Making a Primitive BOW & ARROW using only a KNIFE!

Learning how to make a primitive bow and arrow just takes a little time and practice. Bow building doesn't have to be expensive. You don't have to buy an expensive bow stave or bow building tools. In this video I'll show you how to make a primitive bow using only a Bowie knife. And we'll do it in under 24 hours from live tree to finished bow ready to hunt. This would make a survival bow very capable of taking big game. For this build, I'm using a small swamp dogwood tree which can be found around the river bottoms of Florida. Hickory and elm also work great for these selfbow building techniques. Since I'm using a green tree, I rough out the bow and dry it over a fire before beginning the tillering process. Later, once the bow is nearly complete, I fire harden the belly and waterproof it with pine pitch. I'm using river cane for primitive arrows. It's a wonderful material. The bow string is made from sinew. This knife was sent to me by the Montana Knife Company to test out. The edge held up remarkably well as you can see from the video. I didn't sharpen it once during the entire build. The only thing I didn't like was that the spine wasn't left sharp to use with a ferro rod. But a few strokes with a diamond stone will fix that. Here's a link to the knife if you're interested. I'm not getting any commission, just thought folks might want to check it out.
www.montanaknifecompany.com/p...
Don't forget to subscribe to the channel. We're uploading a new video each week that features one of the following topics: archery, bow hunting, bow building, survival skills, bushcraft, self reliance, primitive skills, primitive bows, hunting, camping, fishing, and a lot more!
GEAR I USE:
Backpacks - kifaru.net/CLAYHAYES
Archery Gear - www.3riversarchery.com/
Tents & Tarps - seekoutside.com (enter clayhayes5 at checkout for 5% off!)
Optics - www.vortexoptics.com
Clothing - www.firstlite.com/
Camera Gear - amzn.to/47HZFrz
Essential Backcountry Gear - amzn.to/3u6H0If
Surviving Alone by Clay Hayes - amzn.to/3Qqou3l
You can also connect with me on my other media outlets!
Website: www.twistedstave.com/
Facebook: / clayhayeshunter
Instagram: / clayhayeshunter
Patreon: / clayhayes
#primitivebow #bushcraftskills #selfbow

[@MontanaKnifeCompany]

This is absolutely incredible man. Thank you so much for choosing us for your tool of choice and that bow turned out amazing!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Knife worked out great. The edge held up very well with all the hacking and scraping. I’ve used it on this bow and one other from a very dry hard guava stave and, although it won’t quite shave at this point, it’s still very sharp. Fine work. I like it.

[@user-dl1cf4xr6t]

​@@clayhayeshunter That knife and the way how you are using it reminds me a lot of the way how Philippine natives use their Bolos...!

[@michaelhennessey4634]

Which model is it

[@gregoryjennings3818]

​@@michaelhennessey4634 Montana Knife Company, the Marshall. Had to look it up. Definitely on my wish list.

[@michaelhennessey4634]

@@gregoryjennings3818 I want one so bad definitely on my wish list

[@callsignkillerb2u214]

Osiyo Clay! I up in the Cherokee Nation and I’m part of the Walkingstick family. As a teenager my uncle taught me how to make bows out of Osage Orange. I’m curious if you’ve ever rubbed the charcoal ash into the bow during the curing process? After a stint in the military I settled in South Louisiana where Osage aren’t but Dogwood abounds; thanks for the idea. I have a 14 year old working towards becoming an Eagle Scout, this would be a great project he would remember forever and also pass a Cherokee tradition down to the next generation. 🙏🏼

[@clayhayeshunter]

I haven’t tried that. Elm also works great. You should have plenty of that as well.

[@wesmckinney4915]

Walkingstick name sounds familiar. I’m in the Cherokee nation as well. Eastern Oklahoma

[@ericrowbottom3595]

You have created another work of incredible ingenuity , looking so easy for you now. Amazing man. I am blown away at the skills my friend. Thanks for sharing this amazing skill!!

[@RancidPlum918]

Yep lots of people know the walkingsticks

[@Skeez810]

Better watch out man in the beginning of the video I saw vicious wolf right behind you

[@redfishsurvival1413]

Subscribe now or risk losing this amazing channel in all the fluff. One of the best examples of an American, father and outdoorsman that you can find. To those too old or disabled to get out there anymore, or to dads wondering what a simple fulfilling life looks like and how to set an example, these videos are truly priceless. Clay doesnt have fans, he has the earned respect and loyalty of patriot brothers. That is the real thing missing today and how you achieve it is here on full display every time. Thank you as always Clay & family.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Much appreciated

[@OEF_Vet_0331]

Agreed

[@furbabies3momma]

​@clayhayeshunter He forgot to mention your [Patriot Sisters], who Respect him & We are very Loyal, as well... 💯🤗🎯

[@m7rtim532]

You sound like a fan

[@redfishsurvival1413]

@@m7rtim532 maybe something like a kinship and hope for a dying breed lol

[@timothylongmore7325]

One of the prettiest bows you've made yet. Really like the silent build videos.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@papatechie]

The grin after the first shot with your dog thinking it’s about snatch up a rabbit…priceless. It’s like watching missing pages from survival books…thanks for dropping some knowledge!

[@JuliaJulia007]

ASMR are some of my faves. It's a privilege to watch you work.

[@3passa]

Only a knife, but what a knife. If we were allowed to carry such a tool here in Germany, I´d buy it now. Lovely blade, great to watch you shaping that stave, and your dexterity twisting the sinew! And once again, what a beautiful bow!! Thanks Clay 👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@alessandrochiappe4334]

Fantastic!!!!

[@user-McGiver]

JoergSprave from the Slingshot channel has some great suggestions for knives [and more] in Germany...

[@andymytys]

Doesn’t “Survival Lilly” carry a knife of similar size? I thought she was in Germany.

[@gabrielaiblinger5465]

@@andymytysyeah until someone reports her. maximum blade length is 12 cm/4.7inch

[@Thisismycomment.]

I’m an MKC employee and even I don’t have a Marshall bushcraft knife yet, this video is a great promotion lol

[@clayhayeshunter]

😉

[@user-rh1fm7wv8r]

Hi Heyes ,it is a good knife ,brother,Jesus loves you and bless you.

[@AaronLuna-lj4jp]

When I first started bow making in 2009, I was using fancy draw knives and all sorts of different tools. For the last 6 years, I just use a heavy type chopping knife, a farriers rasp, sandpaper, and a burnishing tool, usually a bit of antler. I too, have built bows with just a knife. I really love the idea that one can build a long-term and efficient bow with nothing but one tool. The extra length of the blade allows for control when scraping/tillering. This is an awesome video, thanks man.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks 😊

[@brendan2359]

This was a whole learning experience and barely a word was spoken. Really enjoyed this and saved to watch again. So glad it didn't break! Looked like a lot of work and a great finished product

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hannashamla]

Only for this sound I can watch it an hour 🤩

[@SeanJawn]

My wife “ where are you going with that big knife”? Me “ I’m going in the woods to go play see you in a few hours “ what an awesome video 🏹🎯🔪🙌🎉🇺🇸

[@levisweet979]

Bless you, Clay. Your an inspiration

[@jerfootpath3774]

thank you for sharing your skills, inspiring!

[@ConcreteLand]

9:46 best camera work of the whole video. 😂 great job. Thx.

[@stevenhess5616]

Outstanding as always! My favorite channel. Young men, watch Clay and be inspired!

[@LostCrafts]

yea but why is your dog such a distinguished gentleman?

[@Judus_Ille]

Your dog is so cute

[@Gillesgip]

Wow very nice, these are my favorites types of videos. Great project , visually well documented, no explanations required. Sit back and enjoy. That knife is something else. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@IvIidnight]

Love that Montana Knife Company Bushcrafter!

[@SOMNIOHM]

*_This is absolutely craaaazy! Freakin' incredible skillset this guy has!_*

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@TraitorPotater]

Truly a master of his craft.

[@kavertx9167]

Watched all 29 minutes as if entranced. Felt like five. Wish I had someone to show me all the intricacies of bow-making. Love this content.

[@reddirt5489]

Clay your talents never cease to amaze me! You have such a natural feel for bushcraft, survival and just natural native skills. And you make it look so easy! Another amazing lesson! Thanks Clay!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Simply excellent work Clay...Thank you for sharing this...

[@johnrichard6639]

What an AMAZING TRADESMAN, TO DO THAT BOW BUILD WITH THAT AMAZING KNIFE! KUDOS TO YOU. YOUR BUILD VIDEOS ARE ALWAYS AMAZING!🏹CLAY YOUR WORK SHINES!!

[@charlesleblanc6638]

That turn out real nice .. You've found little tricks to help with the entire build. That fire hardening I want to try. You know your a real Bowyer when you can carve one out with just a knife ! Adding a little bit of saliva on your sinew string will blend the fibers back in.

[@strawman3059]

That's an awesome knife no wonder they're all sold out, amazing work Clay 💥🎯

[@johnlafferty8818]

I love how you included your dog it made things so peaceful.!!!

[@campsiteministries]

Tallow also makes a great coating for the bow when finished. It not only waterproofs it, but also helps keep the wood supple so the bow doesn't become brittle and splinter.

[@kandcdish]

A big thank you for sharing your knowledge and craftsmanship with us. This is my go to learning channel and no BS to cloud the mind.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You are very welcome

[@obaidRNazari]

Your knife is really good and sharp

[@zebulunturner2974]

Heck yeah! Some great American folks getting together!

[@yotainoregon6495]

That is pure art!

[@Swearengen1980]

I have a couple of MKC's (magnacut) and I love them. The stonewall skinner, easily my new favorite skinner. I've contemplated getting that very knife even though I'm not generally a fan of large knives, but I was unsure about that steel. Nice to see it perform so well, impressive.

[@tonynapoli5549]

True craftsmanship

[@argodwilistyanto]

Nice bow. Thanks for making tutorial of making bow with only knife. Respect ++

[@chiefwolf.camp2]

Thank you so much🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌💪💪💪💪💪

[@mitchellmilliner2000]

One word AMAZING ⛺️🔥⛺️

[@millielovedonuts7158]

Using a piece of sandstone for sandpaper is so freaking awesome!

[@stevenwest5685]

That’s pretty incredible. Amazed at how well it fires an arrow.

[@sylvainrey916]

These are the skills I aspire to learn. Thanks for putting out those videos and being an inspiration for us all!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you like them!

[@DB.KOOPER]

This is where a Scandi-grind would have been a huge advantage. Awesome work man. Thats really neat to watch you make the bow this way. Impressive to say the least.

[@SBfromSB]

Beautifully done!

[@jessegreywolf]

Wow. That there is why i watch your channel learn something new everytime

[@danieldelgado3659]

Good job congratulations much success thank you¡¡¡¡

[@The_SixShooter]

Enjoying very much by watching ur video crafting the bow and all primitive ways. Loved it thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you so much!

[@__BRIAN__1__]

beautiful dog❤

[@marcziemann1749]

Sick diy ❤thanks for Show in 😊

[@eddyrocher3665]

Excellent good job 👏

[@78kxf]

Absolutely incredible 👏 😊

[@jameswall497]

Absolutely awesome skills Clay, love it 👍🏻

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@christianboel3183]

Absolutely amazing video. Totally loved the whole process. And the slight cracking when you drew it 😍 Just amazing!

[@SwiftwoodBows]

Nice bow and video, Clay. Thanks for sharing your project.

[@ddoherty5956]

A job well done Clay 👍🇬🇧

[@johnantony4823]

Great job Sir,your skills and precision are top notch👌🏻

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@ANXIETOR]

Outstanding.

[@joebaity2646]

The Pup did all the work... Fantastic video!

[@UniversalSovereignCitizen]

Learnt how to take a stave from nature in John Wiseman's survival book over 20 years ago... But you have gone the extra '10' miles to make the improvised bow something exceptional. Love the fishing arrow. How to on the helical fletchings is in another video... of course. Cheers Clay, from Downunder.

[@07huaste]

great video tkss

[@danielanthony9621]

You enjoy doing what you do and it shows. Great Craftsmanship and Artistry. Thanks for sharing your gift🗡

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@YeshuaIsTheSonOfGod]

Very nice bow craftsmanship👍

[@to8860]

Great stuff as always!!

[@user-McGiver]

great skills demonstration from Mr.Hayes....again!... [I also loved the comfy ''work chair'' great option for semi-perm camp... it takes some time to build out of a log...]

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks again!

[@sopravvivenzainfamiglia]

Thank you for this very interesting and easy to understand video. You are very professional

[@petervanderbeek9518]

Great shooting bow Clay awesome skills

[@gordonneverdies]

This is awesome man. Great work!

[@LucianoOliveira-kb2tv]

esse arco ficou top demais parabéns

[@ericbrabham3640]

You are incredible.

[@guadalupeskitchen3734]

Mad skills brother!

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Fabulous craftsmanship 👌🏻and joy to watch, thanks for sharing‼️

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@InbornBravery]

Damn good way to start a Saturday morning, thanks Clay.

[@sasquatchboogieoutdoors9267]

Clay you inspired/taught me how to make my 1st,2nd, and my next bow! Been with ya since before the fame and you ain’t changed a bit. Great job!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

That is awesome! Thanks for following along.

[@jamiecox5430]

Your best video yet! Extremely impressive!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you think so!

[@spectreranger8997]

Excellent video Clay! Youre videos and book taught me how to make my first recurve selfbow out of hikory. Keep up the amazing content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Great to hear!

[@GKBRamenNoodlePie]

9:50 highlight of the entire video😂

[@user-oo6cs9ry5v]

Like the. Dog , thanks for the pace of your work , shows a lot of skill much resoect

[@chucklucas8747]

Amazing knife the edge did not give up

[@TheStrongingrace]

This skill Sir ... is Awesome ..... Wow !!! nice Job .... 100%

[@user-yx5uq8cf8t]

Amazing!!!

[@sirpunkalot7135]

Wow nice work👍😁

[@Primitivomoderno]

Saudações aqui do Brasil admiro muito seu trabalho com arcos e vida outdoor uma inspiração pra mim muito obrigado por compartilhar conosco

[@nickkinney4942]

Your maker videos and amazing, thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you like them!

[@thephoenicianarcher5267]

The Master❤

[@millielovedonuts7158]

Incredible! I just came across your channel. You are a true artist. I just started watching videos like these it’s so soothing and amazing what you’re able to do! Thanks for sharing your videos sir!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Welcome!

[@atgenz]

so primitive but so interesting ..

[@crowfather8248]

ممتاز رائع نحب مثل هذه المقاطع

[@thammermarcos5950]

Love this vídeos 👏👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@user-jq3lw2zm3r]

Aways enjoy your videos,you have skills my friend God bless you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, you too!

[@Shatteredskies-]

WOW I'M LOST FOR WORDS INCREDIBLE You got me Sir A True Raw Prepper👍

[@elund408]

a good knife, a sapling and years of experience, the only way to get years of experience is put down the computer and hit the field. Great Video.

[@theguywitheyebrows]

you're an absolute bushwizard clay!! great work, love the drying method, thank you for showing me with a bucketful of patience a bow can actually be hand in the woods.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@manulimbioul2726]

Dude, i'm so impressed by your skills, great job...❤

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@michaelbriscoe3378]

Well done !

[@joelaroche7667]

This guy has very strong arms ( and a great knife)! Love this! I do wish he could explain a little what he’s doing!

[@bluetumblr]

GREAT JOB !

[@thomasherrington5521]

Love it!

[@manny2ndamendment246]

Great content! Keep it up.

[@jonathanbennison9220]

22:17 Love this moment. Caption Clay holds up the braced bow, assessing the uneven bend. Seeing one stiff straight limb, he thinks stoically... "not quite there yet, innit?" Mocking the brits is bonus points. A moment later, we see what the tiller efforts yield, a much more even braced bow...

[@clayhayeshunter]

👍🏹