Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on April 09, 2015, 10:43:21 am

Title: blackthorn
Post by: stuckinthemud on April 09, 2015, 10:43:21 am

Anybody got any experience with Prunus Spinosa (Blackthorn) as I have access to a quantity of said shrub in good straight, clear, lengths, but having read up on it only really know that it is tricky to store/season, so before I start harvesting, is it worth it, how do I store it, and how does it compare to other timbers like yew or hazel???

Thanks in advance
Stuck

Title: Re: blackthorn
Post by: simson on April 09, 2015, 04:04:53 pm

I have made some bows out of that wood, it's great bow wood - much better than hazel. Not easy to find a clean not twisted stave. The wood is very nice and dense. Let it season in the bark, seal the cuttings, otherwise it will crack/split easily.

Title: Re: blackthorn
Post by: stuckinthemud on April 10, 2015, 04:30:42 am

Thanks Simon, so saw it not split it, and season it slowly somewhere cool?

Title: Re: blackthorn
Post by: simson on April 10, 2015, 04:29:39 pm

Yes exactly, don't forget sealing the ends. For example with wood glue, easy to attach with the fingers.

Title: Re: blackthorn
Post by: mikekeswick on April 11, 2015, 02:35:26 am

Even put them in plastic bags to slow the initial moisture loss.
Sloe makes awesome bows. It's as good as osage! Ducks.......