This 160 page bow building book is a practical, easy to follow guide to building wooden self bows including longbows, recurves, and flat bows from easily accessible wood from across north America. We cover characteristics of multiple tree species, stave selection, backing (chasing a ring), tillering, factors that influence accuracy in shooting, arrow making, string making, how to make a two piece take down bow, and much much more. No matter if you’re just getting started in bow making, or have been building bows for years, you’re bound to learn something form the Traditional Bowyer’s Handbook.
All books order here are signed. If you want it made out to someone in particular, just leave me a note at checkout. Copies are also available from Amazon. Click Here to purchase from Amazon.
Sean ODay –
Great read, well worth the money. I wiil go back often for reference.
Jim Carranza –
A quick read with some great, easy to understand info. I have read a few other books getting ready to work on my first bow, and this book was the greatest help to me. Cheers and shoot straight y’all!
Ron Marcella –
This is a great book with easy to understand step by step instructions. If you are new to bow building this book from Clay is worth every penny you will not be disappointed.
Gary –
I received and read this book in under a week. It now sits in my shop where I will have easy access for referencing. Very informative and easy to follow.
I also want to take this opportunity to pass on a big THANK YOU to Clay. You see, I am in my mid 30’s and have lost about 20 years to addiction and alcoholism. I got sober a little over 3 years ago and was told to fill my time. So, as I am interested in projectile sports and hunting, I bought my first real bow, ( Bear Grizzly). I struggled at first to be a decent shot and found Clay’s videos very helpful. Upon needing a new string I decided to spend a little more for what I needed to build my own. Again, Clay’s instructions were extremely helpful. Last fall I found a piece of sugar maple (Northern NH) that was chewed down by a beaver while I was out on a hunt. I brought it home to show my young son and placed it in my rafters without much thought. About 2 months ago I hurt my shoulder. Though it is mostly healed, I need a lighter bow. So, after binging on the DIY vids Clay has posted while healing I decided to spring for his book and try myself. So far, so good, and the book is very very helpful. My first lesson, I started with a stave way too big…oh well though, the draw knives are therapeutic :).
Anyhow, thank you. If I would not have stumbled cross your shooting videos I would have likely given up on trad and went to a compound. Now though, I have several hobbies that I can never master which helps keep me away from a drink each day….going to start arrows soon too.
Gratefully,
Gary
Clay –
That’s amazing Gary! good for you and good luck with the bows. ch
Dusty –
Thanks a bunch Clay,
I have been thoroughly enjoying my traditional Boyers handbook! Very well illustrated in nicely explained, it makes it easy to fall. Great job!
I have built several selfbows in the flatbow, longbow styles, but this book has already helped me in finishing my latest flatbow yesterday.
Thanks again,
Dusty
Will –
This book was extremely helpful being new to bow building. Gives you a step by step guide to making bowes of different wood and styles. Thanks Clay for all the great information. Also your shooting videos were very helpful.
thomas ross –
excellent
Jerry New –
Great videos