Looking for input on a bow build that is rolling around in my head. I’d like to build a bow for my brother in law. He lives in Sierra Leone. As a result there are two requirements - it has to be a 2 piece takedown so as to fit in a suitcase to get there, and secondly the climate is extremely humid so needs the appropriate wood choice. As I see it I have two options:
1) two piece takedown Osage or yew selfbow. I haven’t built a stave bow yet (or a takedown for that matter) and my experience with staves is limited to chainsawing and splitting enough black locust and maple to last if quarantined until 2030...
2) something bamboo backed.
At the moment I’m leaning towards a bamboo backed bow but would welcome input on what would be best. That said, here are my questions...
What build would you chose?
If bamboo backed, what would make the best belly wood considering the climate?
For a bamboo backed takedown do you glue the bamboo backing on the full length bow and then cut it or do you do two separate glue ups, one for the top limb and one for the bottom?
Finally, is there any reason Perry reflex wouldn’t hold due to the fact it’s a takedown design?
Thanks for entertaining my imagination, as always! You all are truly the best!