I received this bow about 20 years ago. I believe it is from a bowyer in Michigan and was told it was backed with Blue Racer. The handle has been pieced together and pinned. I have not shot it very much over the years but am now going to shoot it more. It feels like #50 and is very smooth and quiet.

My questions are, is this piece together technique common? How long would it take to construct a bow like this? Any other info on this style bow would be appreciated.

Thanks, T4

That is a typical W splice joint used to connect two billets together. The pin isn't typical and not needed, but it doesn't hurt anything. As far as how long it takes, that's up to the person building. One person may take 30 hours and pone may take 8 hours. I don't recognize the work, cant help with that. Most of us can pick each other work our quite easily.

Pearl drums to the red phone

Looks like a quality splice to me but im not an expert

I can't believe how straight is. It is cool to see how dark it has turned over the years.

Thanks PD, T4

I can't believe how straight is. It is cool to see how dark it has turned over the years.

Thanks PD, T4

Surprised it isn't REALLY dark after 20 years. Usually by that age they are almost a dark purple hue.

It has been kept is the basement out of the sunlight. The W joint can't be real easy to get straight?

T4

Its easy to cut that joint in once you do a few, that being said a lot of fellas wont touch billets and only want full staves. I use my band saw to cut the splices in.

That bow would tune nicely at about 7".

It's at 7 1/8 right now and is shooting well. Is it a must to shoot wood shafts through a self bow. Don't want to violate protocol.

Thanks for the info, T4

Shoot carbons/aluminums if they fly good and hit where you want them to. I'm no purist, just a wood bow lover.

Very nice splice and the pin is just insurance. I like the use of dowels and they can't hurt.>>>----> Ken

Thanks Ken. I wish I knew who made the bow. I just shot a few dozen arrows with the bow. Quite the dumb move leaving her laying on the bow rack for all these years.

T4

makes me wonder if its a Gary Davis bow? I dont think he cuts out sight windows. Sure is light colored if thats 20yo osage? Thats a darn nice splice compared to any Ive ever tried!

Congrats and thanks for bringing a lonely selfbow back to life. They are fun, aye?

I dont believe Gary or Matt made that bow, highly doubt it. I know several in Michigan that build, but that work doesn't look familiar at all. Dont be surprised when its in your lap come October!

Maybe, but he didn't make his grips like that from what Ive seen. And no doubt would have been marked. 20 years ago we were still in the rebirth of primitive archery era, could have been anybody.

Gene's bows were like fly rods are to a fishing pole. John

What a nice bow!

I was shooting the bow tonight. Had a bunch of new traditional shooters over and they really got into it. It was great! The bow shot better and better as I started figuring it out. I like it! Here are a couple more pics.

T4

Tips

If it did not have that skin or that kind of splice Built 20 years ago . I would say I built that bow. I use the pins some time with a v splice. Arrow shaft just like that. Enjoy the bow! Arvin

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