Pick the wood for Trapper Joes bow

[GladwinHunter777]

Opening up to your suggestions for a new bow build. I'm no where near as knowledgeable about wood as many of you on here so this is where I could use a hand. Here's what I'm envisioning. Small trappers cabin deep in remote Alaska, and above the door inside is trapper joes longbow made with deep, dark, rich charactered wood. The woods used were all native to the US/Canada and being that he is in Alaska, woods closer to the North were most likely used. What woods would trapper joes bow be made of? All pictures and suggestions welcomed.
-if it makes any difference, trapper joes bow is gonna be a hybrid longbow

[nineworlds9]

Alaska doesn't have a lot if any of heavy mass hardwoods, so riser wood-wise you'd do well with a resin stabilized white wood, some Birch or Alder with spalting or interesting figure maybe.  Veneer-wise Western Red Cedar immediately comes to mind and would be gorgeous.

**As for deep dark woods of U.S. and Canada I'd go for a nice piece of Bastogne/Claro Walnut or perhaps Ironwood for the mass and hardness.

[STICKBENDER98]

Being a bit nostalgic, maybe some Osage that would darker over the years for the riser. It would work for the limbs also, but maybe some nice green glass over the core woods.

[GladwinHunter777]

Nineworlds- really likening the look of the Bastogne walnut I'm finding online. That's a definite contender!

Stickbender-Nostalgia makes the bow that much sweeter

[Stumpkiller]

Give a list of the woods Trapper Joe has available around his cabin and that would help.

I don't know if you can make a self-bow out of Sitka Spruce?


Otherwise, if 'ol Joe has to order the glass and epoxy the wood is no problem either.  ;-)

[GladwinHunter777]

Stumpkiller- I created this post based on my lack of knowledge of most woods and where some species are native. This is where I'm relying on you guys. Would love to mix some spruce in on the bow. Didn't know if it would be suitable for the task.
Trapper joe is a nostalgic bugger

[Stumpkiller]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5320147.pdf

 http://www.alaska.org/expert-advice/trees


Maybe he could take a vacation in South America?

Apparently not many good (or any) hardwoods grow in Alaska.  Maybe alder?

Some great arrow woods, though!

[Woodpuppy]

Myrtle and yew from the pacific NW make pretty bows.

Can’t go wrong with some figured black walnut!!!

Bisch

[GladwinHunter777]

Great suggestions everyone. My grandfather has always been very fond of black walnut. He says there is no prettier piece of wood. He liked to make everything out of it. He couldn't pass up a firearm with a black walnut stock. It would be kind of special to me to have a little black walnut on the bow. Another great option!

[GladwinHunter777]

Stumpkiller- thank you for the links. Very insightful!

[Pine]

How about cedar for the riser and black walnut for the limbs .

[Stumpkiller]

I have a flintlock fowler with an American Walnut stock that has a "flame" pattern.  You have to see it in person on the sunlight to appreciate it.

   

Would make a nice riser.  Contrast great with Red Elm limbs.

[fujimo]

i made a bow from veneers that i spliced with yew and curly maple
curly maple and yew and walnut riser- i love it.

You can stain the maple a nice deep rich colour if need be!
and those woods are very west coast, indigenous woods!
sitka can be a bit bland, and wont really make a self bow!

[IdahoCurt]

Yew core with curly Bastogne veneers,flame Bastogne riser,the best of everything!
 

 

[Woodpuppy]

Mmmm I still want a Bastogne stock for my M1!

[GladwinHunter777]

Bastogne walnut m1 sure would be a slick piece!
Thanks for your help everyone. More suggestions still welcome.

[Stumpkiller]

I guess if Trader Joe's cabin is near the sea you can always say a log of Paradox/Bastogne Walnut drifted in on the tide.  ;-)