There is lots of sharing about the 'prettiest," "fastest,"etc. My friends Don and Bobbie just had 50 year wedding anniversary. How about we share about the bows that come to dinner and last till our ashes are thrown to the wind up on Booth Ridge.

I've got a rack full of those, I may share a picture when I figure it out.

At one point I thought I had to cut back due to injury. The only two I kept were Elburgs, and my Widow. I kept the Widow, not because I like it so much, but because they are so heavily advertised I figured if I sold it I might get sucked in again.

At the moment I like my Fergusons, Hill bows in general.

My TAC firefly is an ILF I would hang onto, though those generally don't have much appeal. It would be the hardest to replace with something else, since nothing similar exists.

The other thing is that some of the other bows are probably too heavy for me, over the next 10 years.

Well most people don't like me i can be abrasive at times so I am pretty sure my estate would have to hire someone to go up to that ridge and dump my ashes. I am shooting a Silvertip and a Golden Sovereign Knight that shoot exactly where you point them so i would hope that they would show up.

My '62 63-inch K Special will stay around. Hard to find length and it shoots real well and looks fantastic.

My '60 64-inch K Special with its skinny limbs spits carbons out better than any bow I have owned, which are many. It will stay and be planted with me someday up on the forty four.

Some people's keepers are another's pass along. Some have high praise for an off-brand that others criticize as less than desirable. So don't hang your hat on every entry if you are considering buying one to be a keeper. Those you have to discover for yourself. I can list about two dozen "keepers" at least.

As usual, I'm with George" on this one. I've learned a while ago, What I like, or think is a "Keeper", is oftentimes another's "pass along". Thanks George, your wisdom is appreciated here.

I have a couple that will stay with me. My Shrew Classic Hunter, my 1954 Kodiak 2, my 1959 Kodiak Special and finally my Huron 3pcs longbow!

but what George answered isn't what's being asked. We all know it's something different to each of us.

For ME, it's a mid 90's 50# Howatt Hunter. I don't pass along many bows ever but that will always be with me.

Bear Grizzly. #40 and #55. Perfect for me.

My 1959 through 1962 Kodiaks, Kodiak Deluxes, and Kodiak Specials will be the last to go if I need bean money. I have some newer high end customs that still need to earn affection. Ask me about them in about a year.

I have sold about fifteen bows in the last three months, some of which I rather liked. They have been replaced by some that are faster, prettier, and cost more. I am still looking for a Savage Deathmaster. When I acquire one of those, if it lives up to the hype that I have heard about them, I will have about sixty or seventy bows for sale.

The ones I have until I decide to get rid of it

as much as everyone hates hearing. it is my psa widows have tried many others and many have come close. but I always go back to the widow. next in line would be the time proven BOB LEE. followd by the Roberston Stykbow. all Recurves. for longbows black widow , then unexpectedly a Tomahawk this one took me by surprise. and finally a very hard to find Bob Lee stick. all one pcs. all equal.

My Jack Kempf..Kwik Styk, which I pried.. $$$ loose from CDave last summer. Sandy

MY Keepers; Robertson "Wolfer", TallTines Stickflinger, JDBerry MorningStar and Northstar, Fred Anderson "Diamondback Switch- hitter",and my Wes Wallace "Royale". And my 35# Black Swan Recurve: just a toy that is a joy to shoot.

MY Keepers; Robertson "Wolfer", TallTines Stickflinger, JDBerry MorningStar and Northstar, Fred Anderson "Diamondback Switch- hitter",and my Wes Wallace "Royale". And my 35# Black Swan Recurve: just a toy that is a joy to shoot.

I am right now in the process of selling 3 of my keepers meaning there is no such thing for me.

DDave

Right now I'm working on my bucket list. I'll always have at least one ACS in my stable, and a few Bear TDs. I still have one Hill (out of many) that I've had for a long time and can't see it leaving anytime soon. Also have a Liberty Chief and J.D BerryTaipan that aren't going anywhere.

Currently looking for the right Robertson, GN Critter Gitter, Fred Anderson and maybe Leon Stewart one piece longbows. I've owned the first three before, but have had to move them on because of weight. Looking for lower weight versions now. A few more bows that will see me through.

I've already made arrangements as to where my ashes will be spread. :>)

My Pronghorn 3pc & Liberty Edge won't go anywhere.

I have a 2016 Bear Super Grizzly that I got from deerhunt51. After I got it tuned for me and silenced, it has become my "keeper."

My 29 year old daughter shot it, and asked if she could have it after "I pass." I told her I was going to be buried with it, so, "No."

Of course, this is subject to change...thinking about getting a Kodiak TD...just sayin'.

Mine are my Pearson Mercury Marauder TD, Wing Thunderbird 62" and Bear mag. A td.

All my bows that have been keepers were sold. Didn't know what I had until they were gone. :(

For me, it's a Bighorn 3pc. 62" bow, 70lb at 29". The day I brought that one home, I felt the same as when I got married. On top of the world.

Bear Custom Kodiak T/D!!!!

I think I did answer the question. I can name about two dozen, but it really doesn't matter since there will be so many different ones.

Out of many, only a few are untouchable. A Bob Lee centennial.A Howard Hill Big 5,a Dream Catcher,a Super D, and a Widow. Having to go to a lighter weight,I even have duplicates of some. The heavier weights may go one day but not the others.>>>---> Ken

I don't own one but you'd have to be nuts to let a Jerry Pierce go.

While I currently have several bows that I can't imagine ever getting rid of, the only one that is truly untouchable is an original Schafer Silvertip that was gifted to me this past Christmas by my hunting partner & best friend of 35 plus years... yep the original Schafer will definitely follow me to my grave.

I've got one.

It's a 1964 Kodiak that I bought off of Lamont Granger's ceiling collection at the Footed Shaft. I gave it to my Dad who shot it for awhile and absolutely loved it. Both he and Lamont died of cancer within a couple months of each other so that bow is very special to me. It ain't going anywhere.

I now have four that are all keepers. One of them I have had for a while, but the other three took a long time to find and I had to go through many bows to find them. 1)Chek-mate (HunterI) takedown recurve. 2)Gharring (Nontypical) one piece recurve 3)Journeyman takedown Longbow 4)Kohannah one piece longbow

The Bear Kodiak my Dad bought in 1959.

All tis folly....they're all "keepers" to somebody. Bows are like women, find a good one and spend the rest of your life learning how its likes to be held!

Some of mine are keepers because I like them. Some are keepers because no one else will buy them.

All of my bows I'm bow greedy

Here's two from nemah, Richard Korte. One is 54" the other 60". To think I'm more of longbow guy. Odd ;) JF

ahhhh I cant say which bows will last until my ashes are blowing around.

there are some that have lasted more than 3, 5, and almost 10 years....perhaps they will be survive me???

maybe it's more interesting to hear about the bows that you had more than 10 years and why?

i'll start........not a one lol

my thunderhorn will be 10 years this May for me. i bought it used from a kind gentleman named Kelly Peterson. he did me right and let me even try it before sending money. its the longest keeping bow i've owned.

Thunderhorn, Heart Stopper 2 pc takedown longbow.......that's all I have and yes, I'm an exception. It took about 5 years and LOTS of bows.....had this one made....I'm a happy camper. Have had since '96

I have two bows that are keepers to me. These two bows I will have till the day I'm planted in the ground beside my Dad and Mom. Both of them my Dad bought me so they have more sentimental value than money value. The first is a 45# 1969 Bear Green Fox that my Dad bought me for Christmas in 1969. The second is a 60# 1974 Bear Grizzly my Dad bought me in 1974. To me these two bows are more valuable than all my Bear Takedowns put together.

Don't name them George! The price will go up! ;-)

I have an Askari that John Fazio of Sovereign archery built just before he passed. I've been told that he only made three of these static recurves. This bow is extremely smooth drawing and fast. I don't think I'll ever be able to part with this one.

I finished a blank from 7 Lakes Archery and took two deer the first season with it. I will always have this bow.

The Bear Grizzly I got for Christmas a long time ago, 55 pounds. I also have a Bear kodiak takedown i like a lot.

I will always have a White Wolf Longhunter and an Omega longbow in my bow arsenal . May or may not be the ones I have now but will keep these bows around at all times because I really enjoy shooting them. There will always be a lot of other bows around as well but these two will be consistent.

Sixteen longbows and 5 recurves. My keepers are a Hill Big Five, a JET Wolverine, and a Zebra Grevy

My Meigs bamboo #46 longbow. 36 years young and all I use. It will go to the grave with me.

My Arnerbows. Those would not be able to be replaced. All the others I could roll the dice on.

I just traded off what I considered one keeper of my group. I will say the Longbow from Bodymanbowyer will only part my side when I am buried. To me it may be the only TRUE keeper I will ever own.

My bows that Steve Abbott made for me, my JD Berrys and my Howatts.

Long term keepers for me are old Bears, a carbon enhanced recurve by Sixby, recurves and longbows by Wes Wallace, recurves by Don Assenheimer, a longbow by Caribow, a recurve and a longbow by Norm Johnson, and a recurve that I made myself.

I have a long draw, so I like 64" recurves and 66" longbows because they feel comfortable. Although the old Bear Kodiaks seem fine at 58" and whatever length each other model was made in - they are unique designs.

Ever since it was introduced and I saw it at the now-long-gone old wooden floored Hardware Store, I have always wanted a Super Kodiak - especially the 64" model. I remember before Christmas, they had a special display of a Left Handed 64" Super Kodiak 45# with a dozen Bear arrows - half with razorheads and half with target points. I knew Fred Bear made that bow just for me, but i could not afford it. Maybe someday I'll find one.

I must be a little different. Seems like all my bows are keepers.

Once I get a bow (or make one for myself) I almost never part with it.

R/D longbow made by a friend, second Martin Mountaineer

Had two actually...one was the prettiest 56" Asbell era Bighorn with inlays, rich osage limbs, and sheephorn tips, and the other was a gorgeous all Bocote Rose Oak Puma that shot like a dream. Sold them both, hard to believe a man can be that stupid TWICE!!

Only ones I had more than ten years is my Carroll's and Ol'Buck.

Everytime i sell a bow i regret it.(not true but that's the way i feel).I've got a Quinn Longhorn that i plan to be cremated with. There is a Harrelson T/D that i love to shoot and My Hi Power- Howatt will stay with me.As much as i enjoy my Super Necadahs,the Howatts are all special bows.There's no reason for me to insult any of the other new bows or old bows,it's just personal preference.

Only ones I have had more than 10 years, are my Bear Green Stripe TD and several Robertsons.

A camo black widow p sax and two great northern Fieldbows both at 47# will stay with me. Fun to try others though. Have a 62 kodiak magnum in transit. Hope its a keeper

Over ten years would be my Pearson Golden Sovereign Knight I've shot fish with for about 35 years, my first fiberglass bow from summer of 1966, and my Indian warrior I've had since Christmas 1966 which was my first laminated bow.

Bows I wouldn't sell are my Indian of course, my Sentman that Gary was nice enough to come out of retirement and make for me, and possibly my phenolic Super Kodiak. Haven't shot that one enough to know yet.

Just a few bows that are keepers for me . Jack Kempf Kwyk Styk, Caribow Silverfox,Big Jim Thunderchild , and my latest Kirk Lavender Bigfoot Sasquatch SS ,ILF. They all shoot in different manner ,but are fun to shoot . Ken

Over 10 years...my Howatt Hunter..more than 20 years actually and my '73 Super K

a John Schulz longbow I have had since the early mid 80's

and a Wallace mountain longbow (just something about this bow that works for me)

Have a bunch hanging but the above two are the ones I use regularly

of my recurves (which I use rarely) it would be a Black Widow PTF and a Fox Breed

Like Stout said Its a personal thing, and only you will know

Robertson Fatal Styk , Widows, Bob Lee, Wes Wallace Mentor.

Toelke, toelke, and toelke

I have yet to find anything that beats my Bob Sarrels Blueridge RD longbow. If you like longbows, you need to give them a try.

My disclaimer is that I have not tried the tall tines stickflinger, big him buffalo or the Wagstaff bows. I hope to check out the Wagstaff bows next month.

My Bill Stewart bows are not for sale. I have several "favorites" I shoot and hunt with that I wouldn't part with also.

Never met a stikbow I didn't want to keep! And I have kept them all so far! Wyatt

I have several Black Widows but my BW SA III will surely be with me for the duration.

My keeper recurves are two Robertson Pierce Peregrines....I am still searching for the right longbow...Tim

I've bought and sold many bows, but one bow that's been with me for a long time is my Samick Stingray. Lot's of good times together, hunting, hiking, shooting.

Here she is posing with my Prairie Predator.

Definitely keeping this one I made last November. I shot a nice ten pointer with it before I finished it. Limbs and riser are Barkpocket Maple reclaimed from the bottom of Lake Superior. Inner core is Osage from a fence line down the road. JF

Everything i've got is for sale except my Northern Mist longbows, won't show any pictures because I don't want anybody begging me for those.

I could list at least 50 keepers, that said I have kept very few as I have had to drop in poundage a lot. I will one day again own a bunch, but right now my keepers are a Red Wing Hunter and a TimberHawk Strike. Shawn

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