blackthorn

[stuckinthemud]

Anybody got any experience with Prunus Spinosa (Blackthorn) as I have access to a quantity of said shrub in good straight, clear, lengths, but having read up on it only really know that it is tricky to store/season, so before I start harvesting, is it worth it, how do I store it, and how does it compare to other timbers like yew or hazel???

Thanks in advance
Stuck

[simson]

I have made some bows out of that wood, it's great bow wood - much better than hazel. Not easy to find a clean not twisted stave. The wood is very nice and dense. Let it season in the bark, seal the cuttings, otherwise it will crack/split easily.

[stuckinthemud]

Thanks Simon, so saw it not split it, and season it slowly somewhere cool?

[simson]

Yes exactly, don't forget sealing the ends. For example with wood glue, easy to attach with the fingers.

[mikekeswick]

Even put them in plastic bags to slow the initial moisture loss.
Sloe makes awesome bows. It's as good as osage! Ducks.......