In this video you will see the making of a horn bow.
These bows are also called Turkish composite bows or reflex bows.
The bow is made of wood, horn and animal sinew.
All parts are glued together with a glutin glue (isinglass glue).
Bows have been made from these materials for centuries.
0:00 Intro
0:13 Wood core
5:09 Horn clasp
8:31 Elaborate bow shape
10:15 Sinew coating
12:23 Bone pieces
13:50 Tiller (bending of the bow)
14:44 Bow ends
15:27 Test shooting
16:07 Birch bark
19:21 Shooting bow
Manufacture:
The manufacturing process has remained the same over the centuries.
Today, machines such as band saw, planer, etc. facilitate the manufacture.
Fire is replaced by a hot air dryer and heat lamp.
However, most of the work is still done by hand.
Materials and additional info for those interested:
-The wood core is made of sycamore maple.
Other woods such as ash or yew can also be used.
-The horns are from domesticated water buffalo.
The last horn purchase was years ago. Unfortunately, the supplier no longer exists.
-The deer back tendons are the same as the horn. Bought years ago, supplier no longer exists.
Tendons from ostrich, cattle, red deer, etc. can be used just as well.
-With birch bark it is always a matter of luck that one gets which can be separated easily in the thickness.
-Glutin glue (isinglass glue 100gr./€ 60.--).
Alternatively, rabbit glue or hide glue (100gr./€ 5.--) can be used. Both cost only a fraction of the isinglass.
Data from the filmed bow:
-draw weight 45 pounds at 28 inches.
-String length 113cm (Dynema D75).
-Bow weight 340 grams
Personal:
I have been building and shooting bows for about 17 years. Turkish reflex bows in particular.
Bow building is a wonderful hobby and has taught me many things.
My interests have shifted towards shoemaking for a few years now.
So that my more or less great knowledge is not completely lost, I have filmed the bow making.
Have fun watching .......
I DO NOT SELL BOWS !!!