Hi guys, and thks a lot....i can tell you that ash is pretty good wood for making bows.....for Elb like this you have to have a more rectangular cros section , not a true D section,,,... the wood must be cured, and dry, and its realy easey to work.....i had made this bow, using only my draw knife, and some sand paper, and also ash respond verry well to heat treating....i dont know nothing abute hickory, becose this type of wood its not available here.....thks again....