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Author Topic: Is it really worth it?  (Read 5517 times)

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Offline Scallorn

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Is it really worth it?
« on: February 20, 2014, 01:13:46 pm »
I live in a place where osage is very common. But, the majority of the hardwood trees that I have around here are Hickory. I build almost all of my bows out of hickory, they are very strong, lightweight, and powerful. I have never had one break. So, is Osage really that much better than hickory? It seems like it would be a lot harder to work with, and would take a lot more time. So, is it worth it to go through all the trouble for osage?
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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2014, 01:14:35 pm »
Yes
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Offline Blaflair2

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2014, 01:41:54 pm »
Osage doesn't sponge up humidity, and may take longer.

Osage is king in my book!
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Offline IndianGuy

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2014, 01:46:20 pm »
It's like comparing vienna weenies to steak, the hickory being vienna weenies!  :laugh:
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Offline osage outlaw

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2014, 01:48:34 pm »
YES!
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Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2014, 01:49:45 pm »
Is it really worth it to even fart around with all the frustration and heartbreak of making these dang things when you can go buy something?   :laugh:

I have found that osage actually works better under a sharp tool compared to hickory.  I think the hardness of the wood makes it part better when that razor sharp edge of the draw knife or spokeshave contacts.  And since I live in a very dry climate, neither one really has an advantage for cast (your mileage may vary).  And lastly, since I have neither growing here, I gotta import one or the other.  And I will always make room for another stave of either one every chance I get. 

I might give the advantage, slight though it may be, to osage.  But that only comes down to aesthetics.  You see, I absolutely love the color old osage takes on when it has been in the sun for a long time.  Mmmm, prettttyyyy!
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Offline Joec123able

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2014, 02:00:13 pm »
Are you kidding me ?? YES it's worth it !!
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I like osage

Offline Dances with squirrels

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2014, 02:29:57 pm »
I have access to countless hickory, hophornbeam, black locust, elm, etc.... but use osage 99% of the time. LOVE that yellar wood!!!
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Straight wood may make a better bow, but crooked wood makes a better bowyer

Offline huisme

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2014, 02:42:40 pm »
Osage, black locust, and yew are my idea of the top three woods. I liked the two pieces of osage I almost ruined early on for the stability and consistent performance, I like locust for it's daredevil speed (and it's available around here ::) ), and yew makes a gorgeous longbow but I don't have the experience to back that up, just everybody's bows I see.

Hickory is indestructible, but the only barely less indestructible, more moisture resistant, better performing, and far more set resistant osage orange is worth the work.
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50#@26"
Black locust. Black locust everywhere.
Mollegabets all day long.
Might as well make them short, save some wood to keep warm.

Offline rps3

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2014, 02:47:49 pm »
I like my hickory, and wondered the same thing you ask while building my first few osage bows for the same reasons you mentioned. After quite a few osage I have come to realize why they call it the king. Definetly worth the extra effort...I still like my hickory too though.
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2014, 02:53:17 pm »
Yes, and I like hickory. Jawge
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Offline Sasquatch

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2014, 02:55:20 pm »
Build a bow from it and you will see ;)
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Offline adb

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #12 on: February 20, 2014, 02:56:37 pm »
Nah... keep making those nice bows outta hickory. Cut that junkie crap osage, and send it to me, so I can dispose of it.
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Offline koan

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #13 on: February 20, 2014, 03:03:52 pm »
Performance is in the hands of the bowyer... But i think osage likes to be worked with hand tools better than most woods ive tried. JMO.... Brian
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Offline bubby

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Re: Is it really worth it?
« Reply #14 on: February 20, 2014, 03:10:30 pm »
even with the little I've used, and the fact that I hate chasing rings, yeah it's worth it
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