40# @ 28". The weight of the horns in the handle reduce a lot of hand shock, and the natural spring of the horn provides a smooth draw and decent cast. On my next one I plan on adding some re-curves at the tips to give the bow a little more character. I also created a dozen arrows to match this bow.
More Photos:
I hope you guys enjoy my creation. I am entering this bow for July BOTM.
Sincerely,
Justin S.
Bowstick Archery
