Quickie Wooden Bow ~ Built In One Hour

Small sapling wooden bow, made in one hour using a hatchet to shape and thin, and a knife to scrape and tiller.
Fire is used to partially cure the bow, to be able to shoot it in an hour and a half, using a shoe lace for bowstring.

[@douglasswright484]

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine kzbin.infoUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

[@waltergigandet6715]

I’ll tell you a story- I lived in Sr Alaska for 3 years, there I met Marvin, native story teller....88 years young. I asked him if when he was a boy, was there cancer, heart disease, stroke, mental illness, diabetes, arthritis. He replied, no, none of them. The old men of 80 and even into their nineties, still hunted. Climbing the steep coastal mountains to hunt the deer on top. Then dragging 1-4 deer down the mountain-to the beach, and rowing the food 5 miles back to the village. There was no grocery store! The men were gone 80 percent of the time fishing, hunting, or trapping. No modern processed foods, every family has a garden and fruit trees. Firewood was gathered and towed back with a rowboat. They lived on their traditional foods, and had a active lifestyle. Today the village is filled with people with all the modern degenerative diseases. And too old, is a state of mind. Mental attitude is the most important aspect of life! There are dreamers and doers in life. If you’re not doing, all one does is dream. It’s all a choice- living an existence, or designing a life. And we choose every day of our life. Be the best you you can be! Burn all the past baggage, and life is bliss! Have a great day!

[@steveerose9555]

I wish you where my grandpa

[@rooroo9216]

@@jayroi1814 he probably just had no experience with them, wasn’t that familiar with them and/or neither were the people around him. Since they never were affected by those illnesses due to their healthy lifestyles preventing them altogether, they probably didn’t see the need to do anything about it. Don’t fix what isn’t broke so to speak. His access to information probably would’ve involved the local newspaper, the library and word of mouth, not google searching on his ipad xD

[@dcforte123]

@@jayroi1814 illness also comes from negativity which is what your being, the internet and libraries haven't always been around show some respect this mans trynna educate people

[@jayroi1814]

@@dcforte123 It's not "educating people" if you're spreading bullshit and misinformation. Ignorance deserves no respect.

[@dcforte123]

@@jayroi1814 how is he spreading bs?!? You just sound like a hater bro 😂

[@waltergigandet6715]

The knife is an old kitchen knife, bought for 25 cents at a garage sale. High carbon steel, all rusty! I shortened the blade from ten inches to five, ground the blade slowly dipping it in water to keep from overheating it. Sheath is homemade. It’s all part of being creative😉

[@tiinthewild]

Lovely creation from a fully experienced person.

[@Malachilewis-bo7qf]

Do you think you would sell these

[@waltergigandet6715]

Sorry I am retired, going on 69. I could still make them and offer for sale, but at this stage of collapse of society, it would be far better if you learned the skill. I am comfortable with a huge garden, hunt and trap and fish. Rarely go to grocery store. Work towards that lifestyle. When global economic collapse happens it will make the Great Depression look like a cake walk. You have been warned

[@Malachilewis-bo7qf]

@@waltergigandet6715 yes sir thank you just thought I'd ask. Trying it again and u think I might have got it but I'll see

[@waltergigandet6715]

@@Malachilewis-bo7qf Understand that it takes time to develop the fine motor skills. There was little instruction back when I started making bows. My first 8 bows broke or were wimpy. Learn to feel the thickness of the limbs. If a place is a bit thinner the rest of the limb has to match that thickness, or all the bend happens at the thin spot. It is religion that is the mother of all skills. This means lazy ego doesn’t get to be discouraged and quit. If you desire more instructions. I put out a complete series of 4 videos teaching how to build a wooden longbow, in those 4 days- completely seasoned and ready to shoot. I address the many challenges that come up, and how to use the tools. Don’t quit!❤️

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

others make it look hard... so we dont try..... now ill try it for sure , thanks so much !!

[@jasielavina8286]

@Michael Fletcher ×

[@sparkrain3580]

@Michael Fletcher -

[@IMP-vi6je]

@Michael Fletcher ب_ب

[@waltergigandet6715]

Ha ha, yep teaching and talking keeps me form working as efficienctly as if completely focused. But if I don’t talk, people who aren’t familiar with sharp as a razor tools, will be injured. And at least the first 8 tries the potential bow is ruined. My goal is to give suggestions so people can have successes first try!

[@PaperSquadron]

Built in one hour... Plus a good portion of a lifetime to master axe skill presented here :)

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

Forearm strength

[@autumnpendergast9151]

Right!

[@ForestGnome13]

Just dedication

[@winterxj9]

Sees comment, watches video... Ahhhh, yes, this will take a noob like me 4 days plus it just rained so gotta wait for dry wood

[@jeffgoode9865]

I dunno, man, I just started bushcraft and a lot of these skills are surprisingly easy to pick up after practicing one or two times. Like, faster than I would've expected.

[@raphaelferrari4715]

I'm twelve and its holidays so I'm gonna do it

[@waltergigandet6715]

Jeremy Roy, instead of surmising that the natives had disease and didn’t know what it was, first get the book nutrition and physical degeneration from interlibrary loan and read it cover to cover- Dr price went around the world in the early 19th century studying the “primitive diet” , before modern foods were introduced. Almost no dental caries even though they didn’t brush their teeth! Virtually no degenerative diseases. One generation after modern foods were introduced, all the modern ailments began showing up. And Marvin was in a government school- so educated, our government doing its best to eradicate native culture. If he spoke his language in school, he was made to go and stand out in the rain for half an hour. And if you think he wasn’t aware, got news for you... He fought in the Korean War, and he got all the shitty jobs- first man across the minefields, leading the others, because he could see where they were buried. Was Made a scout for the marines because he never got lost, -behind enemy lines for months, relaying info, and no supplies, only what they could get while on the move and being constantly hunted. Being raised native, he was aware of everything, and at 88 he was till active and mind was keen. Being the storyteller he could tell one story after another about his people’s history.. back to the great flood, what they did, places they retreated to on the tops of the mountains as the oceans rose. Where they went. Way back into the ice age....All the way up to the present time.. Just because he doesn’t have a college degree, doesn’t mean ignorance. It’s this society that is ignorant! Raping the land, poisoning the water and air, all for profit. Native person takes care of the land, working to keep a balance in nature so all is healthy. Modern human has little respect for natural world, because they aren’t taught it as a youth. Which path are you on?

[@adventure002006]

I have been around axe's, saws and the bush for a long time but learnt lots from this video. Enjoyed your finesse with your hatchet and trick for quickly drying wood to increase snap.

[@waltergigandet6715]

Paul, It’s ok to have a slight deflection, but if it’s bent the way the bow will bend when pulled, it will lose snap and cast. Strong non stretching cord works fine, I show how to make a bowstring from hickory inner bark, and from B 50 cord for making bowstrings in different videos.

[@sammywhammy8295]

Love the simplicity of this project! Nice work man.

[@Dark30Outdoors]

Very cool! That looks simpler than I would have imagined!

[@robertmcdougall1816]

Way simpler

[@waltergigandet6715]

Woods to choose, preferably not softwood, choose a springy hardwood, -hickory, maple, birch, ash,white oak, are a few choices. If you have Osage or yew they are superior woods. Using this bow for hunting it is a close range bow, it’s short draw makes it a perfect snap bow for lying close to a train in wait. Your scent is close to the ground, allowing you to be within ten feet of the trail. Draw is pushing the bow out, when full draw is reached the string is released. This method requires practice.!😉

[@waltergigandet6715]

Yes, can do a longbow the same, it’s more involved, watch the videos I made on the 4 day process, to have a cured bow ready to shoot

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Love your work! Great little bow and brought back some happy memories of experimenting and making countless different bows as a child. Back then, despite getting lucky with a few designs, I didn't know about the basic technology involved in the shape of the stave and never thought of running green wood through a fire. Now, many years later and still playing in the woods with basic and simple bushcraft, I understand a lot more! (And the best and most important part; we are never too old to play in the woods.)

[@groundskeeper5292]

Nice little now. Looks like the bows used by the Bushmen of the Kalahari desert! Perfect for small game. Good video too.

[@dr.lexwinter8604]

That's because they're bad bowyers and that's the best they could come up with, like most stone age cultures. You couldn't hunt with that though, you'd be utterly breaking the Hunters Code. It's a children's toy for plinking. You'd just mess an animal up terribly if you hit it with that and not kill it outright. Then you'd have to track some thrashing suffering creature through the woods to retrieve your arrow. Not acceptable.

[@bear1050]

@@dr.lexwinter8604 Small game. You could totally bag a rabbit or grousse with that.

[@notnok9443]

@@dr.lexwinter8604 lol. Bet they are better than you. They are literally a hunter gatherer society you fucking idiot. Clearly they dont make their bows in an hour. You can make a powerful shortbow.

[@muscleman125]

@@dr.lexwinter8604 news flash, gun shots dont instantly kill animals either. Shooting an animal with an arrow isn't meant to be an instant death, and the same applies to bullets. Often times the hunter does have to chase down the now injured animal so it can kill it quickly with another shot or their knife.

[@klounpound6945]

@@muscleman125 don't waste your breath. People like that simply don't understand how hunting works. Probably doesn't even spend much time outside.

[@klounpound6945]

This is going to be the first bow I ever make. And will try to hunt some small game with it.

[@ajk5585]

Wow I am glad I found your channel, I really enjoyed this video!

[@waltergigandet6715]

You use whatever is available, , as long as it is elastic springy, has snap when released, and frays when broken, you can make a bow with it. A native person once commented, bow can be any piece of bent wood.... Arrows are heap big work!

[@remotelytim]

Great video. I have only recently started to see the value of using a shorter small game bow as a survival tool and your video demonstrated how to make one that even I can follow. Thanks for the effort.

[@waltergigandet6715]

Knife and hatchet should be sharp enough to slice paper, or you are working too hard. Same technique for any style bow,

[@VGreggUndercover]

Wow! I’ve always been too intimidated to make my own bow but have always been fascinated by them. Now that you’ve shown how easy it can be I’ll be trying my own this weekend! Cheers 🥃

[@waltergigandet6715]

Yes, a sharp hatchet!!! Look at the hatchet I’m using, the sharpened edge goes back a half inch. Many hatchets need the edge reshaped by grinding, my knives I do the same thing, so there is no secondary bevel at the edge, it goes straight back from the edge. If you cannot slice paper with the tool, it’s too dull to use for woodworking, Use the same technique in the knife sharpening video, only set the axe head down, and move the stone on the edge. Make-a sheath for the axe, because it’s now a slicer!

[@Chillpillspill]

Great video. Your use of the hatchet convinces me you know what you're talking about. Any recommendation on what kind of hatchet to purchase and from where?

[@WhoThisMonkey]

​@@Chillpillspill Gransfors Bruks 'outdoor axe' is a great starter hatchet, and it will last a lifetime. I am keen to buy another, as my first was taken during a camping event, but I can't justify the spend, as I've got other tools that do the job just as well for now.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

i live in east Texas , near Nacogdoches. it looks like you're in my back yard .

[@michaelkeiffer893]

I live in Louisiana near Natchitoches and this looks like my backyard too. The woods around this part of Louisana and over the border where youre at are a lot wilder than people give them credit for

[@forrestdaniels6382]

Hi Walter, Could I use a bowline knot on the upper loop of a bowstring instead of a lariat knot?

[@TemplarX2]

That's about the size of a Bushman bow. Their arrows are poisoned and they can kill any size animal with it. Without poison, I think this can easily take down a turkey but not a deer.

[@waltergigandet6715]

At ten feet, it will shoot thru the ribs of a deer, and thru both lungs. The bow pulled about 20 pounds.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@waltergigandet6715 20 pounds is enough to kill a deer? I thought the minimum poundage is 40 for it to be reliable.

[@waltergigandet6715]

@@ShadeSlayer1911 40 pounds is the legal required weigh, but at 15 yards, no way would I be standing in front of someone shooting a 20 pound bow, on a deer shot right behind the front leg, it will take out both lung, death is then quick

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@waltergigandet6715 good to know. That means even my 30 pounder can potentially take a deer with a good shot? How hard would it be to get that close to a deer though? And with this sort of bow, what's the accuracy to be able to hit center mass?

[@waltergigandet6715]

@@ShadeSlayer1911 There are some very good videos on Comanche archery, shooting. He uses a 30 lb bow. I’m working on his quick shooting style. You shoot when the the animals awareness is elsewhere, bow is drawn while their head is behind a tree, preferably. If they are looking at you, and you release, they won’t be there when the arrow gets there. Even a woodchuck at 12 feet was a foot away when the arrow stuck in the ground where they’d been.

[@waltergigandet6715]

Axe work will be forthcoming in a few months, knife sharpening is already available on another video I already did- There are 29 other videos to learn from if you choose to

[@waltergigandet6715]

The bowwood is maple

[@AllAmericanPrepper13]

I love it good job great fast bo build I love the primitive way, Good job sir.

[@waltergigandet6715]

The back of your bow, one has to absolutely follow the grain, any knots will be like small breasts, a slight raised bump.. Absolutely no Annual rings can run off the side of the bow on its back, or it’s a weak spot that will break. All tool marks are removed as well, they are also weak spots. If you desire better results watch the series I did- a seasoned long bow from hickory in 4 days, I explain much more.. keep. Going, you’re the best!

[@AllAmericanPrepper13]

I'm so impressed I subscribed to your channel.

[@flowinnovation3489]

enjoyed this, hope you keep making vids

[@gregwalker2151]

Well, I just test fired my 1 hr bow and it worked pretty well. The only thing is it took me 5 hrs, but still pretty quick. Thanks for the tuition.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

I have tried to make board bows in 1 hour with power tools and I can't do it. My longbows and flatbows: heck I don't even keep track.

[@WhoThisMonkey]

It took me about three hours, but to be fair, I was talking and messing around with friends whilst I did it.

[@danielfisher9344]

Very nice. I can see a Native American building something similar, in a very similar way. The say the horse bows that the western tribes used were also very short and handy for horseback hunting and warring.

[@LOFIGSD]

Good safety first demo, sharp tools, excellent fieldcraft, if in the woods, people might want to do 2 or 3 at the same time, as chances are something will go wrong, until you are well practiced at this, a survival situation is not the best time to learn.

[@klounpound6945]

That's why I plan on making one for every camping trip I go on. I go camping for a weekend every month. And I don't like tents. I use a tarp. More flexibility in shelter creation. Point being. I want to go hunting for a solid month next winter. Surviving on only what I can hunt and forage. But instead of using a rifle or production line bow & arrows like I normally do. I want my hunting kit to be made purly out of natural recourses in my area. Made only using my hands and my knife. It's a goal I soon plan to accomplish.

[@tzackaria7]

@@klounpound6945 better take some granola bars and slim jims with ya

[@bobi_lopataru]

I don't thing you should take the bark off the back of the bow, it will weaken it a lot

[@bigben9379]

Really cool video. I used to make bows when i was a kid in a woodlot near home. I used a hatchet to cut the tree and would just use my pocket knife to strip the bark and sand it down. Then i used twine for string , regular bow string or whatever i could find. After a while i used pheasant feathers on the arrows with glue and string then I would sharpen the arrow on the tip or use store bought arrows.I shot boxes too.Most broke before too long as the wood was very soft. My best bow was made out of a wet tomato stake with regular bow string . I attached a block to it for a handle and cut an arrow rest for it .That thing had some pop to it. Lots of memories.

[@DaRealMuffinMan6]

will a swiss army knife blade and saw work?

[@statesrights01]

sub and like.. really enjoyed!

[@adamhassan9632]

I just tried to make it but mine snapped I think it’s because of the knots in the wood any suggestions??(I used maple)

[@waltergigandet6715]

Bowstring I take cordage material, measure it along the bow, and add about1/3 more as lengthy is lost in reverse wrapping cord. Top loop is a lariat knot, bottom knot is a timber hitch, so it can be adjustable. Go to bowstring video. And I teach the two knots how to tie in a few of the knot tying videos, Have fun

[@trevormassoth2802]

Damn son! That is zippy! Need to make one of these this spring.

[@JuanOspina-p8y]

Hello friend, how are you? Greetings friend, I have a question for you. Is oak wood good for making bows or what type of wood do you recommend for making a bow?

[@JuanOspina-p8y]

Hello, greetings from Colombia, I want to ask you something, my friend Walter, what kind of wood did you use for your bow?

[@antouab221]

Saw the video. Subscribed to the channel in a hurry :)

[@lecobra418]

Thanks for the video! Tomorrow I'll be heading up to the forest near my house and make myself a nice bow! I loved how proud of your work you looked right at the end of the video. Wholesome!

[@fishinbite]

Great video! So am I right in saying you cut into the belly side of the bow, and take minimal wood out of the back of the bow and just shave it?

[@DUDENOHELP]

Awesome. How much draw weight would you guess at? I'm making my own bow right now of some oak. So far so good. I kept my tips a little wide because I was worried about the strength of the wood, are wide tips a detriment? The limbs are 1 1/2" and the tips taper down to 1 inch

[@wiz6587]

Mate here I am thinking I need clamps, tuners, glues, ark of the covenant to make a little bow. Your styles way more aligned with nature anyway, Fantastico monsieur

[@devinm.6149]

Any estimate on the poundage? I imagine it's rather low.

[@zakmichalkow5222]

Im assuminy 10 to 25 tops

[@liamsomeone6333]

he said in a reply that it's 20 pounds

[@haberquepqsacalale8080]

Mi mamá: que ves Yo: albinos gringos haciendo arcos primitivos

[@A20FtPancake]

Speak English you river crosser!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Eyyyyyy ...pendejo :-)

[@haberquepqsacalale8080]

@@A20FtPancake ahora no hay ganas de cruzar el charco no de hablar gringo

[@sushidapushy9654]

Perfect for small games i made and used one and caught a rabbit I made my arrowheads using spoons i modified didn't make them wide enough to not damage the skin too much ( link on how to make arrowheads from spoons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnWYZKKvlrV3mJI )

[@mihaizograf5599]

The bow seems fine !!! You cleaned the back of the bow a lot, isn't it risky to break?

[@Korrupt27]

No

[@cameronpain1422]

@@remigrace3462 Yeah I’ve had a few break as well. I think it’s because I removed material from the back of the bow.

[@VoodooViking]

Good survival tool. To start off on day one. Will kill rabbits and small game. Then work on your large bow.

[@awesomefrank5528]

Kool Bow Dude.... You're a very good teacher. Your mello and slow enough to fallow directions. Good Job! God Bless 🏹

[@ZhiGan]

Short and interesting !!! But it is not about you. Why so much talking ???

[@kerryirwin5581]

Correct me if I'm wrong sir but I'm going to say a Vietnam training bow If so 100 % respect too you .

[@sophykennady9203]

Knowledge beyond bow

[@Antmanwald0423]

Surprised how fast it shoots. I love building self bows

[@chiconoveli]

Ótimo vídeo parabéns ganhou um escrito e um amigo aqui do Brasil

[@shelbi328]

Я очень хочу знать судьбу этого лука, и насколько он пошел за тетивой. Можно ли использовать его для охоты на мелкую дичь?

[@cautious1343]

Great video Walter! Sure wish I could make a few bows and arrows, and bark strings, under your direct guidance. In person I mean.

[@duaneburd9350]

If u laminate two back to back with pitch and fastened it tight you'd have a real hunting tool

[@parttimetourist]

No disrespect meant old man but I used to make a bow in 10 minutes when I was only 12 years old

[@malte7333]

lovely video,keep inspiring people like this,wish you all the best!

[@jacoblee5546]

So how thick are the limbs all together if I were looking at the bow sideways?

[@ndubstar]

Guessing about 24 pounds? 20 pounds?

[@wanglembataorem2308]

I hate talking while working

[@Alienshark]

Can I use oak, pine, or cypress? If yes, then which one is best?

[@qtquick]

Subbed Walter. Appreciate your step-by-step as well as your continuous reassurance of the overall process. Very effective teaching for my personality type. Thanks for the content brother.

[@WhoThisMonkey]

I did this today, it turned out great, I used store bought flax twine instead though. Problem is, it snapped when a friend used it. Ah well, the next one will be better, I did make mine a little longer than yours, maybe 5-6 inches, the snap was on the top/right limb, about two thirds towards the end. I'm thinking, if I can make a few of these, and buy a load or arrow tag arrows, there could be a lot of fun to be had... Especially because PVC pipes are hard to source in the correct density here in the UK, schedule 50 equivalents are hard to come by, that would be my first choice for durability. In case you're interested, I used a silky pruning saw and a cold steel bushman, I feel confident I could do the whole build with my Kukri in future though, less to carry.

[@waltergigandet6715]

Hatchet is Swedish, forged,. Will cost around 120 dollars. It’s a lifetime tool. Any hatchet will work, but others will need the edge reworked so it’s a straight bevel back from the edge for half an inch. This allows on to slice off the wood with ease.. The brand of hatchet is in another reply I did.. With inflation rising, thieving increases, my hatchet was stolen out of my home. Keep it hidden😉

[@landroamer1000]

Is the wood you’re working with red maple?

[@alexey9454]

Roamer's Rambles looks like hazel

[@timurk9631]

@@alexey9454 yeah I also think so because the hazel in my garden looks the same

[@timurk9631]

@@alexey9454 and is as flexible as the one in the video

[@greenguacgreenganja3254]

This could go on to be a penobscot bow for big game 🎯

[@rexsheeley8177]

Many ways to skin a cat

[@forrestwilbur7111]

You would be better qualified to build an outhouse.

[@GAMING_WITH_NORDIN]

Great for stealth kills in real life, Outposts.

[@shawnsmith5204]

Do u sale any of your short quickie bows

[@elek_remmek]

Oooh man! Is it a joke, or its an advertise for kids?

[@wellybobs4403]

"one hour bow" takes two days....

[@robertdelamare4129]

What brother are we going to kill with the bow like that 🐀 rat’s lol .

[@pinkestlasagna]

it’s perfect for small game, if u decide to go big u have to shoot it at least 5 or 6 times which would be hard since the prey would most likely run. anyways great video

[@quercus4730]

Pink Lasagna: A person could use a 30-06 to shoot a whitetail deer but a 22cal. shot in the neck will drop one quite nicely.

[@waltergigandet6715]

If anyone desires more info on making a bow and exactly how I use the tools, please watch the 4 videos I made, on building a long term bow from green wood, in 4 days( completely seasoned

[@michaelbiggs7129]

Top little bow..Top little video..

[@wanglembataorem2308]

You talk much and work less

[@charlesbrightman4237]

In survival situations, it's not how pretty something looks, it's how functional it is for the task at hand. In this case, a quick bow for projectiles.

[@texasjasper]

You’ve done this before!

[@waltergigandet6715]

Bow string is innerbark that was retted. Go to hickory bark bowstring, or watch the 4 days to finished longbow, for string made from B-50 cord.

[@caseywallace2240]

🤣👍 one hour bow in 2 days.🤣

[@tiagon19]

What is the length of that Bow? Please.

[@gamer_ultra10bartkevicius3]

im 11 years old and this inspired me to make one

[@DeepTalksPodcast777]

Man is a legend.

[@CarlitosMayo]

Thanks mate!

[@aaronluna4341]

Plenty sufficient for small game and smaller fish.

[@waltergigandet6715]

You hatchet head must be one continuous bevel back to at least a half an inch from the very sharp edge. To have a secondary bevel just before the edge ,means the chopper -is wedging off the wood, instead of slicing it off, which means more force and less control over wood removal, thus making a too deep cut and having to do it again on another piece of potential bow wood. If your knife and axe has that secondary bevel, use a file or stone to Take out the secondary bevel so it edge is one continuous flow back.

[@forrestwilbur7111]

Youra real dingleberry.

[@BonHomie87]

I don’t know this gentleman from Adam but after enjoying this video and listening intently the only response that feels appropriate is…’Thanks for teaching me that, uncle walt.’

[@davidkenworthy2403]

You need a microphone!

[@theweaponscollectiveedge863]

Good survival bow, I liked the drying over fire.

[@rlt422]

I'm probably the 50millionth person to say this but... the volume on this is WAY bad.

[@rtoguidver3651]

A short bow like that would be perfect for a trip wire to get a deer in a suvival situation.. My Dad made me my first bow when I was 6, now I make bows for my grandkids. Mostly Osage Orange or Red Oak.