Self Bow Building for Beginners - Complete Guide

[@maxcorder2211]

40 years ago I was deer hunting in South Georgia. A couple of guys showed up to bow hunt. Every piece of equipment and clothing they had; bows (Osage), arrows, arrow heads, bowstring, quiver, knives, pants, shirts & boots were personally hand made of natural materials. I was impressed.

[@xochitlahuia]

that’s how it should be 😌

[@maxcorder2211]

@@calebtedford6779 I can't say for sure. They were at the house early in the morning and I didn't see them again.

[@kurshkolo4701]

The same happend to me too but in red dead redemption 2

[@cvspvr]

​@@maxcorder2211you didn't see them again because they built their own house by hand

[@gitawithay]

They sound like people I’d like to know.

[@crazybotanist3961]

When people come to KZbin trying to learn how to do something, this is the type of video they’re looking for.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you like it

[@senlu277]

you are right

[@Ohyouknowbro]

This is one of the single best tutorials out there, not just for building bows... PERIOD. Clay man I've been watching your stuff for a long time, since well before alone and then when you got on the show I was rooting for you from day 1. I told my wife that you were a dude from KZbin who's videos I watched and we were stoked when you won. Thanks for all the knowledge you pass on, I truly think it's critical for mankind to not forget these things. Keep being awesome bro 🤙

[@mightyporky]

Nice bow, I envy you in that you are able to do these bows. As a young boy in Tennessee, I used to make hickory bows. The saplings made an excellent bow for me. Shooting into the sky, I lost sight of the arrow. No danger hitting anything there as there was nothing to hit. An arrow was a weed that was straight with a hollow all the way through it. I used clothes hangers for tips as one fit in that white stuff in the hollow spot. Targets were trees and that arrow would stick in just fine. That was around 65 years ago, I miss that......

[@_neoneagle_8864]

I'm 21 but did the SE think as a little kid I believe you are referring to horse weed for the arrows it's like styrofoam in the middle very fun

[@seung-geelhong1689]

Best tutorial video I've ever seen on bow-building. He explained everything step-by-step with easy-to-understand instructions. Wonderful video!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@teddywilliamson3547]

A few minutes in and I was like this dude is famous. It's awesome you are doing what you love. Blessings to you and your family.

[@herweirdoo0904]

What a legend ! mans really out here giving out a entire book worth of knowledge in a single video.

[@LeperKing1174]

Definitely one the most golden content here on KZbin! We should get more useful content like this! thank you sir for this 🙏

[@les3449]

At 23:14 and 23:29 you show this build was live and unedited. I like that, shows what can go wrong and you're not phased.

[@jesslanders1700]

Great video! This caveman is happy. Now making my first bow. I am now making my first hickory bow. Respect and gratitude. Thank you.

[@donsimons9810]

I watched this just so I understand a bow better, but now I want to make one with my kids when they’re older. Congrats on your channel, it’s impressive and substantial!

[@fhorst41]

I had burn out from watching 7 straight seasons of Alone, and had to step away for a while. But your videos brought me back, and I just finished watching season 8. Congratulations on an epic win there, and thank you for your inspiring videos here on YT. I enjoyed season 8 tremendously. The only criticism/observation I would make on it is that I think everyone missed a huge building resource by not harvesting spruce roots to used in construction. They're right under the surface, long, flexible and usually used by splitting in 2 (doubling the harvested length) and they constrict when they dry, as would be expected in a shelter, tightening the bound joints. Every member of season 8 had ample spruce, and no one made use of it. Thanks again.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I did actually harvest some spruce roots but it didn’t make the show. Great resource.

[@fhorst41]

@@clayhayeshunter I wish they would have shown that. It bothered me seeing wasted cordage and wire. Those could have gone further as the season progressed. Thanks for the reply.

[@rorynelson7548]

I'm lucky enough to have purchased a cheap piece of crap belt Grinder from menards that really made sanding to my lines easy. Thanks Clay, you taught me how to make my first bow! You're an awesome dude.

[@smittyslabs]

I should have watched this video before I started making my 1st self bow. Made the whole bow with an axe and a knife. That was a LOT of work. Time to improve on it and make another.

[@litesimpson9736]

Lovely to see how you build the bow with just a handfull of tools. I like that you know what you are talking about. Thanks for sharing!

[@davesaysso1970]

My wife and i just finished the 8th season of Alone. Congrats. I'm sure they portray you and all characters how it benefits the show, but you carried yourself well and looked like you could have kept going. Always nice to see competitors who are still healthy enough to continue both mentally and physically. It's getting chilly and i was looking for a project bigger than a spoon. This suits my needs and seems clear, concise and a good lead in to your other videos. Thank you.

[@tradbowyer1975]

your amazing! I never get tired of watching pro's build bows it turned out awesome great video thank you

[@darkclouda320]

You are a true artist. A beautiful mastery of simple hand tools.

[@ericmarshall3857]

Hey Clay just seen the season of ALONE that you were in on Netflix and just wanted to let you know our family was rooting for you all the way & upset our neighbors when we all shouted cause you one. That's what us Idaho folks are all about, NOT GIVING UP & GIVING OUR ALL!!! Sweet job in the win brother & awesome job in representing Idaho & true Idahoans!! Just thought we'd share the shout out!! Plus love your tutorials on KZbin keep up the awesome work!!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Man, if they would have had internet when I was younger. Amazing job young man. I like your nocks so much better than most I see on videos. It makes sense they would help take some of the vibrations out and they just look so much more refined. I can tell you take great pride in your work....it shows. Thanks for sharing.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Wayne

[@arasul]

Clay, this is probably the only video from the myriad that I have seen that really tells everything a beginner might want to know to start building a self bow. You are amazing, you are a good tutor, kudos to you. It was indeed a pleasure to watch this video. I now feel confident I can start making a self bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@henchman_ben3725]

I just got your book the other day, and was thinking about how a person makes a bow, so I youtubed it and you popped up. Just got a new subscriber.

[@arkansasnative5248]

I've watched this video so many times. You make it look so easy.

[@OutdoorLife08]

I followed your advice to the letter to create it and in the end I succeeded, thank you very much master. Greetings from Italy

[@jtrom]

Hi Clay. I came across your channel a few days ago from your 10 Hack 10 minutes and really liked it. It brought me to this video on bow building and I am now completely obsessed. I do a lot of carpentry work and love to work with wood. When I was kid I would go in my father's garage and sawcut pieces of lumber just because. lol. I really appreciate you sharing this knowledge and giving me yet another obsessive hobby to spend time and money on! Although, the way things seem to be changing in this great country, I feel this type of knowledge is going to be more of a necessity than a hobby. God Bless. Keep up the great work! Joe

[@fionabender1882]

Thanks Clay , this has gotta be the best single Bow building video on KZbin, the tillering section in particular has been very helpful

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it helped

[@serb1anarcher306]

I freaking love you man, you are such an inspiration to me, but not in a way of making bows, but in a way of overcoming my anxiety and panic attacks. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad to help Boba

[@louiswhite1445]

I have shot a bow a handful of times but I have literally never been interested in making a bow. This video showed up after I watched an arrow making video and after it started I couldn't stop watching it. I was like how is this dude gonna turn that tree limb into a real bow? But the reason I couldn't stop watching is because except for using the electric planer for a few minutes, it was done by hand without using a lot of power tools. Amazing job for real.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hi Clay, enjoyed watching you in Alone. Very impressed. You deserved to win.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@clayhayeshunter Clay, I see you used Hickory for your bow. Have you tried other hardwoods as well? I own a tree service and I get a lot of unusual woods. Also have a sawmill. I live up in the woods of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. My KZbin channel is on trees and tree care. You might enjoy it. Arborist Blair Glenn. Stay safe

[@maxc4747]

Sharing free valuable knowledge like this commands respect. Thank you for this :)

[@keiththomas3141]

Thanks for posting this. I built a bow when I was a kid with my dad. It's awesome that you're explaining everything you need to know. I feel like making another bow.

[@ekimovGELANN]

I thank God that there is such a magnificent guide in the world!!! I have been learning from your videos for a year. I have not enough free time and not enough space for shop, but I have already made 3 flatbows (2 hazel and 1 ash) and work on white oak longbow... Unfortunately, I don't have possibility to buy your book. but when I can, I will definitely buy it. Thank you so much for your altruism, for your knowledge, for your inspiration!!!

[@roberttown2816]

Wow what a video, I have all the tools you used and a love for working with wood plus shooting. I look forward to watching this back whilst making a bow of my own, Much respect from the UK

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Robert

[@Yawn_Bageleisen]

nice bow clay. I am making a small bow for a 6 year old as I watched your video and got some good tips. I have not made a bow in 50 years since I was a boy. I enjoyed your teaching. Thanks from Jack . Brandon will enjoy this little bow.

[@ammoboxgrillin7345]

Loved this video. New to the sport but I’m a trades person, and your passion for the old school is very cool. Really enjoyed this video

[@muhammadgunduz7339]

I'm from Indonesia, thank's for share this awesome video.....🏹🇺🇲😍🇲🇨🙏

[@senlu277]

Really great video! I watch this video 3 times, and take some notes.

[@markdavies6990]

Clay watched a lot of your back catalog. Man you’re an awesome teacher! Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that!

[@drohegda]

Clay Thank You so much, what a great feeling to work at something, put in the time, creating something it must give you a great sense of Satisfaction, and passing it on to other, Good Man Clay excellent video. Thanks Again.

[@TrueNorth-Channel]

I've watched this video from beginning to end 4 times now. I've bought your book and I've made 3 bows because of you and today is the day I finally made one that didn't break on me. I finally made a recurve bow, 65lbs at 29 inches. And it's all thanks to you, so thank you very much for all you do Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome! Congrats

[@TrueNorth-Channel]

@@clayhayeshunter Just posted a short video on it, didn't get all my photos I took of the entire process but that's okay haha

[@TrueNorth-Channel]

I also took your advice and did not fire harden this one, did that on my very first one and it broke haha

[@joedavino9225]

Thank you clay me and my daughter are starting our first build this weekend super excited this video will help alot

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Superb intro to bow making Clay. I just entered my application for season 11of Alone. I will be 62 and slightly geezerfied. Wish me luck in getting selected for the challenge. Really appreciate your videos and you presents on season 8. All the Very Best! Jim Rodgers

[@crabmansteve6844]

Between you and Dan Santana I feel as prepared as its possible to be to make my first bow. Thanks for your time and your knowledge!

[@TheFirstVivid]

Did ya do it?

[@robertrivera428]

Super cool video

[@HistoricalWeapons]

awesome guide!

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

When are you going to start tillering and building bows? Id love to see how more of those crazy eastern ones are made!

[@patrickcollenot2736]

bonjours clay Hayes merci pour vos vidéos que je ne cesse de regarder vous faites des arc magnifique je chasse a l arc en France depuis 20 ans merci

[@timothylongmore7325]

Just bought and recieved Clays book. This video is the perfect compliment to the book. I'd be hesitant to do a build just based on the book. I'd probably still do it , lol , because every thing was covered in great detailed. Great book, glad I bought it. I was a fan before Alone and before I even new he made bows. Now I'm a fan .I've just use my fast forward quite a bit early in the seasons.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya!

[@nickseman9083]

Which book is that??

[@Possum_350Legend]

Traditional Bowyer's Handbook By Clay C. Hayes

[@darrenlebrun8689]

Hi Clay, i am a first time watcher, i live in victoria Australia. I am a beginner to bow use, i love the bush and camping in the victorian high country we have plenty of dear and wild boar. i don't mind fishing for trout, but they are to smart, i think i will have a better chance with a bow and arrow. Your video was excellent, you have a really honest way about yourself which makes it easy to see you know what you are talking about. we have different woods over here but, plenty i am sure will do the job. (Acacia implexa, commonly known as lightwood or hickory wattle), i am going to give the aussie hickory a go. I am a carpenter, so i am hoping if i follow a few of your videos i am sure i will have half a chance, of making something they will shoot straight. Darren from Australia

[@nativeglory5324]

I'm sorry for what I said about you talking too much. But after you finished the bow and you were shooting the arrow, man, that was awesome. Thanks for all the tips and how you were explaining everything that was awesome. Good work bro. I really did enjoy it. Thank you bro.

[@jayburrough4308]

My granddad uses this flapper wheel that has metal blades/teeth and he uses it with his drill and it strips the bark fairly quick but he really only used it when is was a seasoned log 🪵/dried out . he has so many hand made tool's I love seeing them all.lol have a good day everyone

[@eddy4112]

Clay, I think this video and the one that follows this one (Fire Hardening) are the two best "how to" videos you have ever done. Your explanations are concise, yet well explained. Your willingness to try something new, not know what the results may be, frees many of us neophytes up to experiment and learn. I sincerely believe these to be two of the best bow videos I have ever seen. Funny how 100 days "alone" causes someone to start thinking straight ;-)

[@clayhayeshunter]

👍

[@The_Ultimate_Ground_Of_Being]

I've been alone for years so I must think straighter than anyone.

[@TheFirstVivid]

@@The_Ultimate_Ground_Of_Being this deserves some love good one

[@james-heatherbailey5530]

I agree!

[@tonypace2009]

Loved the extra details on proper way to square up sides and getting to final line more accurately. I've got a couple store bought recurvs but have been also wanting to make a couple hand made bows just to prove to myself I can. Lol Growing up I lived down the street from a small Indian museum first thing there I saw was a old bow and tried making one for years. My first attempt was using a limb from a memulsa tree with a butter knife I stole from our kitchen. If my string wouldn't have broken I think it would have cast my crooked arrow a whole 6 feet. Lol So now I need to make a proper bow to get some redemption after 40 years.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Sounds about like my first attempts 😜

[@EDCgearJUNKIE]

Cut my first hickory staves today. Grew up shooting Osage self bows so I’m excited to start making them. Awesome video

[@NorthEastHunter27]

That is awesome. I just watched season 8 last week. I was in the yard splitting wood thinking about taking my bow out for some practice then I thought of the old photos of my grandfather shooting deer and bear with a long bow and thought I want to step away from my compound and get a long bow maybe I’ll see what Clay used… then I found this video. I’m definitely going to build one now. Awesome content such a great video.

[@Pixel3]

What a great detailed video with complete explanation of the process, thank you so much Clay!

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Greenlee & hickory are both great recommendations. Its what i was taught on for the most part. Tried others growing up but those work best. Especially since hickory is so plentiful in SE TN.

[@davidcook8261]

Hi Clay...Just wanted to say, saw you on Alone, you are a badass, and as a beginner bowyer I just want to thank you for making such an instructional video on the process!

[@georgedarden4712]

Great build, you answered the question I had about peeling the bark off in the spring. I was afraid I was peeling the cambium off.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it helped

[@SliceyMcChop]

Just came Across your Chanel watching your friends video where the two of you built up a bow and went for the 3 day hunt up in the mountains ,watched you guys take a couple shots at grouse and chow down on those tasty looking Idaho spuds and trout(I believe?) lol. Any way , you both create great informative content , from your awesome footage to the wide range of knowledge you guys generously share and instruct to your viewers . Just wanted to express my appreciation for you guys and thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to create these videos for us. You guys are awesome to watch and I enjoy learning so much from you. Much respect!🫡👊

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks 🙏

[@sling-it5304]

I'm looking at making my first bow so im searching the web for as much information and this video is great thank you

[@tlngnckr11]

Hey! I just started watching Alone on Netflix and saw you there! Don’t spoil it for me but my moneys on you!! Been subscribed to your channel for years!

[@clayhayeshunter]

😉

[@magnushomestead3824]

So glad to find this instruction video!! As a beginner bowyer I appreciate the detailed explanations showing every thing needed from the layout to the finished bow in clear step by step instructions. I feel confidant I will be able to produce a quality bow on my first go. I've built a few skin on frame kayaks and so am familiar with bending and working wood so I can relate your teachings to experience. THANK YOU CLAY! I will be checking out your other videos. The best I've come across!! Best Wishes for this New Year!

[@josephdowell1027]

Thanks Clay! Followed you and your family a long time and have read your book. Just want to say thankyou, me and my boys shadow your experience in the UK (minus hunting unfortunatly due to law) although we plan on travelling to hunt as soon as affordability allows and i will be putting all your teachings into practice. With you doing what you do and teaching others our dream would not be a possibility. Thankyou.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Joseph, I hope you and your boys are able to get out hunting soon. ch

[@rocar716]

Hi from nz. Slayed a few hogs and deer and small game with compound and recurve. Been a follower of yours. Just like to say thanx for your generosity of knowledge skills. So much I don’t have to learn by trial and error. I will have to buy a hickory pitch fork or shovel handle over here to get a piece. Much appreciated. All the best for you and your family in 2022.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much and have fun

[@erichjalmarson6429]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, it was very informative, well presented and the explanations were short to the point but easy to understand. I give it an 9 out of ten because I found it hard to dance to

[@clayhayeshunter]

😆

[@matthewlentz6008]

I always wanted to do this but when I do I want it to be done rite with confidence. Very spot on informative and helpful hints and you flip your tools. So you got my trust and looking forward to making my first bow. Thank you so much looking forward to being your other videos.

[@jangkalekir2398]

hallo clay.. halo all.. i'm from malaysia. always support you

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

Love your bow build videos🙂

[@KPSoutside]

Awesome video. Thanks for making it. First time bow maker so it helped me very much.

[@compass504]

A great guide, Clay. Thanks Much!

[@leevespa4564]

Mate,that was such an interesting video,started archery in the uk about six months before covid hit....after that couldnt get out and practise...shooting traditional longbow...bamboo backed ,made by a bowyer called Adrian Hayes here in the uk,im now 54 and have been bitten by the bug again....outstanding build,very well documented and explained...unfortunately we cant hunt in the uk with a bow,but an old byelaw from 16th century allows people with a bow,to shoot a welsh man ,who is within the walls of chester after midnight....fuckin crazy 🤪....but were not allowed to hunt animals lol....really well done mate,thank you 👍

[@mr.stickstone7445]

Im a 13 year old redneck in alabama, my current hobby is making arrow heads from flint like the indians, ive been wanting to try to use them but I dont want to use a store bought junkie. This video has taught me so so much about bow making, and I CANT wait to see what I can do. Thank you very very much for the video, youve honestly earned me as a subscriber.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good luck and have fun!

[@mr.stickstone7445]

Will do Mr. Hayes!

[@mr.stickstone7445]

Just one question, where did you get that hatchet from, I cant seem to find a decent one these days.

[@knolltop314]

Good tips and cautions. Thanks for taking the time.

[@clayhayeshunter]

No problem

[@ruudmendel5823]

Hallo Clay, i always enjoy your videos i am also a bowyer, it is always good to go back to the basics . I am from Holland making yew bows, thank you for passing your knowledge . Greetings Ruud,

[@bigmaclooiee2]

You truly deserve every penny you've earned. Your skills and knowledge are a lost art. Congrats, Clay. You seem like a great guy.

[@fulcrum789]

Ill have to learn your spine definition I have been using 400 spine on the heavier bows 50 pounds and 500 spine on the 25 # for the kids. I also enjoyed this video. The heat treat is really something I will be doing as well as the backset jig. I want to try that. It took me a few days to watch the video as I have been working alot. Thanks for doing this video I really learn alot. Keep it up Clay. My kids are targeting the left over pumpkins. At 10 yards I am so proud of them.

[@craigelectric5241]

Incredible art

[@bryonguenther6199]

Great video! I’m amazed at your ability to make that bow sow short for your draw length.

[@mellemelle66]

Amazing! thank you for making this video. I am new to bow building, I just done 4 bows this far, and all of them are very weak, but now I might have an understanding how to increase the the draw weight on my next bow. Thank you!

[@christinenorriss9675]

That was an excellent tutorial Clay, I agree with many other comments, possibly one of your best..I have learnt so much more from this video, for example, the way you kept the limbs the same thickness from handle to tips, I had been making mine a certain thickness at handle then tapering out to thinner at tips, anyway, thats one thing I really picked up on! This will be my go to tutorial for some time I think! Thanks so much..

[@tommybarrios3307]

Greetings Clay, Awesome video, I continue to take mental notes, and look forward to my first bow build. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.

[@LinniuesLinens]

This video is amazing. Thank you so much!

[@alext192]

hello Clay, I'm here because of the awesome adventure video of you and Xander, cheers from eastern Europe .subscribed ☑

[@clayhayeshunter]

Welcome aboard!

[@tangodelta635]

Finished my first self-bow made from a red oak board. Raw hide for backing came from Twisted Stave (Thanks Clay). 68” and 49# @ 28”. I just followed Clay’s videos.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Congrats!

[@OffTheLeashWT]

Awesome freaking video, Clay! Idk how many subs where here before you were on Alone, but I'm one that came after seeing you take home the win. Watching you make a bow in a tad over an hour on video is insane. I wish we had more craftsmanship in this country again! You deserve all you earn my friend.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@rmkenney]

OMG, that wood is resisting you. Hatchet just skittering right off of it. Thank you for doing this.

[@swimbait1]

Nice looking bow

[@stephenhoseinsurvivaldakot128]

Awesome job clay

[@lylemuegge5811]

Great video, Clay. Thanks for taking the time to explain all the details. Really appreciate it and all the videos full of knowledge you post. Thanks.

[@pahous]

Nice work. Makes this city boy wanna try my hand at making bows.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Go for it!

[@veronikanemere1748]

Thanx for this video. Amazing, very good explanation.

[@ldtexas1648]

Very well done Clay! Thank you! 👍

[@bushhack]

When that hatchet handle crunched free I wasn’t expecting that! I’ve never had a problem with a handle but I hear a lot of comments on this problem as I look at cutting tools.

[@Warlax]

Amazing video. One of these days, I might build me a bow. You sure so make it look good.

[@TheMadsenmads]

I'm on my third try. Hoppe some day make one beautiful as yours!

[@thebalancedlifehacks]

I have been searching for a video just like this thank you so much bro. Full subscribe

[@gtchalie5038]

Watched every minute of this. And learned a lot! Could even see myself trying to make one some day. So far only hunted with a compound bow.

[@terryjanssen316]

Watched every minute twice and will watch again. He sees the bow and just needs to remove the useless wood. Artist.

[@qazwsxedc12345678991]

Awesome I think this will be a winter project for me

[@Graywolf116]

It is really cool seeing stuff like Keith Shannon's fire-hardening technique weave its way into bow-making. Your clamping technique and his sinew-backing are similar to Eurasian composite bow steps. With all the people trying to make their own self bows and horn bows out there, it feels like we're in an era of rapidly sharing and developing the best ways to build self and composite bows, mixing techniques from all over the world. It's great to see.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@sms7505]

When I am removing bark from a seasoned walking stick and don't want to ding the wood below, I dip each end grain in hot wax and soak the wood in water for a few days. I've read that for larger logs like yours, tossing them in a pond/swimming pool for a couple days does the trick too. Waxing the ends ensures the wood stays mostly dry but allows the bark to get soft. It works well.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Interesting 🤔

[@sms7505]

​@@clayhayeshunter I also wax the ends of a stick to make sure it dries slowly if it's particularly wet when harvested. I collect sticks that have been choked by honeysuckle... so using a draw knife to remove the bark doesn't work well as they're spirals with embedded vines...long, finicky job to peel the bark. I was very nervous to soak dry wood the first time... I was scared to ruin a beautiful piece of wood and convinced the wood would absorb water too... but it didn't. I've even scored smoother, slicker bark to allow water easier access to the cambium layer. Some bark comes off like butter after soaking.. other's are tougher but can still usually be peeled with a pocket knife and your hands.