Making a horn bow - How to make a composite bow

In this video you will see the making of a horn bow.
These bows are also called Turkish composite bows or reflex bows.
The bow is made of wood, horn and animal sinew.
All parts are glued together with a glutin glue (isinglass glue).
Bows have been made from these materials for centuries.
0:00 Intro
0:13 Wood core
5:09 Horn clasp
8:31 Elaborate bow shape
10:15 Sinew coating
12:23 Bone pieces
13:50 Tiller (bending of the bow)
14:44 Bow ends
15:27 Test shooting
16:07 Birch bark
19:21 Shooting bow
Manufacture:
The manufacturing process has remained the same over the centuries.
Today, machines such as band saw, planer, etc. facilitate the manufacture.
Fire is replaced by a hot air dryer and heat lamp.
However, most of the work is still done by hand.
Materials and additional info for those interested:
-The wood core is made of sycamore maple.
Other woods such as ash or yew can also be used.
-The horns are from domesticated water buffalo.
The last horn purchase was years ago. Unfortunately, the supplier no longer exists.
-The deer back tendons are the same as the horn. Bought years ago, supplier no longer exists.
Tendons from ostrich, cattle, red deer, etc. can be used just as well.
-With birch bark it is always a matter of luck that one gets which can be separated easily in the thickness.
-Glutin glue (isinglass glue 100gr./€ 60.--).
Alternatively, rabbit glue or hide glue (100gr./€ 5.--) can be used. Both cost only a fraction of the isinglass.
Data from the filmed bow:
-draw weight 45 pounds at 28 inches.
-String length 113cm (Dynema D75).
-Bow weight 340 grams
Personal:
I have been building and shooting bows for about 17 years. Turkish reflex bows in particular.
Bow building is a wonderful hobby and has taught me many things.
My interests have shifted towards shoemaking for a few years now.
So that my more or less great knowledge is not completely lost, I have filmed the bow making.
Have fun watching .......
I DO NOT SELL BOWS !!!

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

This is a Turkish horn bow. It is not quite as well known as the Korean horn bow.

[@aronnemcsik]

I love the video. As someone who's into aesatic archery(horse archery) i like that you went with the Turkish design. Awesome bow and great work.

[@Dordord]

Who told you this is Korea horn bow? How many wars koreans have fought in history? With little battle experience yet can invent better tech than other nations? Do you think that is possible?

[@aronnemcsik]

@@Dordord he said that this isn't a Korean bow

[@bliss7211]

@@Dordord LUL, There are a total of 998 wars recorded in Korean history, of which more than 100 were wars lasting more than three years. Including small battles, there are more than 2,000 cases. Please do not belittle Korea without knowing about its history.

[@Dordord]

@@bliss7211 nobody cares, none of these wars in Korean history is important, its Mickey mouse games... Beside, i don't trust your numbers, because you guys can't read the history books which written by your ancestors, that's why you people love/have to make up history

[@kilovolt7008]

Trust me when I say I have watched all the videos on how the composite bows are made. Especially the Turkish and Mongolian type bows. There is no other video I found which has this amount of detail and elaboration. Thank you so much for taking the time to make such a masterpiece.

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Many thanks for your beautiful comment!

[@prakashbalasubramanian8542]

​@@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw I still see something is missing on bow shape as this was not that our Tamil older ancient used.. It was really super but there is something missing in your bow..

[@zaourikorelidis5000]

Если бы отходы от обработки козлинного рога сварил бы ,то получил бы отличный столярный клей-тутхал.

[@jacksonterrance8833]

Have you ever seen 1 siyah as 2 pieces of wood stacked on top of each other?

[@michaelhosaflook9944]

I was thinking the same thing. I've been wanting to make one of these bows for a long time and this video is definitely one of the best showing just how to do it.

[@FriendChicken]

Horns are like the plastic of the ancient world. Awesome video!

[@JohnthesonofGod]

I never knew anything about bows, but this video helped me appreciate the work that goes into it. Incredible piece, I commend you for the time you took to post your steps.

[@eyasfazul]

Ive always been fascinated by bows, seeing the amount of work that goes into makes me value it so much more. Thank you for this masterpiece! 🙏🏾

[@borumfishing9382]

This is the first horn bow video i have seen actually showing the flexibility of the horns before applying them to the bow. Absolutely amazing build. Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship 🤩👌🙏

[@user-hc6vt6di8k]

Brilliant work! I have heard in general terms how such bows are made, but I have never seen the technology completely. Thank you, it was very interesting

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@gorazdg1]

Very clever way to press the horn with with wooden sticks and rope… i used the tencik tool… obviously your way is faster !

[@fidenemini111]

@@gorazdg1 Japanese way.

[@swordfishtrigger]

i just want to really thank you for using a period accurate glue. i watch a lot of craftsmanship youtube and every time i see someone use the chemical compound resin it breaks my heart a little.

[@robhor]

Amazing skills, and passion, dedication and patience! Thanks for making this video - it's a great insight into the bow making craftsmanship.

[@STORMBRINGERcommin]

man I never ever comment on videos, but I can't help it. The level of attention and dedication is worthy of anyone's respect, but most of all sticking to the traditional materials and techniques is what gives the greatest joy to the purist in me. Words can't do it justice so I'll leave it at that. I wish you a long happy life and the health needed to continue your projects and thank for sharing with us.

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. All the best to you too!

[@atlantic_love]

Never comment? If I had a dime everytime someone claims that 😅

[@LabGecko]

@@atlantic_love billions of people on the planet. First time for everyone.

[@atlantic_love]

@@LabGecko It' wasn't the first time, lol. Do you not realize that it's a bot post?

[@atlantic_love]

@@LabGecko LOL, it's a bot post. Do you not realize that?

[@graemeballantyne462]

What an amazing, painstaking, skilful piece of work that is. Watching this makes me realise what valuable and treasured possessions such hand made instruments would be. I imagine that such a bow could last a lifetime or longer and they must have been - and must still be - very expensive to make. Truly a master craftsman at work.

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@NeWo9670]

You can use the tip of the horn to make an archer ring. Since the thumb is used in Eastern bows, a special ring is used for it. We call it Zihgir. Some men in Turkiye still use these rings as jewelry. Those used as jewelry are mostly made of silver or precious stones. But the one I use for archery is made of buffalo horn. Really much better than metal, leather and plastic ones. It fits perfectly because it was made specifically for me.

[@chrisg.k487]

Ottomans Turks still were using that type o bow in Naupactos battlesea in 1571.

[@NeWo9670]

@@chrisg.k487 Because Turkish bows both faster and had a longer range than than the fire weapons (Rifles like Arkebüz) of that period.

[@ensign_Zadov]

I've always been amazed at the power of this glue.

[@gregoryluc2876]

Man, that was a smashingly cool archery fabrication show! As an archer I appreciate a bow with speed and that soft thumb sound at release. Your bow looks like a real pleasure to shoot and and has that soft thump sound at release . Very nice work!

[@pedromiguel3227]

This was captivating to watch. I’m so happy that people like you are keeping these skills from being lost. Thank you.

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@dimiturtabakov1108]

I love the bow, but, as a hobbyist woodworker, what really had me taking notes was the rope and wedge clamping method. All in all - excellent job!

[@x-Rayquiem]

An amazing masterpiece, I would never have imagined how this bow is tricky to make; You are really skilled, i love the results ! thank you so much for giving us a bit of your great knowledges

[@siem8160]

This bow is a magnificent work of art that belongs in a museum. Incredible work by the artist.

[@dimhoLten]

This was absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

With pleasure!

[@lindybeige]

Bravo!

[@SONGSTICKS]

WOW !! What amazing craftsmanship. That bow is an absolute work of art !

[@skyfox9768]

Great tutorial! You can learn from an experienced bow maker. I am still building my first composite bow.

[@Noble909]

Wow, that technique with the twine and wedges is super cool. Nicely done!

[@whykenneth]

Amazing 20 minutes content from your super hard work you spent for half a year! It's not just a bow but a piece of fine art! Thank you!

[@DonPedrito78]

Massive Respect! A true artisanal masterpiece! I salute you Herr Andi!

[@user-tl2iz2gf3u]

Ваша работа очень подробная . Большое спасибо за показанный вами опыт.

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@zufarshafeev5200]

Ещё бы титры на кирилице

[@hafizhhaikal851]

Awesome bow! And that clamp design is absolutely genius!

[@albertolubonting2651]

Wow. . .such an amazing work of art. Watching your video, I can feel your love for what you are doing. Being very passionate and taking every detail with perfection and the whole build is an honor to watch. As a person who appreciates craftmanship, this is just amazing. I just wish that someday I can own a bow like this to have a functional art display.

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Thank you!

[@vivalafiaga]

you sir, are a true artisan. this was an absolute pleasure to watch

[@jimprier326]

An incredible accomplishment! I like the blending of traditional techniques with use of some modern tools as well

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

Fascinating craftsmanship based upon millennials old techniques and materials from the Far East and Steppe regions. The original horn bows functioned wonderfully in desert regions but came apart in the humid regions. They were remarkably different than this example. I suspect that as with other surviving ancient crafts there were necessary modifications to adapt to changing situations. There area many online histories of the original horn bows and may be some videos of historic recreations. This tutorial is a welcomed documentation that the ancient ways are still viable. My greatest thank to this remarkable bowyer.

[@ferdig3349]

Hi The reason why bows break in humid regions is that the glue used in bows was obtained from a fish species and that glue dissolved when it came into contact with water.

[@jedi4080]

정확하게 알고계시네요. 민어라는 생선의 부레로 접착제를 만들었습니다. 습한 여름에 활이 풀어져버리기 쉬었습니다. 그래서 한국에서 여름에 전쟁을 일으킬수 없다는 주장이 나왔었습니다.

[@royalflush7276]

How would an ancient scythian made the original bow without powertools?? Just think how clever these ancient folk were to construct such an intricate piece of art which was the machi e gun of its day, truly amazing. Bravo

[@silvergate320]

Great job man! 🙌🏻 I as a Turk appreciated and got honored ❤

[@tommyking8560]

Wow. Just came across this and cannot stop watching. The skill in your process is incredible. I can only imagine the feeling of holding that bow in your hands at the finish. Beautiful ❤️

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@user-ws5kt4ml7t]

Making process is similar to Korean traditional bow. Isn't it?

[@smikeht]

Very similarly, but too weak...

[@rhokirsolx]

I had no idea how complex and beautiful composite bows were!

[@reijishian2593]

This is such a long and intricate process. I can't even begin to fathom how one could learn to do this.

[@jaguarholly7156]

That looks like one awesome bow. Your skills as a bowyer are very impressive.

[@user-rr1hz6of9b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZvKpaZ9gMmbg9U&si=7_g1kZbP8NQl-bvJ

[@TheadamsyafiqYT]

Hello there, this is very impressive. Is there any way i could take a look at the measurements for the woods/mould ?

[@mycommentpwnz]

I have no experience with bows, shooting or making them, but even I can recognize the exquisite detail and craftsmanship that went into this. Well done.

[@kurttate9446]

I've long been interested in composite bows. This video is absolutely outstanding showing their manufacturing process.

[@BasilSpathas]

Meinen größten Respekt, Meister Andi. Perfektes Video, perfekte Handwerkskunst, perfekte Schießkunst. Ich bin froh, deinen Kanal entdeckt zu haben. Würde mich auf mehr Videos freuen. Weiter so.

[@TheElektroMartn]

Absolut großartige Arbeit 🤩 selten solche Perfektion gesehen 👍

[@tanervardal4201]

I just watched 3 Turkish videos, although they are making traditional Turkish bows, they were using modern materials and processes except the wood part, yours was the best and most detailed and traditional so far. Also watched a Japanese one where you shared the method to bend the bow. You should use the ring to complete the method of releasing the arrow, thank you.

[@TheCbot88]

That’s funny, I used to just wear those on my head all the time and hardly ever thought about them.

[@zorossense]

Genghis would be proud

[@Floor42nd]

The method of manufacturing a composite bow using water buffalo horns is not Mongolian, but Korean style

[@Ibrahim-522]

ghengis would execute his bloodline for owning a bow

[@StuninRub]

​@Floor42nd Composite horn bows existed before Korea was even a nation or idea. This comes from the Steppe people, which Mongolians are descendants of.

[@Floor42nd]

@@StuninRub ??? Look, Korea is a country with a long history Who are you talking about? When will it be before Korea is a country? What you're saying seems ignorant

[@user-fm9jv4tr7g]

몽골의 활재작 명인들도 몽골의 활은 한국의 제작기법으로 들어왔다고 했으며 한국의 복합궁의 제작 기법과 애깃살 화살의 제작과 쏘는법은 국가적 비밀이기에 수없이 중국이 침략해서도 그 기법을 알아내지도 못 했고 흉내내지도 못했기에 몽골에서 유래 되었다면 중국도 복합궁을 만들었을것이며 우리가 중국보다 늦게 복합궁을 만들었을것 이지만 중국은 복합궁 재작 기록이 없으며 몽골은 복합궁의 재료가 되는 여러 나무와 바다생선의 부레를 이용한 본드나 여러 접착기술등을 구하기 힘들기 때문에 복합궁의 재작 방식 자체를 생각할 수 없는 환경 입니다

[@marekmarko2274]

It’s amazing how you build this. It’s also fascinating people have been building this bows so many years ago. It’s so advanced compare to long bow. The sound of the string is like nothing else to compare.

[@AndreasJohanns]

The organic materials--layer upon layer--are beautiful and artistic...I'm amazed!

[@user-fp5db3cd8e]

Что бы сделать лук надо обладать не только прямыми руками но и очень обширными знаниями👍👍👍

[@unklezam7873]

Absolutely fascinating to see how much work, thought and skill went into such a bow. Thanks for sharing!

[@JB-uj8mz]

You are truly on a level of your own with this bow build🙏🏼 thank you for sharing.

[@svargo77]

Really appreciate having KZbin for things just like this. Awesome job!

[@Tukab2007]

This was so well done. I'm just looking at this for a kind of research I'm doing among other videos and online encyclopedias about bow construction and the various archers in history. This was so detailed and so impressive I was literally entranced. I would have to watch it a dozen times just to get all the steps you used correct. Not only that, you really made sure the bow was absolutely beautiful. Bravo!

[@lustt1883]

He made the most special weapon of my ancestors. and he did it beautifully. Turkish bow... ❤

[@nannycrackers]

That's one of the most incredible things I've seen on KZbin

[@masavana261barber6]

I’m not even a bow enthusiast but watching you making such a piece of art and precision was so entertaining !

[@user-dy1ut5fn3r]

It really look alike with Traditional Koreamn Bow from the process to material. It is really skillful of you to learn to make a bow! :D

[@maydanoz963]

Osmanlı yayı

[@simonpoliushkin774]

I wish you more subscribers, your stuff is amazing! Your mastery is incredible and everything is filmed really well👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@VocalMabiMaple]

Dude has 2 videos and each one is well above 100k. I think he will do fine if he keeps making videos this good.

[@pino8447]

100% respect for the craftmanship. Greetings from Holland.

[@drpjvarier]

My god you made me watch the video without even skipping a bit.... The amount of precision and detailing is mind-blowing.... Appreciate your dedication👍👍

[@user-vl3tn6qd5i]

Круто, очень круто! Просто золотые руки 👌👍💥

[@bencorn8041]

Does it keep you awake at night pondering how this process was developed so long ago. And the understanding, skill and craftsmanship those people had. You are very knowledgeable and skilled. Thank you

[@bhupenbehera7517]

The level of research and execution is admirable

[@HostameN_113]

It's not just a bow anymore, it's a work of art!

[@herbertseufert4002]

Ganz großes Kompliment!! Ich habe schon einige Videos gesehen, welche einen Hornbogen gebaut haben aber noch nie mit einer solchen Perfektion. Die vorbereiteten Hilfskonstruktionen bzw. Werkzeuge zeigt von langen Vorbereitungen und probieren.. Toll! Ich würde gerne einen solchen Bogen kaufen. Ist das überhaupt möglich? LG. Herbert

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Lieber Herbert, ganz herzlichen Dank für Deine Komplimente 😃! Ich verkaufe keine Bögen. Das Bogenbauen soll mein Hobby bleiben. LG Andi

[@herbertseufert4002]

Lieber Andi’s, ich hätte bitte noch eine Frage: was verwendest du für ein Holz? LG. Herbert

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Hallo Herbert, Ich verwende Bergahorn. Für mehr Infos kannst Du die Untertitel im Video einschalten. Gibt es in Deutsch und Englisch. LG Andi

[@herbertseufert4002]

Danke!

[@cuttiran]

Mr. LG ,Samsung is better than

[@Khether0001]

I've always loved watching traditional crafting and I have NEVER seen anyone steam and work a horn like you did here! That's incredible! Where did you learn about it??

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Thank you! There is no teacher. Only trial and error.

[@thegioiongvat-animal9383]

A beautiful bow. I really like it.Thank you for sharing.

[@venkatnarayanan4475]

Most impressive. Especially the patience needed from start to finish. 🙏🏽

[@Lobster-Wrestler]

This was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Astounding craftsmanship

[@jkp99999]

where did you learn?

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

Thank you for your question. I started with longbows made from one piece of wood. The first bows are broken. When the first horn bow videos appeared on youtube (about 15 years ago) I started to build these bows as well. In almost every video there was something I could learn. I've been building bows for 17 years, so that gives routine. Working as a carpenter helps with precision. And the most important things are enthusiasm (fire), patience and perseverance.

[@jkp99999]

@@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw I also saw some bow making video from Korean maestro and I was surprised that you’ve learned most traditional methods to build the horn bow as well as combined with modern advanced carpentry. I think its so cool!

[@jkp99999]

I actually learned this is Korean traditional bow, which originated from ox bone bow about 2000years ago which is before Ottoman. Turks may have learned that because they were near Korea at then.

[@jkp99999]

@@ahmettoplar2279 Also the composite bow itself is from Mesopotamia, way way before turks

[@mertsert8248]

@@jkp99999 Turks are not just Ottomans. Dozens of Turkish states were established from the Great Wall of China to the interior of Europe, from Siberia to India.

[@pigskinfanboy1281]

That’s one of the most mesmerizing things I’ve ever seen. Amazing craftsmanship and skill.

[@kyzar1207]

Great video, very informative, and beautiful craftsmanship, man I'm definitely going to make one one day, I make self bows but just about to make a sinew backed osage ,I'm definitely going to use this technique in how you apply the sinew, thanks mate!

[@Shoemyster1]

Gorgeous bow! In complete awe of your skills!

[@user-ky6cd5by6x]

Что он делает своими руками!? Сделал настоящий монгол, рекурсивный, со всеми тонкостями технологии. Браво!

[@matikaz100]

That's a lot of work. Thank you for sharing your craft. that's amazing!

[@anatolyuser292]

Очень красивая и сложная работа. Вы просто гений!

[@infantrypaladin]

Phenomenal love the touch with the birch bark

[@mcmatrix58]

Love the vid... have not seen that much informative detail in the making of a turkish bow. Many Thanks for the gift!

[@garrgravarr]

Such an elegant and beautifully functional final product. Respect.

[@ajeetsinghyadav3327]

Huge respect sir 🫡never saw any bow like this before

[@prettyboys4265]

This is beautiful, amazing work! Thanks for your hard work!😊🙏👍👍👍

[@sdpy15]

Beautiful workmanship, i mever would have considered using horn as part of the composite. I also appreciated the time put into properly forming the limbs and training its shape. It took one composite bow for me to build to realize how much goes into getting a perfect form.

[@georgebekas8364]

The cleanest bow making I’ve seen on you tube perfect your are a master sir

[@Odd-Lots]

This man deserves a medal! Patience and skill. Well done!

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

This is by far the best composit bow video I have seen. The ammount, and quality of the workmanship is astounding. I would love to own one of these, simply for its beauty. Thank you.

[@williamoverton7265]

That mist have been incredibly satisfying. Marvelous work!

[@ggru1981]

Склоняю голову. Обожаю работать с деревом и всё такое, но столько терпения, это просто невероятно.

[@user-wr6lj5iy7r]

Респект и уважуха.знание свойств материалов и их обработки.отличная работа.

[@chriswilliams7480]

A genius work of art and a thing of beauty

[@mori-patte]

Beautiful bow, kinda reminds me Ottoman style. Bows like this were made short for horseback mounted archery. Also Ottomans (as well as Mongolians, Manchu and Korean archers) use special thumb ring with arrow going on right side of a bow, with this hold arrow doesn't move during horseback ride and draw length is increased (for me it's like 97 cm with european three finger technique and 105 with asian thumb technique) which is the great advantage since recurve bows need less draw force when fully drawn (longbow, for example, need more draw force the more you draw it). Also during arrow release bow naturally rotates which allows using it without left hand bowstring protection. P.S. All this info is just an interesting information I thought would be nice to share 😁

[@andiswerkstatt-ow4uw]

👍

[@Imotepth]

Awesome craftsmanship. This is why handmade uniques are so good, rare, expensive and hard to get.

[@Andy-Gibb]

Absolutely awesome work on the bow. Well done and thank you for posting the video.

[@styx1742]

Невероятное мастерство! Ваша работа, просто удивительна!

[@Squarepeg57]

Truly amazing work! Well done! Thanks for posting. This earned a new subscriber 👍

[@DingbatToast]

This is stunning craftsmanship ❤ And here's me annoyed when my order isn't delivered next-day!

[@zufarshafeev5200]

Поразительное видео. Просмотр завораживает. Простыми действиями к шедевру. Всё понятно разложено. Не хватает титров на кирилице и технических характеристик. Чувствую себя специалистом по рекурсивному луку

[@Durnoglazov]

как же монголы в древности без строительного фена и рейсмуса обходились?))

[@MrBiscuit-yx5nd]

Massively underrated The techniques you used to shape the bow were very unique to me, What a beautiful craftsmanship ,very nice bow

[@skitzochik]

that is unbelievable...truly awesome

[@konstantinbarin833]

It is very difficult and very nice in the same time work! Thanks for sharing.👍❤

[@Anti-xx8lk]

im 14 and i jst started to have an interest in archery. videos like this make me feel like archery was meant for me. thank you for this video.