Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:12:54 pm

Title: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:12:54 pm
So many things to say about this bow and the wood used. First off thanks Cody (Misslemaster) my friend for a lovely piece of wood. This is the most photogenic bow I have ever made. Hence the pile of pics to follow. This bow feels, draws and shoots like yew. Its even very light in physical weight. It works like no other wood Ive used, very unique and very easy to keep tools where you want them. I used all hand tools and no pencils, "Twisted Limbs style" if you will. A drawknife, my beloved Shinto and a handemade scraper is all I used from stave to shooting. It was pure joy and easy on the arms. This bow is 61" ntn, 50 @ 26", 1 1/4" wide and the tips are water buffalo horn. The limb with the kink and hole is the upper. Its also the wavey limb in the side views. Its a complete pleasure for me to stare at, fondle, and of course shoot. I love buckthorn, look out HHB! Somebody is on your butt for second place on my list! Enjoy the pics and any and all comments welcome. Thanks for peeking, and thanks again Cody for such a great chunk of wood.


Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:13:57 pm
A few more.
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:14:56 pm
Last few..
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:17:19 pm
Hopefully my pics are getting good enough that CLINT stays off my butt about it!
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: Roy on February 12, 2013, 07:20:57 pm
Very sharp Dude.
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: seabass on February 12, 2013, 07:21:39 pm
wow Chris,that is a stunner.that is a great looking bow.i am going to get with Cody and get me a stick of that wood.good job brother.
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: blackhawk on February 12, 2013, 07:24:39 pm
That turned out sweet pal  :)....unfortunately mine went boom yesterday   :-\
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: coaster500 on February 12, 2013, 07:26:58 pm
Drums!!!     It's the Bomb allright...  even looks like Yew ...  tiller looks great!!!
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 07:31:34 pm
I couldnt stop thinking about Gordon the whole build, no, Im not stalking you Gordon. I just admire your bows a great deal and this one just looked like one you would build right from the start. It motivated me. I just noticed my crap finish job on the upper overlay, you can see a line of glue.....stinkin' camera's anyway!
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: Squirrelslayer on February 12, 2013, 07:35:14 pm
some nice charachter you got there, a great bow and i love that tip! SS
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: Dvshunter on February 12, 2013, 07:47:19 pm
When I obsess about minute superglkue lines at my tips people call me crazy. I understand man. ;)

Bang up bow nonetheless.
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: rps3 on February 12, 2013, 07:58:40 pm
That is quite a testimonial for buckthorn. Full draw looks sweet.
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: Onebowonder on February 12, 2013, 08:10:09 pm
That's a truly beautiful bow.  That heart wood is gorgeous!!!  It appears to be holding some reflex very well too...

OneBow
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: lesken2011 on February 12, 2013, 08:10:54 pm
Sweet, Pearl! 8)
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: TacticalFate on February 12, 2013, 08:11:36 pm
You kept most of the cambium on, or is that stain?
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: Badly Bent on February 12, 2013, 08:13:54 pm
Beautiful job on that buckthorn bow, looks just perfect to my eyes! I agree with everything you say about that wood. Trying to make
my third one from it right now, hopefully I can coax a bow out of it as nice as yours. Great work man. :)

Greg
Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 08:14:19 pm
No stain, just true oil.

Title: Re: Buckthorm Bombshell
Post by: ErictheViking on February 12, 2013, 08:14:32 pm
That is definately a beautiful bow. great job. love the back coloring
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Ifrit617 on February 12, 2013, 08:23:46 pm
Very very nice pearly! Beautiful wood.

Jon
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Gaur on February 12, 2013, 08:26:40 pm
Great bow Chris.  Is this the same wood that is invasive and grows all over the place? It would make a good excuse to cut them down and make bows out of them.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: bubby on February 12, 2013, 08:28:16 pm
you did that wood proud pearlie, 'cept for the crappy glue line >:D, sweet looker man, Bub
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: paulsemp on February 12, 2013, 08:28:52 pm
Nice one! Need to get me some of that wood.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Keenan on February 12, 2013, 08:29:54 pm
Just love that Buckthorn. Great job with that bow and very sweet detail work. Buckthorn is becoming a top bow wood in my thoughts. Congratulations and well done
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Buckeye Guy on February 12, 2013, 08:41:45 pm
Good job Chris !!!!!

Keenan you better get on the band wagon fast !
We are scarfing up all the Buckthorn Cody can cut !!

I can't wait till it gets warm enough for me to start on some !
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: osage outlaw on February 12, 2013, 09:06:35 pm
Eh, that bow is OK I guess, but your shop is still dirty.  >:D

Just kidding.  That bow turned out gorgeous and  perfect in every way.  And the only reason I'm on you about your pictures is because I know how great your bows are and your pictures were crappy and didn't show them off like they deserved.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Trapper Rob on February 12, 2013, 09:09:04 pm
Sweet bow
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: okie64 on February 12, 2013, 09:15:31 pm
Thats a great lookin bow PD! Guess Im gonna have to do a little research on buckthorn, pretty sure we have it around here. Isnt it a pesky, invasive understory tree kinda like privet?
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 09:24:11 pm
Thanks everyone! I appreciate it very much. Im not sure we have much up here? I know my pusherman has a good source and he is south of me quite a ways. Im told its gnarly and doesnt get much over 4-5". Thats my limited knowledge. Im relying on my "guy" to hook me up with a dozen or so staves. That'll hold me off for a few years.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Arrowind on February 12, 2013, 09:24:17 pm
Beautiful bow.  Let me add to what has been said - when you are making it you can see every little thing (flaw) or perceived flaw and I think we are our own worst critics.   I think that is a good trait for a bowyer because it pushes you to do better or try harder and you move to higher levels of expertise. (kinda like where you are!).  What I mean is THAT is Awesome!  I would not notice ANY flaws with out you pointing them out! oh except for that glue line.  just kidding.  You did a great job!  Beautiful bow! The colors are really cool.  The tips are awesome the grip is perfect and the tiller outstanding. 
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Carson (CMB) on February 12, 2013, 09:26:28 pm
I guess the King is dead  :'(  >:D ;D ;D ;

That is a perty one Pearl.  I was skeptical of all you guys creating such a banter about this European buckthorn  :P, but somehow this bow has me interested.

Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 12, 2013, 09:32:45 pm
Im no snob Carson! I have willingly used maybe 12 woods and was impressed with several of them. None have even held a candle to osage and hhb, until now. Lord help the next stand of this invasive species I find! I will chew 'em off at the stump if I have to!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: missilemaster on February 12, 2013, 09:55:58 pm
Boy Chris,  that turned out AWESOME!!! Beautiful in every way. I'll get more staves to you at the Classic.
                                                     -Cody
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on February 12, 2013, 10:01:30 pm
Nice! Love the look of this one!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: DQ on February 12, 2013, 10:04:34 pm
Sweeet lookin bow PEARL!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Will H on February 12, 2013, 11:28:58 pm
Excellent bow Pearl! Nice pics, great finish work and the tiller is perfect. You da man!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: soy on February 12, 2013, 11:39:01 pm
You make it extremely difficult for me to be patient enough for mine to dry >:( nice job ;)
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: mwosborn on February 13, 2013, 12:08:27 am
Love the looks of that one.  I had never heard of buckthorn before I read your post on it.  The colors on it are really unique.  I wish it grew around here! 
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Pat B on February 13, 2013, 12:13:56 am
This is what I think a primitive bow is. It is simple, effective and with few tools needed. Well done Pearlie!!!  8)
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: spyder1958 on February 13, 2013, 01:04:01 am
Well done, I like everything about that one. I need to trade for some BT and give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: RyanY on February 13, 2013, 01:04:34 am
Isn't that stuff the best?! Thats one gorgeous bow Chris. Hopefully I can see it in person soon. Great job!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Gordon on February 13, 2013, 02:05:23 am
Oh wow Chris, what a lovely bow that turned out to be. You really teased out the best in that piece of wood. The wood reminds me a lot of the cascara that we have in the NW. I can see why you are taken with it. And extra kudos for the excellent photos.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: criveraville on February 13, 2013, 02:07:39 am
That's nice Pearly. Love that deflex on it.

Cipriano
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: The Gopher on February 13, 2013, 02:08:33 am
Man after seeing this and codys bows I've got to get a hold of some Buckthorn. I know theres a ton of it around here in MN, i just have to find a place where i can cut some. Awesome bow!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Pappy on February 13, 2013, 06:16:35 am
Sweet,beautiful bow.Very nice work and pictures are great. :)
  Pappy
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: nathan elliot on February 13, 2013, 06:54:29 am
I too love buckthorn! The two bows I have made from it are great, like you say it is a really light wood that really just wants to bend. I love all your bows this one I would part with cash for!  It really makes me want to go into the workshop and build, if only the snow wasnt so deep!

(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/2011%20bows/140608024.jpg)

(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/2011%20bows/040311059.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: dwardo on February 13, 2013, 07:46:35 am
That is lovely nice work. Sometimes its not the best performer, doesn't have all the bells and whistles etc but you just fall in love. Like life.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 13, 2013, 08:13:36 am
You got that right dwardo. This one latched right unto me from the start. Thanks again for all the kind words everybody, Its truley flattering to read.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: SLIMBOB on February 13, 2013, 09:25:00 am
Very nice.  I like the simple shooters that rival their tricked out wicked step sisters.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: MWirwicki on February 13, 2013, 09:28:27 am
Drums:  All ya'll finishing up these Buckthorn bows is putting pressure on me to get started on mine.  Gotta get started, I suppose.   >:D
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Roy on February 13, 2013, 10:03:09 am
I know I'm going on a Buckthorn tree hunt this spring:)
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 13, 2013, 10:17:00 am
I forgot to mention. This particular piece had ZERO bounce back after heat forming. I let the clamps go and it didnt budge at all. Thats a first for me with any wood, tempered or not. It took maybe 1 1/2" set total? Pretty impressive at its length.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: wapiti1997 on February 13, 2013, 10:26:29 am
Awesome looking bow! 

We have 2 native buckthorns here, Carolina and lanceleaf, Rhamnus carolina and Rhamnus lanceolata, I've never seen the invasive Eurasian species Rhamnus cathartica, but it appears to be nearly as aggressive as the Asian bush honeysuckle here.

Has anyone made a bow from the native buckthorns?
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Parnell on February 13, 2013, 11:24:01 am
Killin me with these buckthorn bows.  To think of how many staves I destroyed back in the day...

Cody, I gotta try me one in May!

Great job on the bow, Pearlie!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 13, 2013, 01:45:06 pm
You stay right away from my "guy" Parnell! You get your own buckthorn pal!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: dbb on February 13, 2013, 01:56:08 pm
Gorgeous bow! im drooling all over the keybord as i write  :P :-[
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: bushboy on February 13, 2013, 02:10:02 pm
She's a beauty,all around primo!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: k-hat on February 13, 2013, 02:22:47 pm
first class all the way, i love everything about it.  gonna hafta check around here and see if we have any in north Texas to add to my meager stash.  I love also that you did it all "freehand" if you will,  i think i'm ready to try doing that as well (after i finish these trade bows) :)
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 13, 2013, 02:38:31 pm
Kevin if you PA mag you will find an article Ryan Gill wrote regarding free hand work, its interesting. Im not a huge fan of it on every build, I only do it when the stave demands it. This one was so bumpy, lumpy and knot ridden that layout lines would have been fruitless in my mind.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: raghorns on February 13, 2013, 02:41:28 pm
Just beautiful...it's fun to see you guys making friendly jabs...it's obvious you share a deep love for bow building and an authentic appreciation for each other. Thanks

Lyle
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: Buckeye Guy on February 13, 2013, 04:45:59 pm
The Buckthorn man has not been on lately  ,,
I hope that means he is out cutting more !!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: mikekeswick on February 13, 2013, 04:55:10 pm
Nice bow. Good amount of reflex and nice tiller.
I've just finished a buckthorn bow and agree it's definately lovely looking stuff.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: bcbull on February 13, 2013, 05:07:49 pm
Man i like that pearly looks like that. Took very lil wood to get 50 lbs im got 2 staves of it gonna have to giver a go still aint tryed it brock
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: chamookman on February 13, 2013, 07:14:20 pm
Chris - What can I say that hasn't allready stated. Like Pat B. said - that's what this "sickness" is all about - OUTSTANDING Bow ! Bob
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 13, 2013, 09:26:57 pm
Just beautiful...it's fun to see you guys making friendly jabs...it's obvious you share a deep love for bow building and an authentic appreciation for each other. Thanks

Lyle

You should be around it in person Lyle...whew it gets deep fast, better have your barn boots on! Its all in fun and aint nobody gonna get hurt.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: missilemaster on February 13, 2013, 11:13:30 pm
The Buckthorn man has not been on lately  ,,
I hope that means he is out cutting more !!

   Yup, He just got done cutting and splitting 9 more trees!  Your so smart :D
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on February 16, 2013, 11:36:28 pm
Ahhh I love that wood...very nice.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: H Rhodes on February 16, 2013, 11:52:59 pm
Doggone it, I want some buckthorn!  That is some beautiful wood.  Fine bow PD.  Great work as usual.
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: rhansen on February 17, 2013, 10:45:03 pm
Beautiful Bow!!
Title: Re: Buckthorn Bombshell
Post by: HighEagle on February 17, 2013, 11:46:46 pm
Cool PD, you've posted some super nice bows lately.. Chuck