Does anyone know what's up there? I have an order from almost 4 years ago. I text couple times and email once. I've gotten no response. Is the man still in business? Change his email/number? Website states he's busy but in 4 years at least some info back to requests would be appropriate I'd think. When I talked to the man and ordered he seemed pretty normal so I'm hoping he's ok at this point. Any info please advise
Excuse the misprint. Northern Mist
He is apparently answering some phone calls/emails - since his stock bows on his web site have been getting tagged as "SOLD" at a pretty decent clip. The web site also has a notice that he is not taking any new orders until his backlog is caught up. I knew he had a considerable backlog of orders but I was thinking it was more like 1-2 years out - not 4?? I wonder if your order got lost in the shuffle somehow.
Quote from: Burnsie on August 22, 2025, 09:31:13 AMHe is apparently answering some phone calls/emails - since his stock bows on his web site have been getting tagged as "SOLD" at a pretty decent clip. The web site also has a notice that he is not taking any new orders until his backlog is caught up. I knew he had a considerable backlog of orders but I was thinking it was more like 1-2 years out - not 4?? I wonder if your order got lost in the shuffle somehow.
I figured perhaps that was case but I've got nothing response wise. Sent text the past couple years and email just weeks ago, and even fwd pic of order sheet.
Is this the number you are using? Maybe you'll have more luck with a direct call.
I to have emailed this year with no response on an order I placed 2 plus years ago before he stopped taking orders. Certainly can be frustrating not knowing anything.
If you do get through, and he does build you a bow, and something does happen to the bow, you may wait another 6 months to a year for replacement.
I would proceed with extreme caution. Allot of men are afraid to say anything because they will get attacked by the fan boys.
I don't care how good your product may be or seen if you cannot respond to a phone call, text message, or email. I am not buying your product. Also if you tell someone 1.5-2 years on the wait list and don't want a deposit be a man and call them and tell them, or at least be a man and answer the phone.
It is sad some of these bowyers act like they want to be begged to build a product for you as the consumer.
I've owned several Northern Mist bows, great bows but If you want excellent customer service, craftsmanship, and a better shooting bow reach out to Mike Nelson at Dark Shadow Longbows or Jim Martin at Mahantango Bows.
Both build excellent bow, care about their customers, return calls, and stand behind their products.
Anyone in business slips up from time to time. I bought a stock bow from Steve last year and the communication was excellent. He even called a couple months later to see how the bow was working out for me.
Maybe call and leave a message saying you are interested in buying one of his stock bows (currently 2 listed). When he calls back, do the "bait and switch" and find out what is going on with your bow that has been on order for 4 years.
Quote from: Burnsie on August 22, 2025, 12:31:19 PMIs this the number you are using? Maybe you'll have more luck with a direct call.
That's the number I'm using but thanks
Through the years of dealing with Steve on bows, I have found it best to call him, he'll usually answer unless he's in his paint booth. I haven't talked with him is several months, but last time I did he had been having some health issues, and dealing with a real bad case of shingles. He also moved to a different building a couple years ago, so it is possible in moving some of his orders could have gotten lost in the transition, not trying to make excuses for him, but I do know he is an excellent person to deal with, and he stands behind his bows 100%. Hopefully you can get things straightened out with him.
Jason
I spoke with him today.
Quote from: Bowguy67 on August 25, 2025, 05:17:29 PMI spoke with him today.
How many more years do you have to wait? You have waited 4 years already for him to build you a bow without any type of communication?
Quote from: trad_hunter on August 25, 2025, 08:43:57 PMQuote from: Bowguy67 on August 25, 2025, 05:17:29 PMI spoke with him today.
How many more years do you have to wait? You have waited 4 years already for him to build you a bow without any type of communication?
He started yesterday. Nothing is life or death here. I've got enough bows and back ups for the bows. Enough of custom turkey call guys are similar except they talk snotty to you when you reach em. He called, apologized and remembered our conversation years ago. Said he'd start on it immediately being order was misplaced.
I've never heard anything bad about the man and I have friends that dealt with him for years with no issues. I coulda reached out to them to inquire but I don't wanna put them in a weird position if it didn't go well.
We will see
That's good news!!! I hope it all works out for you.
Jason
That's good to hear. Sounds like you will get it soon. :clapper:
Quote from: trad_hunter on August 25, 2025, 07:04:29 AMIf you do get through, and he does build you a bow, and something does happen to the bow, you may wait another 6 months to a year for replacement.
I would proceed with extreme caution. Allot of men are afraid to say anything because they will get attacked by the fan boys.
I don't care how good your product may be or seen if you cannot respond to a phone call, text message, or email. I am not buying your product. Also if you tell someone 1.5-2 years on the wait list and don't want a deposit be a man and call them and tell them, or at least be a man and answer the phone.
It is sad some of these bowyers act like they want to be begged to build a product for you as the consumer.
I've owned several Northern Mist bows, great bows but If you want excellent customer service, craftsmanship, and a better shooting bow reach out to Mike Nelson at Dark Shadow Longbows or Jim Martin at Mahantango Bows.
Both build excellent bow, care about their customers, return calls, and stand behind their products.
I'm not sure what the term "fan boy" actually means....but I can assure you that Steve Turay is a solid stand up guy. I first met Steve at ShrewHaven along with Ron and Fred Asbell. He came for an afternoon visit and ended up staying 3 days. Steve builds the best longbow available today, and stands behind his product 100%. He has done enough for all of us in traditional archery to earn a little grace for a logistic error or long lead time.
I have talked with Steve a number of times and have bought a couple of bows over the years. I don't know him other than that and never met him face to face.
All of my transactions have been good and he has done what he said he would do. I've enjoyed talking about shooting longbows with him a couple of times.
So I don't much care for the "fan boy" comment either. I think he is a good guy and I appreciate what he did for Howard Hill's grave site.
I currently have two of his bows (49# Sprague and an 55# Ramer) and that is probably all I will ever have, given my age.
I spoke with Steve yesterday. All is good on the OP's issue. Steve is in the shop, grinding and working.
Quote from: Roger Norris on August 28, 2025, 07:26:02 AMI spoke with Steve yesterday. All is good on the OP's issue. Steve is in the shop, grinding and working.
Thanks. Hope he was ok w you calling and doesn't think I was bashing him
Quote from: Bowguy67 on August 28, 2025, 09:03:59 AMQuote from: Roger Norris on August 28, 2025, 07:26:02 AMI spoke with Steve yesterday. All is good on the OP's issue. Steve is in the shop, grinding and working.
Thanks. Hope he was ok w you calling and doesn't think I was bashing him
Not at all. We really didn't even talk about your post.
Quote from: Roger Norris on August 28, 2025, 02:35:43 PMQuote from: Bowguy67 on August 28, 2025, 09:03:59 AMQuote from: Roger Norris on August 28, 2025, 07:26:02 AMI spoke with Steve yesterday. All is good on the OP's issue. Steve is in the shop, grinding and working.
Thanks. Hope he was ok w you calling and doesn't think I was bashing him
Not at all. We really didn't even talk about your post.
Good
...
...
I understand wanting a specific person to build your bow, but considering the amount of excellent bowyers on tradgang that would make you a work of art that shoots as well as anything on the market, I can't see waiting 4yrs. All the people I have interacted with on the bowyers bench page are awesome. I've been building casually (handful of bows per year) for 10yrs, and pick up something new every time I scroll through. Truly a great group and I would buy from most of theses bowyers with confidence.
Yes, something definitely went wrong. I would say you have amazing patience. At this stage of my life, a year long wait would probably be a deal breaker. I will be 73 this year and probably don't have that much time left!
Quote from: MnFn on August 29, 2025, 10:20:12 AMYes, something definitely went wrong. I would say you have amazing patience. At this stage of my life, a year long wait would probably be a deal breaker. I will be 73 this year and probably don't have that much time left!
Brother order some custom turkey calls. You'll be promised stuff you never see. I'm at a point I need nothing so if it happens great. If not it'll not get me crazy
No telling how many problems a misunderstandings are caused these says by folks using texts and emails instead of phone calls.
Quote from: bama on August 29, 2025, 11:17:21 PMNo telling how many problems a misunderstandings are caused these says by folks using texts and emails instead of phone calls.
Brother it'd be lots easier if people would ONLY use the phone but most guys won't answer. Can't say that's the case here. I hadn't called assuming another method was more convenient for him and his schedule
Bow is done
I'm glad it all worked out for you. I figured it must have just been an over sight on Steve's part as he pushes to clear his backlog. Post pics when it arrives. I really want a NM as well, but will have to wait until he is taking orders again, or keep my eyes open on the classifieds. There have been a few out there lately, but they weren't in my weight range or were left handed.
Quote from: Burnsie on September 05, 2025, 01:35:38 PMI'm glad it all worked out for you. I figured it must have just been an over sight on Steve's part as he pushes to clear his backlog. Post pics when it arrives. I really want a NM as well, but will have to wait until he is taking orders again, or keep my eyes open on the classifieds. There have been a few out there lately, but they weren't in my weight range or were left handed.
Thanks bud. I've got the tracking so I'll post it when it gets here
I've known Steve since he was in UP Michigan, he has always been courteous, helpful and pleasant. After moving to AL he got real busy and was working longer hours. I own several of his bows and like shooting them. Unfortunately, several bowyers are not taking orders and this has put more pressure on Steve and others. But, it sounds like your order is back on track. Good luck.
Not the best light. Been actually shooting it since I got home and put together. Rest in on a paw paw since the sun was sorta barely up that direction
Nice looking bow, What are the specs on it? Looks like flamed birch? on the limbs? I have a set of limbs for my Skanee that look very similar. Hope you're enjoying shooting it.
Jason
Quote from: STICKBENDER98 on September 23, 2025, 04:11:54 PMNice looking bow, What are the specs on it? Looks like flamed birch? on the limbs? I have a set of limbs for my Skanee that look very similar. Hope you're enjoying shooting it.
Jason
Yes - Interested in what those limb veneers are?
66" long Ramer, brown action wood limbs, Osage handle, bamboo core. Not sure what it is. I've shot a bow about 55 years now pretty consistently. I'd often stay outside for hours just shooting. As a kid of school age, before school, after school, after I worked out. I'd shoot hours a day. Same with work and if I had to work late under lights or if none were available id pull a truck up for its lights.
Shoulder injuries as of last few years put a kink in that. Every shot has been a mental test of how much pain I can endure. Fortunately I have a high tolerance but sometimes just 10 shots and I've gotta stop.
I got the bow last night. Shot it before I worked out than after. Another mental pain test but who cares.
Today I was home with a crazy headache from sinus infection. Second it eased up after second dose of aspirin I shot, long story shot I think 4-5 times today. Last stint was an hour. I was very comfortable and loving watching an arrow fly. I shot from stands, long shots, short shots, broadheads, at 3D deer.
Steve recommended making the bow 66" to be smoother. Idk if that helped or if it's the bow design, but thank God I've got it.
One of its first broadhead shots. I only shoot one arrow.