Looking at picking up a simple self bow. Yes, I know I can build one with a little bit of research and some simple tools. My first retirement is only a few years away and I plan on it at that point, but for now I'd like to find one thats already built. I'm not really too much into charector bows, like snakey style, or elaborate paint schemes. Just a simple longbow, about 50# at 27". Anyone known of someone who builds them at a reasonable price? Maybe like a side gig or anything? I'm going to duplicate this post in the bowyers bench as well, understanding that its probably out of place in one spot or another.
Arvin Weaver is top notch. :thumbsup:
John Strunk is very well known on the West Coast. It isn't a sideline for him, and his bows aren't cheap, maybe $400-$600 range, but the quality is excellent.
Pearl Drums!
Arvin Weaver, James Rempp and Ryan Gill all have good reputations.
James Rempp... I actually wrote him on facebook but he had a post mentioning some computer issues. I'll look into the other names as well, thanks guys!
Ted Fry at Raptor (sponsor) makes some beauties, but they are spendy.
Ryan Gill @ gillsprimativearchery.
I have a snakey from him and it's sweet!
WOW Pat, You weren't kidding about the $ for a Ted Fry bows! I just looked at his prices. :eek: They're purdy tho!
You get what you for. And believe me guys, its not just looks your paying for. Self bows can look much alike and behave totally different than each other. Guys like Ted and John sell bows that not only look gorgeous, but shoot as good as any bow. I think the goods ones from these guys start around $550 and go up from there. As they should.
I fully believe that there's $500+ self bows, and that they deserve such a price tag. But like many things, my truck, my current long bows, etc. there's just some things to dream about and other things that I can afford, haha. I will continue to search for a serviceable and affordable self bow. Thank you guys for all of your help!! The mountain seems to be a bit taller now that im standing at the foot of it...
If you can find yourself a used selfbow made by the late Ed Scott, you will not be disappointed. I'm still kicking myself in the arse for letting mine go.
This has been educational on just the first day! Haha. So.... At first glance the new self bow enthusiast has a couple options. Option #1: Go "all in" and get a custom or semi-custom bow built by an artisan that is every bit the looker and performer that a modern composite bow is (and maybe more so, depending on your vantage point). Option #2: A guy who lives in a basement and likely whittled a piece of lumber into the general shape of a bow, a bow that will likely explode in your face before the paypal transaction hits your bank statement. Because I'm a stubborn dreamer, I'll keep looking for Option #3: The wild card, where stars align and the ghost's of Pope, Young, Thompson and the like direct the hands of fate. Rushing the matter won't likely end with favorable results, and all this talk is causing my Wesley to start one of her attitudes. But(!), the info here is good info, and I always like generating conversation about less beaten paths like self bows and such. As always, you're all top notch!
Ryan Gill. I have number 104. It's a great shooting osage bow and a real beauty.
Pine hollow longbows another Sponser, Mike Yancey has many bows to choose from. Finished, kits, do it your self, Osage or white wood bows he teaches classes to people from all around the world how to make selfbows and sells how to video's of his making.
Mike and Edd Scott were very good friends and he has written dozens of articles in multiple magazines about building and hunting with selfbows. Do your self a favor and check into Mike too and don't be afraid to call him, very good guy and willing to help anybody.
Tracy
I am a huge John Strunk and James Rempp fan. James can build you whatever you want, I'm sure he could get you a simple bow that wouldn't break the bank. His work and John's elevates the selfbow to an art piece. Ryan Gill also could help you, as could a number of Tradgangers right here, one with the initials PD comes to mind ;)
More great leads. I have to say, sometimes there's a whole galaxy right under your nose. That's how reading into all of this seems. I never really gave TOO much thought to the self bow realm. Enlightening to say the least.
Mark Baker, and Walt Francis, both members on here. Not so much set up in the business of building selfbows, but both of them build a great bow.
Thanks,
QuoteOriginally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
Arvin Weaver, James Rempp and Ryan Gill all have good reputations.
Bingo! I have an Arvin Weaver selfbow. It is top notch!
Bisch
How about Carson Brown-Echo Archery
I did a bow trade with Pearl Drums and his osage longbow is one of the best bows I have ever shot period. I have shot hundreds of bows and build bows. You will get one fantastic bow if you get one of his.
God bless, Steve
Ryan Gill builds a good selfbow.
I have had experience with 2 self bow bowyers. I owned a Ryan Gill sinew backed recurve that was quite a sweet bow.it was beautiful and shoot quite nicely.
I also had the most prestigious opportunity to shoot Carson Brown's (Echo Archery) sinew backed recurve named the kingfisher. It was breathtaking to say the least.
Either bowyer would be more then able to provide you with what you are looking for. Enjoy, SS
Hey CAVSCOUT, love the name, I am a Cavalryman myself. But anyway just a thought. I remember Ryan Gill was making a plain working selfbow that wasn't as well finished as his other ones for a pretty reduced price, I can't remember what the model was called but it might be a good way to experience a selfbow with not a lot of money spent. And if it comes from Ryan you know it will be tillered correctly.
Another option may be Mike Yancey, he used to offer a plain jane hickory selfbow for not a lot of money, again it isn't on his website but if you called him I bet he could fix you up.
These are just a few lesser cost options out there.
I am a big fan of John Strunk...no matter if osage, vine maple or yew. I have had two osage and a vine maple. All are great bows...he has forgotten more than most have learned over his life...and it is all he does and not a part time gig.
That being said, Ryan Gill has a great reputation as well with his bows...plus he knaps a good hunting head out of flint or obsidian.
Ted Fry is good but there are others out there I like as much or better for what I consider a more reasonable price.
I have started a hickory bow with a second hickory stave on standby...but I was like you and wanted one to shoot now rather than waiting.
Best of luck. Here are a couple of mine:
Vine Maple (Tillamook Spirit)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411066907.jpg)
Osage with rawhide and snakeskin (Buffalo Runner Spirit)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/404236740.jpg)
Forgot to mention.... if you ever get a chance for a Joe Mattingly or Dean Torges osage bow....you need to jump on it no matter the price. I have a Joe Mattingly he gifted to me before he passed....that is a special bow.
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/401962616.jpg)
I have to add that if you are lucky to get your hands on a Manny Padroni Guava bow, you'll get a real performer.
Thanks all! So I got ahold of James Rempp. I don't like to talk shop as a rule, but in this case I don't think it's improper. So I told him what I was after ("think simple-simple.") and my working budget. This is a budget I feel falls in the "beg forgiveness rather than ask permission" catagory with the wife. He said he thinks he can do something along those lines. He's working on something right now, but said to give him a couple of days and he'd send me some pics. If that all goes well, I'll be in business. If not, I've got a good list right here to work on. I've spoke to a couple of guys mentioned and the spread is (100% understandably) far apart between cost/value. I thank you all again! I've mentally committed to owning a self bow, its going to happen; the details are just....fluid right now. Haha
P.S. Brock; those bows are gorgeous! One day.... one day.... haha!
I've got 2 options for ya.
1. Attend OJAM March 17-20 (here in Oklahoma), and you would be able to build your own in that time under the tutelage of some of the best bowyers (and all around people) that you could ever hope to meet. The costs would be your travel, a membership (I think it's only $20 or $25 for just you), and whatever your stave and accessories run from the vendors there.
2. Send me a PM, and I can send you some pics of the bow that I made at OJAM, and if you like it, I'll send it to ya for $0. I make no claims that it is a great work of art, but I spent a LOT of time working on it and got even more help from those same people that I referred to in option 1. I'll make sure that I sand out any scratches and apply another coat or 2 of oil and send it to ya free of charge.
Let me know if you're interested in either option, and I'll get ya fixed up.
-Tony
John Strunk or Carson Brown