A primitive bow, in my opinion, is one that could be made under primitive conditions. For example, self bows and sinew-backed bows (whether horn or wood) are considered "primitive" in my opinion. Whether or not you use power tools (such as a bandsaw) to cut out the blank, or a metal rasp to shape the bow, or a stone flake and sandstone, the same weapon could be made, regardless of the tools used. The metal tools are simply more efficient and faster. If you make a bow with all stone tools, then I consider it a "stone-age" bow. A "primitive bow" would include both the stone age bow, and a typical self bow that is made with metal tools.
Now, when we start talking about bamboo backed osage or multi-layered laminate bows of different types of woods, now I think you're getting away from a truly primitive bow. Making laminated bows requires saws, planers, and sanders that are absolutely necessary due to the strict tolerances that must be followed. They cannot be made in a primitive or survival type setting without those power tools. However, they are made from all natural materials, so they could be considered "somewhat primitive", yet are not quite on the level of fiberglass "traditional" bows.
Now, traditional bows would include all the bows I just talked about, as well as fiberglass recurves and longbows. That's the way I look at it...it helps keep the confusion to a minimum.
That's just the way I look at it!!
