Making Otzi the Iceman's Bow w/ Modern Tools

In this video I build a nearly identical replica of the bow found alongside Otzi the Iceman. Modern steel hand tools were used, and the measurements differ from Otzi's bow by only fractions of an inch as the process unfolds. This happens naturally while working it down to the desired draw weight, which in this case was 65-70 pounds at 26 inches.
It's important to remember that every piece of wood is different. Each stave comes from a tree with unique growing conditions, density, and other factors that make it challenging to follow the precise measurements of historical bows. Fortunately, the finished bow ended up very close to the dimensions of the artifact.
I also live about 1,500 miles from the nearest Yew tree. It's very expensive to source quality Yew staves, so I chose to substitute with Hackberry. It's a medium density hardwood that's local, readily available, and makes fantastic bows. I knew it was up to the challenge of an Otzi Replica.
Reminder : I give away professionally crafted primitive archery gear to my subscribers every month!
Entry Rules : SUBSCRIBE to the channel and COMMENT on any giveaway you'd like to enter. Only one entry (comment) per video counts toward the drawings, but there is no limit to the number of videos you can comment on. I will respond to the winner's comment approximately one month after the video is posted, so be sure to check back!
Instagram: @organic.archer
Website: www.organicarchery.com
Thanks for watching...

[@mattanderson6457]

Awesome vid. Sucks you couldn’t get yew tho to make it an actual replica

[@organicarchery]

It was a bit much to source a $250+ yew stave for my very first YT video, and then give the bow away. I’ll do a yew replica/giveaway once the channel can pay for its own supplies!

[@MH-it3se]

@@organicarchery …how’s that looking now, a few months later?! 😊 👀

[@MiguelDiaz4469]

@@organicarchery Agreed, it's an awesome bow none the less. Keep up the good work I am a fan.

[@reioXyhi]

Maybe I missed but what kind of wood is in this bow and what is the price for a bow made of another wood than yew. Ash?

[@kelroundell6304]

What wood are you using here?

[@ATG19534]

You undersold yourself with the title. Modern tools made me expect bandsaws and belt sanders. Nicely done.

[@organicarchery]

Some of the commenters disapproved for not using a copper axe and stone flakes, haha!

[@tuvoca825]

Hand tools or by hand?

[@JH-lo9ut]

Modern tools= steel tools.

[@jimmartinette9655]

Very nicely done. I used to make Bows and Arrows. I plan to make probably my last Bow this spring, only because I'm starting to get arthritis in my hands. I love it that you decided to make OTZi's Bow, because I'm one of 20 some odd people that carry his unique G-Haplo group DNA. I only found this out a few years ago, otherwise I would have tried to make his Bow long ago. I had planned to go visit my ancestor in this museum last spring, but unfortunately my wife had a stroke. I'm 78 yrs, so I hope that I last long enough to see him before too much longer. Your work is impressive. Thanks for giving him the honor of making his Bow. Thanks, Jim Martinette.

[@organicarchery]

I hope you’re able to visit the Otzi museum, Jim! Good luck on your bow build this coming spring.

[@peterhoulis1184]

Take Nitric Oxide it works

[@GavinBisesi]

I hope you get to see him!

[@pappamcgoo]

Just watched your first video, awesome. No horrible music, no unnecessary commentary, no power tools, just a pro and his hand tools. Best tutorial I've seen in a long time. Would be great to see you make a traditional English long bow. Keep up the good work.

[@organicarchery]

An English longbow is high on the list for future videos. Coming soon, so stay tuned!

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Having worked with wood for over forty years it is a pleasure to watch someone produce a tool with such attention to detail. I look forward to your future projects

[@organicarchery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donharris4818]

One of the best instructional videos I have watched. Excellent craftsmanship.

[@organicarchery]

Greatly appreciated 🙏🏼

[@daviddotson787]

Hands down the best natural bow making process my brother! True craftsman

[@andrewallason4530]

Awesome build. Very therapeutic to watch, and most likely, for you as a bowyer, to make. Extremely accurate shooting, it proves our ancestors weren’t just a bunch of half starved folks wandering in the wasteland. They were highly adept at making and using tools to live, and working with their environment to build strong communities.

[@organicarchery]

Absolutely! If our ancestors weren't proficient builders, hunters, and warriors, we wouldn't be here!

[@kevenbeene4585]

Beautiful craftsmanship. Old wooden bows have a heart and feel no piece of metal and cable will ever have.

[@organicarchery]

Amen!

[@josephmarciano4761]

Just a genuine pleasure to watch a master craftsman at work with superb attention to detail. And, many thanks for allowing us to watch with the only "music" being the sounds of a draw knife shaving wood.

[@organicarchery]

Music in videos drives me nuts. I narrate some of my YT videos.. but never music!

[@aurelienyonrac]

I love that you filmed the sweeping. That is so important. ❤

[@leoslow1112]

Many thanks for briliant idea, and phenomenal piece of work. You are very skillful. When I was a child, my uncle made me similar bow from Common hazel wood (Corylus avellana). It was wery special present for me. I am 51 years now. I live in the Czech republic some 650 km from Otztal, where otzi's bow have been discovered... Perfect, and thank you one more time. Good luck ☝👑

[@organicarchery]

Hazel makes a nice bow!

[@g5salmon21]

Paul here, I've just seen your site, Ive been making wooden bows in Perth Australia for 32 years and still can't stop, it's fantastic for me to see men all over the world making great bows like you are, good on you mate.

[@organicarchery]

Glad to hear it! Wishing you the best in your bowmaking endeavors from across the pond!

[@JustIn-mu3nl]

What wood do you use, any Aussie varieties?

[@Nobilangelo]

The hardest part will be being buried in the ice for over five thousand years. And trying to use the bow afterwards....

[@eirvine]

Just gotta work harder

[@terrygreene1395]

At least there was no issues with heat stroke!!

[@VinceW187]

I imagine both you and the bow would be a bit stiff

[@brettgracey9682]

Yeah where on earth will there be any ice for the next 5000 years.

[@fishbowl925]

The hardest part was finding Otzi, you know how they did it?…………….They just followed the arrows!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@aurelienyonrac]

Wow. Give away a historical treasure What a smile

[@alankeith7866]

Cory, You are a true craftsman. It's refreshing to see someone put in the time to build something amazing. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

[@organicarchery]

Thanks for watching. More to come!

[@danielpullum1907]

Magnificent!!!!! Craftsmanship not seen often in these days. Takes me back to my first straight bow. 1953.

[@harley1969chuco]

Amazing.... When I was a kid I made bows and arrows with what ever I find in the woods but this is a level of bow making I only dream of thanks for sharing

[@jeremywinstead9916]

It’s incredibly how it all comes together. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobcatbarnes2522]

Great job. I've been making selfbows for about 25 years and really enjoyed seeing you work the stave down. I have hackberry on my farm but haven't used it to make a bow in many years. Your video has me thinking it's time to harvest some for a future project. I like your 3 bundle string as well as the bowyers knot...all cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@organicarchery]

Hackberry makes an excellent bow!

[@bobcatbarnes2522]

It's very light and snappy for sure...I made several bows from hackberry when I first started, but I haven't used it in a long time. Now that I understand more about using heat to shape as well as harden white woods, I plan to try it again. Thanks! Bob @@organicarchery

[@DennisLock-x8f]

Could you tell me why people call these bows self bows now,never heard that until this present time.

[@bobcatbarnes2522]

@@DennisLock-x8f A self bow or simple bow is a bow made from a single piece of wood.

[@danielturner4152]

​@user-cw5cz5vr5i It refers to a bow made of one piece of wood where as a laminated bow is made of more than one material

[@briangillispie5286]

amazing build, I bet you could sell a bunch of those. Otzi is a hero of the traditional archery community

[@briancullen5183]

Nice job. Thanks for not ruining the experience with background noise. Nice to hear sharp tools cut into wood. Can’t wait to see another creation.

[@davemargmc]

If this is your first full-length bow building video, I look forward to your next one fab!😊

[@madisonpuch6092]

This was so beautiful to watch. The amount of care behind your craftsmanship is a delight. I’m excited to see more!

[@organicarchery]

Thank you! More to come 🤙🏼

[@tonymaurice4157]

​@organicarchery How long will a hackberry bow last? Ash to? Did it make 70?

[@davidmosscrop2374]

Awesome bow, outstanding craftsmanship and skill as well as artistry!!!!

[@clarence4735]

Well done, the bow shows excellent craftsmanship. Keep up the good work.

[@iveinlon]

Your art and video are amazing, when I watched it I realised how advanced Otzi was - without the modern tools he made it around 5 thousand years ago !!

[@organicarchery]

Our ancestors were incredibly skilled at making bows with stone and copper tools!

[@daryleman5325]

I'm old. Hunted all my life. Watched a lot of videos. Believe me when I tell you that, that is one deadly silent weapon. Unbelievable.

[@hobojoe3844]

I'm old an have made bows since I was a kid with only a knife. Good job young sir

[@AkScoochy]

Absolutely beautiful work. Whoever wins that piece will have a true work of art!

[@Erebus.666.]

Definitely. That is an heirloom quality piece for sure. Don't think if I was lucky enough to win it, I'd go hunting with it. Hopefully this beautiful bow will earn pride of place as a collector piece.

[@coreymitchell1468]

@@Erebus.666.nah, go hunt it. You can’t properly appreciate a tool without using it for it’s intended purpose. Art can be more easily carved…and non-functional

[@LenseMoth]

When I see a woodworker, it reminds me of my late father and I always helped him make a boat out of wood when I was little

[@Erebus.666.]

I reckon Otzi would have thought all his birthdays arrived at once to have a bow of this quality. Could watch true artisans, and masters of their crafts work all day.

[@blackz9058]

Well, his bow was a very very high quality, made of yew, and back then they had a lot of time and skill...and no TV to waste time with 😜

[@Clapperofcheeks5000]

@@blackz9058how did they build Stonehenge their was no tv exactly

[@dantastic6262]

I think you underestimate your ancestors…

[@donaldcampbell5277]

Had a hand-made long bow as a kid, made of hickory as i remember. Lots of whittle marks from the build, but that was over 60 yrs ago. Great workmans ship on your bow .

[@organicarchery]

There's no better wood for a first bow than hickory!

[@alcidesjuarez6373]

It takes a lot of talent and hard work to do that young man. Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing this content.

[@clarkabrpi3428]

Very fine looking bow. To think someone made bows just like that thousands of years ago with stone tools.

[@Erebus.666.]

10/10. Pure artistry. Well done Mr Hawk. That was an absolute pleasure to watch. 👍

[@blacklisted4885]

Damn that draw knife looks sharp. Infact all the tools look razor sharp

[@organicarchery]

I like to keep all my tools really sharp! Check out my video on drawknife sharpening if you’re interested in the technique.

[@Forensic1Man]

I look forward to you making a cross bow from the early 100s AD! You have a very nice shop and excellent skills! Making the bow string was most interesting!

[@janviljoen7001]

Yea, I would like to see a crossbow as well. South Africa.

[@lyndaniel3369]

Very clear video. I don't know carpentry, although my grandfather was a master carpenter, (by the time I knew him, he had rheumatoid arthritis. His hands were swollen and inflamed, but he managed to put on a bathroom on the little cottage he lived in). I recognize some tools that have ancient origins---they were of such a good design they are used today to work wood. This is such a well-made video! I feel like I am standing next to you. That's a very impressive vice you have there! Beautiful work. The Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis---good name!) is a hardwood (I didn't know that before I saw this video) and its rough leaf is very distinctive. Also didn't know it produced edible berries. Wood is one of the most wonderful things to work with. So is leather. Your workshop is one of the best arranged and least crowded one I have seen. I've never seen a tool to measure the draw of a bow before! So methodical. Very interesting. Especially enjoyed the braided string. You have so many excellent skills. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@DonnyDustsPaleoTracks]

Hell yeah! Great stuff across the board. Nicely done Amigo 🤙

[@organicarchery]

Thanks for lighting the fire for this, my dude 👊🏼

[@timtate8520]

That’s some fine shooting!

[@DonnyDustsPaleoTracks]

@@organicarchery it was always lit my dude! Much respect!!!!

[@hamnhock]

Beautiful handwork Buddy.

[@paavohuttunen]

@@organicarchery eläke2024

[@timothymilam732]

One never knows what the future holds for us. You built one sweet piece of equipment. Looking forward to seeing what you craft in the future, and nice to see someone willing to learn from those long gone As their lives, as well as their families were dependent on the accuracy, and durability of their bows. Vast improvement over spears, and surely added years to their lives.

[@marcuscheko3264]

I COULD NEVER EVER DRAW A STRAIGHT LINE LIKE THIS GUY COULD SO IM LEAVING . AS IM JELOUS OF HIS ABILITY OF DOING THAT .....THANKS FOR THE UP LOAD AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BUILD MY FREIND ......MARCUS IN WEST TEXAS

[@kingfisherfd2]

I think Otzi's is one of the most fascinating stories. Especially with all the tools that were found with him.

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

I'll bet he never dreamed he would be around 5300 years later to tell his story.

[@sitbone3]

@@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059 ...He never dreamed he would be murdered.

[@SatanicSlave]

Especially the tools! Because of the copper axe they found in his belongings, the beginning of the copper age had to be moved to at least a thousand years earlier than what they thought. It was like finding an ar15 in a Viking grave. truely a one of kind discovery.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Awesome build and video. I dig the wax finish. Keep up the great work.

[@rgg7260]

I learned a lot from you, from the metrics to giving the bow it's shape with cutting tools...I know the length of my arm will determine the pull and length of arrows and so on ...I like primative technology and new as well... amazing how ancient basic weapons could down deer, bears and even mammoths...

[@organicarchery]

A bow this powerful would certainly take down the largest of big game with a well-placed arrow!

[@neotoxo54]

Excellent demo of 'faceted tillering' ...closed captions explaining why would be a plus...I made a hickory longbow using the same process. My addition was to burnish the back of the bow with a coke bottle compressing the fibers & reducing the chance of lifting a splinter. 👍👍

[@organicarchery]

Might do a tutorial explaining the process in a future video. It makes tillering so much easier, in my opinion! Burnishing works well! I do it for really soft woods to make them more resistant to dents.

[@davidcrisswell2643]

Best bow making video I've seen in a while!! Great look and build! I hope to see more in the future and to copy some myself!!

[@organicarchery]

Many more to come! 👊🏼

[@jimharris4740]

Absolutely a beautiful bow and very functional. We think we knew everything but just look back at what they did 5000 years ago and I dare say even longer. Excellent work my friend.

[@andersjjensen]

Imagine felling a tree with a bronze axe, and then get on it with stone tools because bronze would lose it's edge too quickly and was too valuable to be sharpened often. Once the basic shape is there after weeks or months of work, you'd have to melt a bit of bees wax onto a strip of leather and dip it in sand every 2 minutes, just to get a half decent finish on it. Which was important for minimizing water absorption, as you'd carry this in all kinds of shitty weather to get food for the tribe.

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

Amazing work! Otzi would be proud. I have made a few self bows but nothing as amazing as that one.

[@BernieLemke]

Hi Cory, Great video! I came across it while recuperating at home from a work related injury. I’m 55, been working with wood for close to 40 years professionally (cabinetmaker), and recreationally. Really enjoyed the camera work, and the fact that you let the process and the tools “do all the talking”. As far as what professionally crafted item I might like to “win”, it would probably be a bow! ( it’s one of the many things on my “to make” list). Having said that I don’t know what else you’re going to make, guess I’ll have to keep watching 😉. Good work, and nice tidy shop!👍🏻 Bernard (from the great white north)

[@JackFelker]

I am 74 years old and have made wooden bows since I got my first pocket knife. I love an all wood bow better than any other kind. My best friend and I used to make them together. I love watching other people make them almost as much as doing it myself. I always seem to learn something new.

[@organicarchery]

I really appreciate your support, and hope you've continued to build bows throughout your life!

[@Snakes-w1c]

That is quite a lovely draw knife, but the Shinto rasp is clearly the MVP.

[@roberttaylor631]

Loving this channel already!! Definitely here for the long haul!! Loved the string making, it was an interesting twist you were doing. I haven’t seen that one before!

[@organicarchery]

It’s known as a 3-ply reverse twist. Makes for a more round string than a 2-ply.

[@jquinn2156]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! Primitive archery just caught my eye!

[@StevenSmith-hu4dw]

I am so excited to see this! I wish I could have raised up enough money to get one of your bows. Maybe one day I can take a class. In the mean time, I’ll be watching and learning! Semper Fi!

[@organicarchery]

Hopefully you’ll win a bow someday in the giveaways! Semper Fi 👊🏼

[@dragchute1]

Wonderful video my friend. Otzi would be proud!

[@Buckshot9796]

Very cool! If I were out in the woods, even with the tools, making Utzi's bow would be impossibly high tech for me to complete.

[@organicarchery]

Bow making is simple, but certainly not easy!!

[@johnbrown-o4r]

True craftsman, beautiful work.

[@skydany]

Sir, it's a pleasure watching you working. Thank you sharing your knowledge. 🙏

[@organicarchery]

My pleasure 🙏🏼

[@8COOLHANDLUKE8]

I’m a mushroom forager and I’ve made a few replicas of the necklace found on Otzi. He had a carved round bead of the birch bark polypore around his neck. For either using as a sharpening tool, or as a medicine. Works for both. Would be a cool thing to have alongside that sweet bow for history sake. Nice work man

[@organicarchery]

That’s awesome. Love it!

[@jimday6244]

Beautiful work and outstanding craftsmanship.

[@paulgagnon7849]

From Canada great video and workmanship

[@JamEWalsh]

I loved watching your build! I'm ready for more... ;)

[@squibblez2517]

6:45 i am thoroughly impressed by that free-hand line. a good indication of a experienced craftsman is a steady hand, and hell you've got those of a surgeon. Fantastic work

[@organicarchery]

Much appreciated! 🙏🏼🏹

[@jrbeall33]

Excellent video, great craftsmanship. I have been a woodworker and tool maker for more than 60 years and only made bows to power clocks I designed. I am 90 now and my skills are diminished but I still make chips and I love to see work like yours being done. I think you will have a long and happy life.

[@organicarchery]

Very much appreciated!

[@bruceallen6377]

Only thing left to do is get some blood on it! Great video, looking forward to seeing some more bow builds! Thanks for your channel Cory!

[@organicarchery]

This bow has already been sent to its new owner. Hopefully he succeeds in a hunt with it!

[@dalvenable331]

Beautiful work. great fletching liked the rabbit fur whispers.

[@ruthpattillo8740]

Beautiful bow, such talent, if I win my grandson who is young, 26, loves to bow hunt. What a cherish gift it would make

[@organicarchery]

Good luck! 🏹

[@danieldean8953]

Thoroughly enjoyed this

[@kenshamrock7395]

Thank you for your service in the military. Semper Fi !

[@buudorobuudronovich1507]

what a wholesome artist

[@Plainview200]

Very nice. Great skill and patience. Makes you appreciate the value to OTZI of his bow. Imagine the extra effort required to make the thing with truly primitive tools. Primitive tools, but a skilled and patient bow maker.

[@organicarchery]

With primitive tools, the efforts would certainly be multiplied several times!

[@robertcorbett2695]

Excellent video. Had the opportunity to visit the Otzi museum in Bolzano, Italy in 2003 and it was fascinating. As a very unskilled archer myself I look forward to seeing your future creations.

[@organicarchery]

I hope to visit the museum one day! Thanks for watching!

[@charlesdebarber2997]

Otzi would have been proud.

[@mikebrant192]

I enjoyed every minute of this video. Thanks!

[@KK-nd9rr]

I'm stunned. It was awesome inspiring to see a craftsman at work.

[@organicarchery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GunAinmNoAodann]

The wood grain came out really nice!

[@rcclark8818]

Woodworking is a hobby of mine, thinking of making a bow myself. "Wood" love to win yours. I also have a degree in Botany, I was impressed you mentioned the the scientific name of the plant species.

[@organicarchery]

I’ll be giving this one away in a few days. Good luck! Scientific names are helpful in bowmaking because many of the same trees are nicknamed different things, depending on the region.

[@stanpeters8893]

What an awesome find when I 'found' your channel!!! You make me think of my earlier days when I used to do 19 different art forms, UNTIL Spinal Meningitis came along in October 6th, 1990, and was our Chief, it nearly took my life, BUT STOLE ALL MY ARTS!!! Now, I struggle just playing my guitar ND NEED SONG SHEETS TO SING!!! Between then and now, as was operating grader, hit an unseen hidden last stump when grading a field, spun it 3/4 way around before I could press clutch and brakes, both thumbs were broken, now they are so weak and no power in them, haven't carved anything because of pain! My mistake, I wasn't supposed to hole steering wheel the way I did!!! You are an inspiration, so please do not stop your great style of craftsmanship, for you will help many others, especially this 78 years young Elder here in Yukon, Stan.

[@organicarchery]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sending you best wishes in your journey! I’m still young, and have no doubt more challenges await me!

[@richardsiddon610]

Nicely done. Thankyou for sharing.

[@jonathanbennison9220]

Great build. I loved the way you secured the bow strings. Really cool.

[@brucepoole8552]

Most excellent, after all that the bow will be weary, it will need rest, in a place not too warm, not too cold, after a good rest your bow will be ready to hunt, this was told to me by a old bowmaker of my tribe, thank you for the video

[@organicarchery]

That’s very good advice for the wooden bow!

[@andystevenson4157]

Nice, fascinating to watch the build from start to finish.

[@organicarchery]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come.

[@SamPeabody]

I liked the way you set the camera angle for 3:15, looking right down the pencil line.

[@Pancreaticdefect]

Just watching him make that bowstring made my hands cramp.

[@malachylenihan407]

It's humbling to witness a master of his craft , I thank you for sharing the entire process ,indeed the first of many I hope !

[@organicarchery]

More to come!

[@bulletproofpepper2]

I followed the Otzi story very closely it seemed every week they made a revolutionary breakthrough weekly or monthly and discovered the he was ambushed. Great job, absolutely beautiful bow. thanks for sharing.

[@organicarchery]

Check out the movie Iceman (2017). It’s a fun fictional story about his last days. Very well made with historically accurate attire, housing, and weapons down to the finest details.

[@MarkKelly1307]

Through the glory of the YT algorithm, I stumbled across this video; the first I’ve viewed from you. Love this video format. Really enjoyed the process and the end product. Great job. New subscriber and look forward to your other videos. Cheers, Mark

[@samizdat113]

This is the greatest ASMR channel on YT

[@organicarchery]

Much appreciated!

[@robertporter6507]

Fantastic beautiful bow! Very well done

[@larryhuddleston7301]

Excellent, my Man!! Otzi would smile with satisfaction at a job well done.

[@umgawa12]

What a connection to a long ago past...Otzi would have been proud.

[@Stormpriest]

I was kind of waiting for this one 🙂 I've been a fan of the research around Otzi or Ützi depending on regional dialects. And all the gear he carried when he fell

[@sluggo3slug]

Wonderful bow. Wonderful craftmanship.

[@markreese7271]

Very nice, enjoyed the video. Learned more in silence than with bla bla. Keep up. Thank you.

[@steveneichhorn8734]

Man, that's practical art. Beautiful work.

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@charlesolrich5898]

Excellent craftsmanship! Been awhile since I scraped one out. I need to get back into it.

[@sleipnir694]

An excellent and well presented piece of craftsmanship.

[@organicarchery]

Many thanks!

[@jamesezekiel5728]

Very nicely done! Your work is top notch. Thank you!

[@TheMtzepp]

As an old boyer. Great work, beautiful bow. Makes me want to start again, lol

[@eTraxx]

What a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work