Help with simple horsebow

[tnfalconer]

First off, I have only made selfbows in the past and just recently started back up. Osage has always been my wood of choice.  I have some interest in putting together some smaller horsebows, either of wood or horn and need some help getting started. I have a full shop, just don't know what specialty stuff I might need to get. I plan to build a form for the design I want this coming weekend and will be on the search to get started.  Where would I source horn for instance. I had in my mind to make something that was wood backed with horn. Any help is appreciated.

[Pat B]

Paul Karpowitz's book about Ottoman horn bows(I can't remember the exact name) has a complete history of horn bows and a step by step on how to build them.  I'm sure someone will come up with the title of the book for you. I would suggest you buy or borrow this book.
  You could contact James Parker(Robustus). James is our Asiatic horn bow specialist and has built Native American horn/horse bows.

[james parker]

Adam Karpowicz, book is called Ottoman Turkish bows manufacture and design,, also if you are looking for horns a member here on PrimitiveArcher, goes by the screen name Gaur, he can help you obtain horns, James

[Pat B]

Thanks James. Thats what I meant, 

[tnfalconer]

I am designing a form now, then I will be looking for materials to start a Horn/wood lam bow. I know there are excentricities of horn that I need to learn. I will start to look for that book and maybe get some enlightenment.

[JW_Halverson]

The photos in the book would make it well worth the price!

Horn bows and falcons....sure you aren't a re-incarnated Turk?

[tnfalconer]

I don't use them both at the same time. Funny thing is, I like horse bows and not horses. I want to desig my take of a horse bow that will be a little longer and less curvy

[JW_Halverson]

I like horse.  A little sweeter than beef, kinda reminds me of elk. 

[PatM]

If it's longer and less curvy there is no need for horn and it doesn't need to refer to horses at all.

[james parker]

what are your ideas in manufature of all wood and or horn combinations, i have several of my own, if you need some help let me know ,,,james

[tnfalconer]

More or less I want to use horn and wood in the bow. When I say less curvy, I mean not quite as deep a curve in the center. I want to design my own and make what I like, plain and simple. I will post a picture of the form when I get it done. Then I am sure I will have plenty of questions on laminating the horn and wood into something usable. Thanks guys

[Gaur]

Hi,  James got a small typo in my handle.  It's Gaur (a wild asian cow) not Guar (a kind of bean used to make gum) .

But yes I can get you some horns.  I live in Thailand and do the rounds at a few slaughter houses.  you can pm me if you are interested.

Thanks,

Randy

[MWirwicki]

TN:  If you look at past posts, you might find a "Coral Snake" bow that I did last year.  I got the idea from Jim Hamm's book, Bows & Arrows of the Native Americans.  He made a shorty with a horn belly.  It did not have siyah's typical of the Asiatics.  I built it because I have a desire to make the Asiatics and thought that it would be a good entry way in.  It turned out pretty good.


Gaur:  Good seeing you post and knowing you're still alive and kicking!  Hope all is well over there.

[tnfalconer]

Matt I found your bow in searching. Very nice sir. That is a about what I had in mind, just about 10 inches longer with recurve tips. I do love the coral snake as well.

[Pat B]

James Parker built a Native American horse bow a few years ago, sinew back, horn belly and wood core. You might do a search for that one also.   I got to see Matt's NA horn bow last year at the Classic. Very nice!