Mongolian sinew backed bow

Support : / stiliyan

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nicholasphilip7733]

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

[@Native_love]

BEAUTIFUL BOW! What an excellent video! Well done!

[@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?

[@Pantibiblon]

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

[@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!

[@RobertFay]

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

[@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!

[@petkoradulov3295]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Благодаря!

[@benjaminhartmann4522]

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

[@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!! :)

[@pheelmacababe2861]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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

[@lizardgold7347]

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

[@ZygmuntKiliszewski]

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

[@ZygmuntKiliszewski]

Thank you😀

[@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

[@aex-blacksmithuk2111]

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

[@ratdog4239]

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

[@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.

[@pineapplejones1092]

best musical composition ive heard in ages

[@mangothecat7309]

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

[@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!

[@JohnThornley]

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

[@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!

[@PMK7734]

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

[@DamianL]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@mktuputamadre2472]

It is still a killing tool, mind u.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! Greetings for Holland!

[@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!

[@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.

[@santoshsundar1186]

The natural music of the environment is so soothing.

[@livingskills]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you for watching!

[@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!

[@walterwhitaker1395]

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

[@222palafox]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you for watching!

[@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!

[@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. (-;

[@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.

[@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

[@yeznikkazandjian6105]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you! :)

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Great work and beautiful bow!

[@lamporule]

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

[@jerrieyum]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@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!!!

[@arlobandersnatch6244]

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

[@shnawdude03]

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

[@carmensandiego8758]

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

[@pz3j]

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

[@guylewis7418]

Beautiful bow! Thank you for sharing this!

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@adventurer1977]

Very well done video, so relaxing The voice of nature Thumbs up

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@tomrichardson3107]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@maiconjosefarias9373]

Beautifull Art. Thanks for your sharing.

[@aussieshooter5358]

Beautiful work mate!

[@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!

[@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?

[@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 ❤️

[@777Elt]

Beautiful to watch! Thanks for sharing!

[@davidhuston6677]

Mr. Stefanov , you are a true artist , thanks for sharing .

[@BrandonsEpicAdventures]

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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@Fabio4408]

My sincere compliments from an Italian Archer you are really a Master Bowyer sincerely you have my utmost respect ciao Fabio

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you very much!

[@Savonsale]

if you are archer don't you think this bow is powerless just by how he using it ?

[@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?

[@miroslavboda2646]

You are big inspiration! Thank you.

[@kkidcruz6118]

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

[@theaverageexplorer]

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

[@Ming5906]

Sir, deep respect for your skills.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thanks!

[@trinitytwo14992]

Your a true artist Sir!

[@charlesdavis9937]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@myyrexflash7010]

like it... no music...just silence and nature

[@diabolicalartificer]

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

[@rigsby556]

self made hide glue is amazing stuff.

[@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.

[@marclorenzi6340]

truly amazing work. keep up the good work

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@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 :)

[@krystofcisar469]

Great job with chopping that wood into shape! Thanks for sharing this ancient wisdom. What wood did you used and how stond how stong it was?

[@khanimran1238]

I had to watch it again yo its poetry in motion

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@bikesqump]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@Depwhattube]

There is honesty in silence.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Nice! Waiting for more, Stiliyan

[@StiliyanStefanov]

J R's Place, thank you! Next more ...

[@5tonyvvvv]

What mulberry is that? Its a Native tree? Nice job without the horn... Im sure they made bows without Horn, never seen one though... And could you have made it alot heavier in draw weight? Say 100LB?

[@StiliyanStefanov]

J R's Place, this is a replica of museum exhibit of 13-14c. Mongolia. This bow is 30lbs at 32" but of this technologi (wood and sinew) can make 50, 60, +70lbs. Mulberry is to the famili on Osage Orange. Thank you!

[@jacktroyer5750]

Stiliyan Stefanov .

[@5tonyvvvv]

white mulberry?

[@docstone5049]

That's some seriously mad skills brother

[@rafiz04]

I watched the video for the first time. I enjoyed it very much. you do your work very passionately, and it was a nice thing to watch.

[@ljacome8444]

¡Qué belleza! Toda una obra de arte. 👍👍👍

[@chrisp2876]

A true master of his craft.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thanks!

[@MarktheAirsoftPrimate]

That’s one beautiful piece of art

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@ka-bar5060]

Wow! True craftsmanship. Beautiful work.

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@carlosalvesdinis2773]

Incredible, amazing,wonderful,congratulations

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@jigmetshultim4225]

A true craftsman

[@nyomankencana3141]

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

[@StiliyanStefanov]

Thank you!

[@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

[@braincrashtv8377]

When DNA test find u are 1% mongolian

[@sukuicarp605]

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

[@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!

[@Demetrius-Silva]

Awesome work!

[@rimskirimski]

He’s a real master