Finished buckthorn bow (from less than perfect stave)

[Badly Bent]

Been working on this one for several months and finally finished it. Low draw weight of 40# at 24" mainly out of fear because because all the flaws in this stave pointed towards explosion in my opinion.   It'll be a fun little target sticker for me to keep around just for kicks. I'd be afraid to pass it on to someone and have it blow in their face even though it's had a few hundred arrows cast without a tick so far. It's either ugly, unique or good looking depending on each individuals perspective.
I mostly made it just to see if I could. Top limb was no problem even though it had  a hole through the middle and several protruding twig knots. Bottom limb was more concerning with rotted off bark and sapwood just below the handle as well as a protruding vein of wood and some reflex just beyond that area. That 7-8" of limb just below the handle was gonna take any bend safely to I went with it and tillered to the best of my abilities.
56.5" ntn, 40# @ 24"
rawhide tip overlays
handle built up with cork and wrapped in jute with birch bark trim
Thanks for looking. Greg

[Badly Bent]

Not sure what happened with the pics, try again

[Badly Bent]

and a few more;

[half eye]

Greg, that bow is just beautiful, like the wood color and that grip is absolutely picture perfect. Man you got your own style and it  is sweet !!!!
rich

[paulsemp]

Saw that one a few months back in your shop when I was over and all I can say is you are a glutton for punishment hard to believe you got that thing to shoot!

[LittleBen]

If that blows up it won't be for lack of craftsmanship that's for sure.

Absolutely beautiful.

Did you stain it at all? I have some buckthorn drying and I need it to look that good!

[Badly Bent]

No stain on this one Ben. I've seen quite a bit of variety of different color within different trees of buckthorn even if cut from the same thicket. A lot also depends on how soon you remove the bark on the stave as well I think.

[DC]

That's a beautiful piece of wood, with a real nice bend!!

[rps3]

Just beautiful. I sure hope this bow lasts you a long time.

[H Rhodes]

Good grief!  That is a rough looking piece of wood to have become such a fine bow.  You are the buckthorn master in my opinion.  Sweet looking bend to those limbs. 

[bowandarrow473]

My god that bow is beautiful!

[Aaron H]

Awesome work Greg, all around. 

[missilemaster]

Wow, you pulled that one off nicely Greg!

[TimothyR]

That's really nice. I love all aspects of it.

[blackhawk]

Sweet nasty!!!