Stone Age Witch Hazel (updated 1/18)

[ricktrojanowski]

After seeing Jamie's "stoned elm" bow I decided I really wanted to give a stone age bow a go.  He was kind enough to help me get started on one this past Sat.   We chose Which Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).  We chose this because we found some really nice small trees that appeared free of twist and knots.  Also to give another type a wood a try.  You will have to bear with me on this build along.  It is my first and I'm really really low on free time. I'll post as I go but a finished bow is going to be a ways down the road. 
 
I used the following tools so far. 
1 A large piece of heat treated flint with a crudly knapped edge(my knapping skill level) Used for the initial cutting and heavy work
2 2 smaller hand axes one of noviculite and the other of flint much nicer and thinner (Jamies handy work) for more fine chopping
3 Antler tines and big rock for splitting the stave in two pieces
4 Obsidian flakes for scraping and outlining the bow.



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[jamie]

 

[ricktrojanowski]

After selecting a tree I cut it down using the big "hand axe" .  Initially making a notch on the tension side then eventually cutting around the entire trunk cutting on the newly created edges.   Then the tree was bent giving it a split between the tension and non tension sides.  Once down it was cut to approximate length.  Then a small silent prayer was said for the dead tree.

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[ricktrojanowski]

more pics

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[ricktrojanowski]

Then I debarked the tension side.  Using an obsidian flake to make some light cuts then stripping the bark off.

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[ricktrojanowski]

Next the stave was split using antler tines and a rock.  Antler tines provided by Jamie (I can't manage to shoot a doe let alone anything with tools on its head)  The tension side was saved and the bottom discarded.

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[ricktrojanowski]

The basic layout was next.  I used a piece of burnt wood to draw a centerline on the stave.  Then using a piece of bark as a gauge I marked the edges of the bow with a obs. scraper.  I didn't want to use a tape measure so I don't have any numbers on length or width.  The width is about two of my thumbs( about 1 5/8)  and the length is up to my chin (maybe 60- 62 inches).  I cut to the lines with the big axe and the nice smaller ones.

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[ricktrojanowski]

Then Jamie and Mike stood around looking at me as if I were some kind of idiot. .  More to come.  Next I will reduce the stave to floor tiller dimensions.  Bind it to something to keep it from twisting to H@$!.  And let dry.

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[Pat B]

Cool!  I've got plenty of Hamamelis virginiana along my creek. I've got antler tines, a few stone tools. What the heck am I waiting for!
  Thanks for posting your project. You've got the best teacher available.   Looking forward to your progress.      Pat

[jamie]

im very impressed with both ricks enthusiasm and the witch hazel. seems very dense,  similar to cornus florida. peace

[Dingleberry]

Awesome Rick,  I can't wait to see this thru.  Like Pat said, your lucky to have such a skilled teacher.  Good Luck.

Would you mind breaking down the time you spent on each task?  thanks

[TRACY]

Making me sweat watching you hard at work . Good post, I'll stay tuned in.

Tracy

[Dane]

Great thread, Rick. I see what you guys decided to do when you got together at Jamie's club this month. Life just got in the way for me, and too many honeydos to count.

I will be watching this thread, very inspiring. Making a stone aged bow sounds like the best of all worlds, tons of work but tons of fun and satisfaction, and a truly primitive weapon at the end of it.

Dane

[cowboy]

This will be very interesting to keep up with Rick, and I agree - ya couldn't have a better tutor. Don't look like Jamie's breaking a sweat there though .

[jamie]

paul its good to be the elder  i tapped on rock while rick worked his tail off hazel looks to be a very nice wood. was very dense. i took a couple chops at it compared to all the woods ive put stone too it was very dense. he's earning this bow for sure. peace