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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: snag on December 19, 2012, 10:26:00 AM

Title: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: snag on December 19, 2012, 10:26:00 AM
I was wondering if anyone knew of a man by the name of Roy Day from British Columbia? All I know is that he was/is an accomplished selfbow builder. How about Loran Nicholson? He was/is a bowyer? Any info. or history about these men would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, David
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: Liquid Amber on December 19, 2012, 05:56:00 PM
May 18, 1933 – October 10, 2012

Agincourt Archery

He manufactured and sold a spine tester - Accuflex IV Spinetester - Dave Doran carried it - Archery Past

Larry Hatfield knew him.

I'm not sure he made bows in the 50s.
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: Jock Whisky on December 19, 2012, 10:12:00 PM
Roy got into archery late in life in the 90's I believe. He was encouraged by his brother Pete Day. Roy jumped in with both feet and passionately learned all he could. He was a tool and die maker and a fine craftsman. This was obvious when you saw his spine tester. The pointer was a miniature brass 4 blade broadhead. He also made finely crafted English war arrows and yew selfbows. He is a fine gentleman and fascinating to talk to.

JW

(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa478/JockWhisky/royday002_zps75140dfe.jpg)
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: snag on December 20, 2012, 12:08:00 AM
I have been gifted one of Mr.Day's selfbows. It is suppose to arrive tomorrow. That is why I asked about him.
 Thank you, David
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: David Yukon on December 20, 2012, 12:11:00 AM
Good for you David! Will you post pics when you get it??
Cheers
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: Steve Clandinin on December 20, 2012, 12:23:00 AM
Dave,I grew up in BC and years ago remember hearing his name.A very good friend of mine knew him and spoke very highly of him.Would love to see pics when you get the bow.
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: Greybark on December 20, 2012, 01:06:00 AM
Hey Snag , I knew Roy and his Brother Pat (in England) and I beleive it is Lorne Nickle you are referring to .
  Roy made fantastic English Longbows and Lorne specialized in Selfbows of Black Locas (sp). Many local young archers benefited from Lorne`s generosity . I believe he no longer makes those selfbows .
  Cheers from the Land that has Everything Except the Stanley Cup ....
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: snag on December 20, 2012, 10:32:00 AM
Thanks guys! I see that the bow is made from black locust. The wood was seasoned for 5 yrs. The bow sock was made from one strip of back hide from a '66 blue ribbon winning hog at the Fort Langley...? This bow was used by a man to win the '98 Traditional Archers of British Columbia provincial Shoot Off in the primitive category. It has also killed elk, bear, and deer.
I will definitely post pictures later today for you guys to see. It is "out for delivery" as I type this.
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: V I Archer on December 20, 2012, 07:12:00 PM
I met Roy at the 2001 Longbow Safari in Courtney BC.  Beautiful selfbows, and one heck of a nice guy.  I still regret not buying one of his spine testers that weekend.  I thought about it all day Saturday and when I went to buy one from him on Sunday afternoon he was sold right out.

Can't wait to see pics of the bow snag!
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: Jock Whisky on December 20, 2012, 10:22:00 PM
http://***********.bowsite.com/TF/lw/thread2.cfm?forum=23&threadid=244266&messages=20&CATEGORY=9

A bit more re Roy

JW
Title: Re: 1950's Canadian Selfbow builder?
Post by: snag on December 21, 2012, 10:35:00 AM
After receiving and inspecting this bow I am sure that a skilled craftsman, such as Mr. Day, did NOT build it. My inexperienced hands have crafted better selfbows than this one. The tips are about 1" wide, the fades are uneven, the bottom limb bends much more than the top, there is propeller twist in the top limb, and there must be about 4" of string follow. Disappointing.