Is the D style bendy handle the simplest and easy to make self bow? Please show pictures of your D style bendy handle bows. Does anyone make these any more?:)

English longbows are this design, plenty of folk make them.

Why do they call it a D style?

Saw the :) You baiter, you. But that's ok, I'll bite :)

This style bow's side profile looks like a perfect capital D at brace. Just be careful... cuz sometimes selfbow guys use "D bow" to mean 'braced profile' and sometimes they use "D bow" in reference to the limbs cross section. Usually the context is apparent in the conversation, but not always.

But by either measure, it can be one of the simplest selfbows to make.

Yes, folks still make them. I prefer them sometimes for a few reasons. Change of pace, they're simple, I like the lively feel and personal connection(being one with, or 'in' the bow like no other) during the draw and shot, much appreciate the full compass look when drawn. Dynamic balance is key with any bow, but especially with this type. If it's designed and balanced with the specific shooter in mind, it can be pretty damned awesome to draw and shoot if he's of the sort... but it's not for everyone. To me, a properly designed and tillered fully drawn 'D' shape Yew English longbow pushed just shy of its limits is about as good as it gets.

Pretty sure it’s called D for Don….

On an English longbow, the cross section of the limb is D shaped. It does not refer to the bow's stung profile. Though that also forms a D shape of sorts.

I think there is reason to think the so-called pyramid style bow is the easiest to make. It tapers in straight lines on the edges and does not need to taper at all in thickness. Band saw to shape and the tillering is nearly done.

Simple D cross section bows go back to the European neolithic period of around 3000bc

I especially like bows that are D in cross section, and D in side profile... Double D's if you will :)

You know me pretty well Jeff;) And sometimes if you use the right bait;) Well any how thanks for the explanation on the simple D style bow. It sure has stood the test of time.

I'd suggest the simplest selfbows are the ones made from a split limb or sampling that have bendy handles.

I agree with fdp about a sapling bendy bow. I made a 45# hickory bow for my son about 20 years ago. It still shoots very well. The back was super easy as I just peeled the bark off to get it. There is a learning curve to shoot one, but they are great hunting bows.

The widest part is the grip, and the tips were ever so slightly flipped. It has held up very well.

It does string up as a "D", but I call ELBs "D" bows... LOL

And thanks Jim & Bob for the pictures. I always enjoy seeing what others have made. A lot of very talented people here on the wall:)

The simplest form is the strung sapling that everyone made as a kid. Or should have.

Cut a four foot branch or sapling, tie piece of strong cord across the tips permanently. Done.

I did do that as a kid Pat. Using a lilac bush. And lilac saplings for arrows. With sharpened tips of course. Used to shoot them into large cardboard boxes. Good memories:) I guess every kid has done that.

This is a split Juniper limb. The bow is copied from a Comanche bow that is on display in the Panhandle Plains Museum.

Doesn't get much simpler. And is surprisingly effective.

42" long 45'ish pounds at 18".

Was that Juniper built out of green wood? Did you fire harden it? Just curious. I thought about trying to make one out of a common Arkansas cedar tree which I have plenty of (too many, actually) on my place. An Arkansas cedar tree is a Juniper as far as I know.

It was debated and roughed out from green wood in about 1.5 hours setting by the fire pit. Then I left it set in my shop for about 2 weeks. Finished tillering it, made a string for it and started shooting it.

It was not fire hardened and it is finished with several coats of animal fat.

Pretty cool Frank. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Simple? Maybe not so simple;)

fdp, Thanks for the clarification on your build. I guess it doesn't get much simpler than that.

Asymmetrical in design Frank. NICE.

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