Mongolian sinew backed bow

Support : / stiliyan

[@chrisp.8297]

it is probably the most calming and relaxing video I've seen this year. It expresses the whole long-term process filled with spirituality. It is not about "making", "doing" or "producing". That's a process of divine creation. Thank you Stiliyan. I hope I could ever have a chance to shoot any of your Bows.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

Way late, but I have to agree. I'm not really spiritual or religious in any way, and yet whenever I loose arrows, some part of me isn't having fun, rather resonating with what feels like an ancient discipline or even instinct passed down since times immemorable. This is probably why I cannot tolerate shooting modern recurve and compound bows. P.S.; also interested in starting bowyery in the future. I see it as an art form in which one erects a vessel for their very will to be instilled into and loosed forth from.

[@nicholasphilip7733]

The steady hands patience and detailed art I love this. What a masterpiece of art !!!

[@HilltopZombieShop]

I made a long bow when I was in college using only a knife and a hand planer. I read about the process on the internet, but that was way before youtube. I had several failed attempts before I succeeded. My apartment was filled with wood shavings and I sliced my hand pretty good in the process. It was so frustrating, but I was obsessed with making my own bow. I did not make my own string or arrows though. This video is the most impressive thing I have seen in a long time.

[@RicTic66]

I came home from work tonight all stressed, after spending 20 minutes watching you creating this wonderful bow in silence except for the sounds of the tools and nature I am now relaxed. Thanks for a great post.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnsarradet2459]

The video was truly profound. I suppose I was expecting a history buff replicating the Mongolian bow, but I found someone striving to become part of the process. A fantastic artisan.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@svent1000]

From a norwegian bowmaker who also use handtools only, very nicely done. Respect 👍 Regards from Norway. Sven

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much! Regards from Bulgaria!

[@jaybar10dr4hire3]

That was an amazing glimpse into the artistic yet hyper functional tool that historically provided protection and food for centuries, very impressive.... so please don't think that I'm critical, I have never made a bow so I'm mean zero disrespect when I ask... but I'm curious about the center 'knuckle' area... would having the 'V' shape groove where the two outer ends meet the 'Diamond' more reddish center hardwood be stronger if the 'V' of the ends were facing the shooter and parallel of direction of the arrow instead of perpendicular to direction of travel? perhaps the natural glue used is more than sufficient to keep from failure.... just curious. thank you fir sharing your skills, it was stunning! -Jay from ATL

[@2lipp]

@@jaybar10dr4hire3 Hi. I wounder, I've you might have missed, that the notch for the 'diamond' actually is in direction of the trajectory?

[@khanimran1238]

Me an my son had to watch it again to get some tips we never get tired of watching you make a perfect bow keep up the good work mate

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@JWBBows]

I absolutely love this video! I can’t count how many times I’ve watched it over and over. Bow making is truly a method of reflection of ones self. Every step, every operation and how it’s approached is very telling to where the mind was and where it’s going. Very connecting and grounding. This video captures it all! Brilliant.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you, Jason! You are very profesional master bowyer! Thank you!

[@Mick.Porter]

Artist with a love for his work. The birch bark finish detail made the bow a beauty to behold.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! The birch bark acting for water protection, but a beauty too.

[@MatterFlight]

Great upload. This is my favorite self-made bow video. No extraneous fluff or fill, just spirit, craftsmanship and poetry in motion.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@pheelmacababe2861]

this video, bowmaker and bow are so well done i came back 3 years later to watch this again

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@MrDonpasqualino]

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate the process rather than just jump to the final product. This has been very informative.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@ratdog4239]

Most enjoyable! Superior crafting and beautiful. I'm glad this art form is not lost!

[@milandodic]

This was a real pleasure to watch, Stiliyan. No commentary, and no unnecessary egocentric bullshit. Birds are chirping, sound of the wood cracking, nature all around, and a craftsman who enjoys it and appreciates. As for the commentary, some people don't need explanation on "how to" in order to gain knowledge. I believe a craftsman soul lies within them, and some things... should stay between craftsmen. Pozdrav ot suseda!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Хвала, сусед!

[@TheBetomelo]

Stiliyan Stefanov - Tudo da sua experiencia com arcos, nada é aplicado de técnicas atuais para balancear um arco, você o faz no olho, no seu trabalho na sua arte e ver os mílimetros, Centímetros e etc, você vê tudo, tem o que um artista precisa ter, o dom de ver, enxergar. Obrigado e parabéns!! :)

[@ADmyrr]

What an excellent display of craftsmanship. I have not seen this style of bow made without horn on the belly so I found your video to be very informative.

[@Redasurc]

Althpifh horn added makes it stronger its still a nice bow

[@didjhopkins4135]

Mate...no words from me either...that was one of the best bow making vids I’ve ever watched. Peace ✌🏼 Craftsmanship 👌🏼

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@magicdaveable]

I am inspired to harvest a suitable log from a recently downed (last summer) Hickory tree. I have about 20 pieces of dried back sinew from Caribou harvested by some native friends in Northern Quebec. I have been using it to sew my moccasins and other clothing. I have been planning to use it to back a bow and today's viewing (I've watched this video several times) has motivated me to go tomorrow and harvest a log from the tree. I need to cut it up any way. I have estimated that the tree should yield a couple dozen bow staves. Peace.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@PMK7734]

It's funny how with all modern weapons at our disposal this still strikes a chord deep within all of us.

[@tomislavobrovac3257]

It makes perfect sense to me. Almost every culture in human history developed a bow and most of those cultures never met or influenced each other. I believe that bow as a weapon is somehow wired into our mind and anyone can make one, you just have to figure out how some woods "react" to cutting, bending, heating and cooling down.

[@adamharith6405]

@@tomislavobrovac3257 ..i agreed with u sir

[@pufferfish7532]

What tree is he using

[@unapieza25]

Nobody can make an "AR" by hand conventionally; everyone would be able to make a bow.

[@badjaeaux]

coz the ammo is easier to make if you are in a rush with limited tools you can build one w knife

[@Soviless99]

every once in a while i keep revisiting this video. I cant wait till you post more your work and videos are amazing

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! soon more videos

[@Soviless99]

@@StiliyanStefanov awesome!!!

[@petkoradulov3295]

A true Bulgarian. A true creator and master....Само поклон към такива майстори..

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Благодаря!

[@kkidcruz6118]

KZbinrs like you are the very reason why I still have lil faith in YT and the World. Thanks!

[@Native_love]

BEAUTIFUL BOW! What an excellent video! Well done!

[@ancientbuilds3764]

Im learning myself. I build them for my son who is 5 to learn how to craft. Latest straight 1 piece bow flies for about 100 meters. We just go to the woods, cut a stave and start from there. He loves it.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

It's good. Thank you!

[@ancientbuilds3764]

@@StiliyanStefanov Is Not. Now i want to get further. (-;

[@RobertFay]

Nicely done, Stiliyan. The energy in your work feels good.

[@davidpowell5437]

Wow! That's a beautiful bow, and a wonderful, peaceful video, especially the soundtrack. I wish I had a workshop where all I can hear is birdsong!

[@kobalt63]

No machines, everything by hand and by eye - a true artisan and craftsman.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@mensch.meier.8816]

Sehr schöner Bogen, ein Bogen mit Ausstrahlung.Und den kurven einer Frau.

[@foreveradam7813]

@@StiliyanStefanov Good afternoon, maybe it’s already night, I’m writing to you from the Caucasus Republic of Dagestan. I’ve already watched your video five times, and I would like to ask you, are you using acacia?

[@StiliyanStefanov]

@@foreveradam7813 thank you! Acacia only for self bow (flat).

[@foreveradam7813]

@@StiliyanStefanov Thank you for your reply and thanks for the quick reply. Creative success to you

[@mangothecat7309]

Just fascinated by how resourceful you are and what great craftsmanship you show us. Please continue with the videos, I really enjoy them!

[@Flazhness]

This was so calming to watch, I feel asleep in my damn chair! Just watched it from where I drifted off, great work and outstanding results! :D

[@Pantibiblon]

Very cool,no bullshit talking......only birds singing at their best.Very Zen. Congrats my friend...Greatings from São Paulo.

[@bobcaddock3264]

Before seeing him string the bow I thought; "doesn't the sinew go on the tension side of the bow?" I was amazed at how he recurved it back on itself.

[@VijayKumar-ur9qs]

I am fond of composite bows of different nations and finally I got a channel of my choice you are a real craftsman and you look like Ian McCollum

[@lamporule]

Great video. Beautiful bow. Nice to watch a craftsman at work without the annoying music so prevalent in most videos

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Great work and beautiful bow!

[@ZygmuntKiliszewski]

Perfect execution of the bow. Great respect for the Mongolian tradition.

[@ZygmuntKiliszewski]

Thank you😀

[@jackhubbard2090]

A beautiful video and great demonstration of bow building. Thanks for all your time and effort. It is however not what I was taught a Mongol bow is though. Bamboo core with a diamond shaped horn laminate on the belly with sinew back all glued together with hide glue(or rabbit glue) a protein derived from various animal parts boiled down and often crystallized then pounded to a fine consistency and then re-hydrated(though self bows with sinew backing may have been used for hunting). "Horse bows" were about a meter long but of considerable pull. It was this glue and technique that led to the eventual downfall of the Mongols as the glue could not withstand the high temperatures or perhaps it was the constitution of the Mongol peoples as some historians have said that the heat caused disease. The birch wrapping he applies here was to provide some limited protection from the elements. I know of only one maker that (commercially) makes these bows today in Canada with a couple of year wait and hefty price tags. My bow making has been limited to reproductions of sporting crossbows of the 16th century.

[@braincrashtv8377]

When DNA test find u are 1% mongolian

[@strattuner]

patience is the key,that and picking the correct wood,i'm Cherokee and here in America we use bodark wood,it is very powerful for the limbs,the arrows take the most time,patience is its own reward,thank you for your time to show your skill

[@iyanachk]

Great video, Stiliyane! I thoroughly enjoyed it. You, and the person behind the camera have very good art skills. Thank you!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@charlesdavis9937]

Videos like this help me stay motivated to continue making bows. Thank you.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@santoshsundar1186]

The natural music of the environment is so soothing.

[@benjaminhartmann4522]

Very relaxing 20 min and fulfilling! I would trust your Bows everytime! ty for the inspiration!

[@pineapplejones1092]

best musical composition ive heard in ages

[@ka-bar5060]

Wow! True craftsmanship. Beautiful work.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@kaesiegarcia]

Stiiliyan, That was such a calming video to watch. The production of this video is amazing. You just opened up and shared your many years of experience and knowledge to the world with out a single word. You have taught me more and have answered so many questions that I been searching for without a single word. Just amazingly great. The crackling sound of the fire, the crunch of wood being chopped, cut rasped, scored was so refreshing and tranquil. I love to watched your old world art fold out to making a beautiful bow. I'd love to see the same magic making of shafts, fletch and points.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Kaesie Garcia, thank you very much! I'm so glad when someone understands me! The crack of fire and sownd of work are with us miliom years. It is music for me. Thank you for watching! Next more videos.

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

It is one of those experiences: you did not know you were looking for such a thing; until you found it. Then, it was so obvious. Question for Stillyan: I am guessing that as well as being decorative, that the birch bark lends a good deal of waterproofing. Is that the purpose? Functional and decorative?

[@nathanmunro4042]

You keep out of this Neely.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Waterproofing, functional.

[@mktuputamadre2472]

It is still a killing tool. Mind u.

[@Definitelylnterested]

There is something truly beautiful in making things with your bare hands... Even when these things are used to kill people, thus serving their purpose, they are still beautiful. I feel real respect for people who can make things with their own hands...

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@jerrieyum]

It’s wonderful! I’ve never seen this method done before. It’s beautiful 🤗👏🏾

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@nyomankencana3141]

Not even talk ...just work, what a great craftsman Hebat Stiliyan

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@JohnThornley]

You are a true artist and craftsman of the highest order. Great respect and admiration. Thank you. I love watching you work.

[@arlobandersnatch6244]

Not only a superb craftsman video, but awesome ASMR as well!! Thanks!

[@222palafox]

This is a great bow, what excellent craftsmanship. Thankyou for the video. Very good.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you for watching!

[@PMK7734]

The crackling fire in the background adds to the ambiance of old world craftsmanship.

[@Dawn-fz5cu]

Thank you for this! A beautifully made video that inspires my 14 year old son to keep trying. It encouraged him to see a true artisan at work.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much :)

[@gegehaffy8454]

Un Artiste, tout fait main. RESPECT à cet homme. Tout dans le silence, sans commentaires inutiles! Seule la nature nous offre un fond musical. Encore BRAVO.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Great job. Loved to find my own peace watching you here in Holland....

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! Greetings for Holland!

[@legartjgart9604]

I wonder if any one of these 1.2K people who gave a thumbs down have a better way making a Mongolian sinew backed bow

[@Aermydach]

That bow is a work of art and watching you craft it is a pleasure. I wish I had the skills and capability to do the sort of thing you do. Though, that camera-work, editing and lack of captions is frustrating.

[@veli-pekkakultanen2353]

I know something about physics, but now I know how it is made. I was amazed , how delicate the making of a bow is.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@bustereagal3570]

What An Amazing Video No Stupid Techno Music Not Even A Single Stupid Word Just Good Hard Professional Work I Love This Guy 😎⛏️🏹

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@bustereagal3570]

@@StiliyanStefanov Ur Most Welcomed Brother God Bless U ❤️

[@pz3j]

I like to watch this when I need to be reminded exactly how wonderful people really are.

[@nicolasnae2896]

I am making bows as well ,out of wood,but this bow is superb,I mean the details and the patience for this is incredible. Keep up the good work and may I suggest for you to make a crossbow as well?

[@adamakaru2683]

WOW 6 years gone and I just discover your channel. The bow came out great and I was watching how long it took you to create one! the longer is better cheers.

[@jdsol1938]

this is a very fine presentation, watching it was time well spent the bow itself is superb

[@StiliyanStefanov]

jdsol1938, thank you!

[@miniweeddeerz1820]

@@StiliyanStefanov this video is old but I hope you answer. The white layer with thin black spots that you cover the bow with at the end. Is that bone? I have heard the Mongols used birch, bone and sinew to make their bows and use fish glue to glue it together. Also what is the draw weight on the bow?

[@gregoryhoover5875]

It looks as if it may need some adjustment to improve the final pull strength - which you've probably cured by now, but over all - AMAZING JOB my friend. You are a true craftsman!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@gregoryhoover5875]

@@StiliyanStefanov A LOT of people over-use the term and title of "craftsman." But you sir ARE THE REAL DEAL.. My prayer is that you will justifiably enjoy countess hours relishing in the fruits of your labors, and have found a worthy place to hang that bow in your home, and that it will one day be passed by you to a second deserving owner (or museum) who will also cherish and protect it as they should. Peace be with you my friend...

[@TheRealBrandonLewis]

what an amazing video!! i am fixing to just start taking my journey in the bow making world and this was such an inspiring video thank you for it!!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@bikesqump]

When you showed the bird at the end, I thought it must be dinner time. Beautiful craftsmanship!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

Narrator: "The year was 2018, the time in which video and audio feeds were synchronous, was long since forgotten."

[@wadimwegner6991]

Може би това са най-добрите от всички видеоклипове за обучение. Въпреки факта, че от детството си съм свикнал да боравя с брадва и самолет, аз придобивам нови преживявания. Благодаря ти.

[@rubemeduardodacostacampos2116]

in the near future this sadly will be a lost and forgot art, maybe you are today one of the last craftmans, who gets this ancient knowledge.

[@gizmonomono]

So fascinating to watch. No talking, just the process.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@theaverageexplorer]

The art and creativity in this video is amazing and I’m a archer so boom

[@aex-blacksmithuk2111]

Outstanding workmanship, wonderful bow, great video, thank you!

[@carmensandiego8758]

This is amazingly beautiful. Merci for this inspirational work, it soothes the soul ✨ Greetings from Испания

[@gregh4284]

I'm an american guy who has been learning to make simple selfbows for about 4 years. I wish I had spent that time with a master craftsman learning Korean methods.

[@livingskills]

beautiful artistry and really nicely done video!! thanks for sharing your craftsmanship!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you for watching!

[@taratiwadi1532]

Have you ever thought that craftsmen created all this with ease in past and it was common knowledge and passed on to the younger generation by their elders.... Thank you Sir.

[@khanimran1238]

That was poetry man the actual way to make a Mongol bow took years passed down in the family there bows top of the range bro u ain't far off hats of to you dude

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! :)

[@yeznikkazandjian6105]

Fantastic!!! I keep watching it over and over again.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! :)

[@lizardgold7347]

Wow! I really enjoyed it just to sit and watch how you create this piece of art

[@darbentcossack4664]

very good. the silence, makes this video very calm and likely. thanks dear Stiliyan. you remember to us, the art of existence... thanks from Iran.

[@rbyers16]

I love how you tell a story. I would love to Bulgaria.

[@sukuicarp605]

it's 3 a.m and i'm watching men making bow.never felt more comfortable

[@walterwhitaker1395]

ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! As I commented on the Horn Bow, you are a true Bowyer! BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!.

[@diabolicalartificer]

That glue is incredible, I'm having trouble believing my eyes.

[@rigsby556]

self made hide glue is amazing stuff.

[@philgiglio9656]

What I was taught is a 'doubled recurver' bow. That is how I was taught to string the bow, using my leg to help with bending the limbs back; this was more than 50 years ago, I have no idea how students are told to do it today. Lovely pesudo 'book matched' birch bark.

[@DamianL]

Beautiful work! So soothing to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@mktuputamadre2472]

It is still a killing tool, mind u.

[@Jenson456]

What a craftsmanship!...well done.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@Ming5906]

Sir, deep respect for your skills.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thanks!

[@nunamvseravno]

Bravo pi4! Nice tatoos by the way :-) Both my grandfathers were wood masters. Respect for the beautiful video and most of all the skills I've thought are long forgotten. Bravo!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Благодаря!

[@isoSw1fty]

Absolutley beautiful craftsmanship. I respect you and that beautiful bow. I long to learn this art but lack the ability. Do you produce these masterpieces for sale? I would love to add this to my homestead and bug out gear.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! I do not make bows for sale

[@isoSw1fty]

@@StiliyanStefanov Understandable. What about for trade?

[@henrylemagnifique307]

Exelent work, good job, can you tell me witch type of wood you used for this bow?

[@mergrew0110]

So I said to my lady wife, could I have the sitting room for a couple of days, I want to make a bow! I'm sleeping in the woodshed now.

[@Chaos8282]

YOU HAVE A WOODSHED??

[@MMABeijing]

scalp her

[@CitizenSmith50]

Interesting video. But it leaves a lot of questions - what wood do you use? What animal do you get the sinew from? Do you make your own glue? If it is hide/hoof/skin glue; from what animal? Do you do the tillering all by eye? What do you use for the bowstring? What draw weight is the bow? Do you make your own arrows/heads/fletching? If so, what materials do you use? What was that hide you were peeling for the bow cover? Thanks.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much! Deer sinew, fish bladder glue, linen bowstring, birch bark cover, 30lbs

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much! Mulberry, deer sinew, fish bladder glue, linen bowstring, birch bark cover, 30lbs

[@chrisp2876]

A true master of his craft.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thanks!

[@roundedges2]

A work of fine engineering AND art. Patience and peace.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@tomrichardson3107]

Wonderful bow and video! Thank you for sharing. 😎👍👍

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@jack1d1XB]

Craftsmanship at its greatest, would love to learn from this skilled man😀👍

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@christopheschwartz7374]

Un arc mongole aussi sophistiqué comme celui-ci c' est tout un art du savoir faire de la patience aussi! Je dis chapeau bas, franchement remarquable pour ce type d' arc! Merci pour cette vidéo très instructive...

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Merci!

[@cookaboorra]

Craftmanship at its best. SUPER-NICE MAN !

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@TheBearGrylz]

Well done. Awesome techniques with the type of glue etc. all made from natural material. I have yet to make one of these. But if the Mongolians knew anything, it was how to make a quality bow.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!