Dean Torges Bows?

Tim Fishell · February 29, 2008, 09:34:00 AM

I was watching the first Masters of the Barebow last night, surprised the DVD still works. I got to the part with Dean and I was looking at the bows he makes. It looks like he puts a lot of thought and effort into making every one of his bows. So my question is does he make bows to sell or just the kits and the how to stuff? I can't say I have ever seen one of his bows for sale or even one in person. I was just curious.

Thanks,
Tim

herb haines · February 29, 2008, 09:39:00 AM

go to his website , /www.bowyersedge.com he sells kits and you finish the bows your self with minimal tools -- herb

Tom Leemans · February 29, 2008, 09:44:00 AM

He has maybe sold a small handful, early on, but he's not the production bowyer type. (IMO) Some folks are lucky and receive one as a gift, or win one in some kind of drawing. I have seen many of his bows and drawn one a time or two, but never shot one. I can tell you that you'll never draw a smoother bow. He'd rather see you learn how to make your own though. Hey, anyone can buy a bow...

RAU · February 29, 2008, 10:03:00 AM

It seems the kits are never availlable tho

WESTBROOK · February 29, 2008, 10:14:00 AM

Tim, If you get the chance read his book "Hunting the Osage Bow". Its just a good read, even if you dont want to build a bow, very entertaining. What a character!!

Its the little things along the way that add up in the end to make the difference between a good bow and a great bow. Dean covers them all.

The threads come from time to time "If you could have any bow..." Mine would be one of Deans.

Eric

Rick_H · February 29, 2008, 10:30:00 AM

Dryad makes bows and sells blanks that are like the Torges bows, bamboo backed osage.When you buy a blank from them you get an instructional DVD, and at the end Mike credits Dean Torges for his knowledge, so getting a bow or blank would at least be in the same direction.

Tim Fishell · February 29, 2008, 11:20:00 AM

Thanks guys! I knew you could get the kits from his website but I was just curious if he sold any of the bows that he makes.

hawksnest · February 29, 2008, 07:43:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Rick_H:
Dryad makes bows and sells blanks that are like the Torges bows, bamboo backed osage.When you buy a blank from them you get an instructional DVD, and at the end Mike credits Dean Torges for his knowledge, so getting a bow or blank would at least be in the same direction.

Dryad bows are top notch. They are good shooter's and nice eye candy too. Bill G.

tippit · February 29, 2008, 09:19:00 PM

Dean's bows are like hen's teeth. I just happened to back into this bow...PBS 2000 Auction Bow. Doc

hickstick · February 29, 2008, 10:17:00 PM

WOW jeff..thats one heck of a lineage on that yew!!!! :eek:

Jake · February 29, 2008, 10:39:00 PM

Sitting around the campfire at Cloverdale last year on Saturday night....in Ferret's camp..I am surrounded by Dean Torges, John Scrifes, Tom Leemans, Mickey "the Ferret or Weasel as my son so loves to refer to him" Lotz...and several other great bowyers. I ask the question " If I get a buddy to make me a bow out of nothing but osage is it still a selfbow?" Dean answered without hesitation..."Nope.. it's a Somebody else's bow" So I am still working on my first self bow to show them all at Cloverdale this year.

Gunney · March 01, 2008, 12:13:00 PM

Tim,

That is what is so great about Dean. He will lead you down the right path, but will never hold your hand the whole way. I always said he gives you enough information to allow you to make those life changing mistakes and teach yourself on a piece of wood.

I conisider Dean a life long friend and one of the greatest teachers out there.

I remember after watching his video (100's of times), I always thought, why didn't he show me more. Simply put, the journey is often times more important that the destination.

I know that is probably not what you wanted to hear since you just want one of his bows.......I know what you mean. I was just feeling windy!!!!! Dean does that to me:-)

BTW, if you ever find one, make sure you find an extra one for me too.

God Bless

Billy

Darryl Quidort · March 01, 2008, 03:00:00 PM

I also consider Dean Torges a life long friend. I've been "amused" by Dean from the first day I spent with him, doing video for his DVD on the bamboo backed bow. He is one of a kind! I'm privileged to have one of his bows hanging on my bow rack. Dean put some of his "magic" in it for me too, as I've taken several deer with it. Dean's bows are made to shoot just as good as they look. Thanks for everything Dean.

Darryl

Otto · March 01, 2008, 03:19:00 PM

Well....

Tom Leemans probably won't admit to it....but he makes a BBO bow just as fine as anyone's out there. Including Dean's bows.

SteveD · March 01, 2008, 05:32:00 PM

The most beautiful bows i ever seen. What a great DVD. Wish i had one of his bows.

Tom Leemans · March 03, 2008, 10:23:00 AM

Yeah Otto, you are too kind. I think I got a little Jerry Pierce in me though. I like my bows to look a little unassuming.

My tillering skills are not quite on par with Dean's. I may get there, but definitely not as fast.

Gunney is right though. The Journey is much more important than the destination.

Tim Fishell · March 03, 2008, 10:30:00 AM

Thanks again guys!! Looks like I might need to pick up his movie and see what I can do!!

NorthShoreLB · March 03, 2008, 11:13:00 AM

Never seen one of his bows in person, but they surely look GOOD on the video, I'd love to hold and shoot one

billstick · March 03, 2008, 11:58:00 AM

I have two of his bows any one want to trade a 67 Vett for both

Tim Fishell · March 03, 2008, 12:49:00 PM

Dang and all I have is a '63!!