Short version: How big a problem are knots on a sinew-backed bow?
A bit more detail: So, now that I've completed a successful self bow, I have delusions of grandeur and I'm thinking I'd like to work toward a sinew backed juniper bow, once I do a few more self-bows and get a better feel for tillering. The other day, I cut a nice, straight grained piece of rocky mountain juniper, hauled it out of the hills, sealed the ends, and split it.
Trouble is, this thing is FULL of little, pencil-sized knots. On average, I'd guess there's one about every 2" or so. Not exactly a pristine stave. Pretty much all the juniper around here looks about the same. But I am planning to sinew back this, so I'm just wondering how big a deal all these knots are.
Pic below. Let me know what you think.
20210217_072856[1] by
Whistling Badger, on Flickr
By the way, is there anything prettier than juniper heartwood? Smells as nice as it looks.
