There are some really great bowyers out there who have been making beauty, history, and stories for us for a lot of years, and though I haven't met them in person yet I feel a need to acknowledge them while they're still "young enough" to enjoy some attention and appreciation. Most of you know the names better than I-- Bob Lee, Fred Anderson, Ron La Clair, and so on-- but I wanted to start by just giving sincere thanks to Larry Hatfield.

I've been working hard this past year to really understand the golden era of recurves in America, and I can honestly say that Larry's knowledge, and his willingness to share it with us all, has been about the single best source of insight to help me along this learning curve. I know he's made some really great bows in his life too, and someday I'll probably have one, but far more precious to me is the firsthand account he can give of that whole era.What would any of us know about the Damon Howatt company history without him?

It must take a lot of work and patience for him just to follow all the Howatt and Martin threads, to say nothing of answering PMs and emails. So-- I need to just publicly thank him, and tell him it's greatly appreciated. Thanks Larry!

Kerry

I like his bows

Yep...Hatfield is a bit better than the 'real McCoy' when it comes to archery..ESP the Damon Howatt-Martin bows!..:) Jim

Thank you Larry!

Yes, Thanks for sharing the history of these bows. I purchased my 1st in 1972, a Super Diablo & recently acquired a Deluxe Ultra Fifty Four.

I for one appreciate Mr. Hatfield and the vast knowledge he brings to this forum. THANKS LARRY!!

Always enjoy my old Damon Howatt bows, Thanks Larry Hatfield.

Mr. Hatfield, thank you for all your contributions to archery and helping to make this a great site to learn about the history of the sport. Your input on topics posted here is always very much appreciated.

Thank you Mr. Hatfield.

Larry has contributed a lot more than he will ever be given credit for. Larry is still out at the flights every year and setting new records now and then.

I met Larry some thirty years ago, and can say he is a true gentleman and I'm proud to call him friend. Bob

We are very fortunate that you share your knowledge here Larry...thank you

DDave

Kerry -

He's always helped me out when I needed it. Good man.

Viper out.

I've been a Howatt fan since high school and spent my meager savings on a 1973 Hunter model. Working part time in a sporting good store, I pushed friends and acquaintances to buy them, too. Now it's interesting to find out about the men behind these great bows, Damon Howatt and Larry Hatfield.

Thank you, Larry, for your continuing contribution to the bow- making tradition.

Thanks for helping me with selecting a string for my Mamba and providing great advice to all..

Larry is a great guy, a walking encyclopedia of US archery, and more.

Hats off to a guy who has and continues to contribute way more than could be expected of anyone. I don't know if he made my Hi-Speed NE Plus Ultra but I like to believe he did. Here's to many more years of having the pleasure to hear from Mr. Hatfield on The Leatherwall.

I appreciate him. Especially if he figures out the wood in my Holy Grail bow, lol!

Joe

BTW, good thread crookedstix.

Thanks Larry for taking the time to respond to questions on the LW and sharing your vast knowledge of Howatt and Martin bows.

My Howatt Hunter is a great bow.

Great idea for a thread.

I got my start on this site because of Larry's willingness to share his vast knowledge and experience with a newcomer. I've not seen him post an answer that was less than patient and polite. He is an irreplaceable resource, a great person, and an example to us all.

Thanks Larry

Great thread.

Thanks Larry, for everything.

NALS 2007 in Big valley, Alberta.

Myself with Ol'Buck, Tim Meigs and Larry Hatfield.

I've always considered Larry's works the best of the best......An archery legend, indeed.

I can't really add to what's already been said about Mr.Hatfield other than irrespective of whether your a seasoned experienced archer or a complete novice looking for advice, his comments and words of wisdom are always helpful, insightful and real

Thanks Larry

I appreciate Larry for many things other than archery as well.

To have him here in our midst is awesome. I've appreciated Mr. Hatfield for years and still do.

As Zane Grey and my Dad would say, 'a man to ride the river with'. Thanks Larry. bvd

Thanks ever so much Mr Hatfield for sharing yourself with us.

Mr Hatfied, is a treasure. Jawge

dont know much about his bows , but sure do apreciate his even handedness and thoughtfullnes in all his post. honorable man....ron

Absolutely,,you can't say enough about folks when they are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Though my single purchase of a Martin recurve was the worst bow I ever bought... In the post compound period, it is probably the case that the best sticks coming out of a major maker were from Martin. And I am sure we all know who can be thanked for that.

Thanks Larry!

Mr. Hatfield is an ICON in the archery industry! A true trail blazer! Thank you Larry. Jim

Kinda get to know something about a fellow by the work he does. Thanks Mr. Hatfield.

I have always thought how fortunate we all are to have Larry on the Wall. He is always very helpful when people have questions about there bows, usually can even tell you who made it. Thanks Larry!

My first recurve was a 66" Ventura. Wish I still had that bow but in a lighter weight. Thank you for all your past, present, and future contributions Mr. Hatfield!

Mr. Hatfield helped me out with some insight on my old Howatt. Greatly appreciated and something that he didn't have to do.

Thank you Larry...

Indeed. Always got good things to say..Thanks Mr. Hatfield..

Thank you Larry for the wealth of Information you have provided. It is greatly appreciated.

thanks for the kind words! i will stay around for a while yet i hope. only 79. like i answered when a guy asked me if i've lived in the yakima valley all my life, "not yet." but, i need to make clear that i am not involved with bow making for anyone now!!! doing a little contract gov't stuff in hydrology, ranching, and helping my cambodian daughter in her restaurant every day i can. all the guys mentioned in the first thread are much more deserving of mention. and don't forget people like tim meigs. back in the day, he and his lovely bride, fern, helped scores of kids get into and remain in the sport of archery. i'm glad for being part of the sport of archery for most of my life and blessed by friends i've made over the years. thanks again.

I have a 1960s hi-speed and hunter,and are my best shooting recurves. Thanks for a great product Larry.

Thanks for all you contributions to what we all love.

Glad to be here with a bunch of nice folks ! and of course Larry is one of us ! thanks Larry for sharing !

Thanks Larry for what you have done for the sport.

Larry, you've been a great resource to many folks here an on other forums. It is wonderful to have you participate and share your knowledge.

Thanks!!!

As far as I am concerned, Larry Hatfield is as good as it gets.

Thank you Larry.

Agreed. Thank you Mr. Hatfield.

Thankyou, Mr. Hatfield for your continued interest in helping us learn about this great sport.

Thanks Larry!

Wealth of knowledge between those ears. Good thing he came along when he did.

Have the utmost respect for the man. He's been a icon for along time. Thanks Mr. Hatfield.

Jeff

Mr. Hatfield,thanks for all your contibutions to archery. Thank you for being a part of the leatherwall.

Really nice how Larry shares what he knows. I have owned 3 Hunters, one Coronado, one High Speed and an early takedown with no name. Thanks, Larry

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Larry when you can. And the bows you helped with are timeless!!!! They have stood the test of time.

I greatly appreciate a person who so willingly shares their vast knowledge on a subject, as Larry always does. Thanks, Larry!!!

Larry, Thanks for being an outstanding person!!! Dean

Larry's contribution to the world of archery pales into insignificance compared to the recipies he posts on TT, they are sensational

Sorry larry ..couldn't resist :) :)

Larry,you are on the top on my book,thanks for your kindness and for what you have made to the sport.

fine man, don't know if I saw him in the shop in Yakima in 1958 when went in with my Dad but always saw their bows as special.

Larry, thanks for all you are still doing by showing up here and answering questions and giving us all the benefit of your knowledge and experience.

Yes, Mr. Hatfield, is one of the best of the best. Thanks, for all you have done and still do. Stay young and keep posting, Larry!

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