Another reflex/deflex sinew and rawhide backed shortbow with artwork.

[NorthHeart]

Here is another Osage bow i just finished up.  Actually it started out life as a much longer stave.  It was going to be a hunting bow for my buddy, but at the longer length was too weak for what he needed.  So i sinewed the back and shortened it.  That changed everything.  I really didn't think it would be much of a shooter, but i was wrong.  51# @ 23",  53" OAL.  Futhark runes on the stripes for added "Magic".

You will notice that it bends mostly through the handle.  On my last horsebow, yall helped make me aware of the fact that i seem to be neglecting the outer portions of the limb.  Im sure this puts more stress through the center.  But may i ask if this will be detrimental to the longevity of this bow?  Because im happy with how this one shoots in its current state.

Well, hope yall enjoy the pics!

[NorthHeart]

more pics....

[NorthHeart]

more...

[NorthHeart]

and more...

[Pat B]

Very cool little bow.    Well done.  I also like your home decor.

[trail walker]

awesome job! that is so pretty it makes me want to cry! I want to make a plains bow like that one day. soon.

[AndrewS]

Great job!

[tattoo dave]

Great looking bow 240. Nice work!

Tattoo Dave

[NorthHeart]

Thanks a lot gentlemen!

Pat its the lodge where i work, but luckily i get to live here too, so it is kinda my home i suppose!  TrailWalker thanks for the very kind words i hope to see the plains bow you make on here.

[osage outlaw]

Very impressive work!

[ty_in_ND]

That's a slick little bow! It's amazing how little osage you need, especially when backed with sinew.

So, how did you finish the back? Is that some kind of covering over the sinew?

[ohma2]

Good lookin bow there

[NorthHeart]

That's a slick little bow! It's amazing how little osage you need, especially when backed with sinew.

So, how did you finish the back? Is that some kind of covering over the sinew?

Ty, over the sinew is rawhide.  Some might call that unnecessary and maybe it is, and im aware that you can fill the gaps in the sinew with putty made from a glue/sawdust combo, which i also do.  However, the rawhide keeps any rogue sinew fibers from lifting, and serves as sort of a canvas for the paint to adhere to.  I have been experimenting with markers, paint pens, and brush on acrylics.  This particular bow i used acrylic paint for the black, and also for the off white stripes.  The runes i used a sharpie, as i didn't trust my hands to accommodate the fine brush work.  I also try and be mindful that the finish i use could smear the artwork, and in that regard i am still in the testing phase.  One good thick coat seems to lock it down, then i add fine coats with sanding between.

[pnwarcher]

Cool looking little bow!
Regarding your tiller question, the bend looks ok to me for a reflex/deflex profile like that. It does appear to be working more toward the handle than the tips, but if it's shooting well then I wouldn't change it. Rawhide on sinew on osage is a durable combination.

[JWMALONE]

Beautiful job 240, I'm getting ready to start a Cherokee style hickory bow from a stave. Thanks for setting the bar so high. LOL