Why never see oak in td recurve etc???

[Matt Green]

How come red or white oak is never used to make recurve risers?  Also hickory, elm, hackberry and some other plentiful woods seems to be limited as a riser wood. Just curious why. My question likely confirms my rookie status but I trust the experts here.

Thx in advance
Mgreen

[jsweka]

I've seen a couple recurves that used oak for a riser, but not many.  Biggest reason is probably just aesthetics and there are other woods that are simply prettier.  The grain on oak is also more coarse that other woods so you don't get that real smooth finish compared to others - still aesthetic reasons.

[MB_Sweden]

Here is a short video I did using Oak and phenolic in riser
 

[Troy D. Breeding]

Nice video,,, just wish I knew what the heck it said    

What material did you use in the limbs?

[LittleBen]

Yeah I'd agree ... I think it's just asthetics ... same reason it's not common in 1 piece glass bow risers ....

It's not common because it's so common ... people like rare stuff ...

[MB_Sweden]

Its Swedish  
Its Hard Maple under clear glass

Here is another video on english
 

[fujimo]

very very pretty

[Brock]

I have seen a few but most people gravitate to the bold grain patterns in other woods it seems or the use of phenolic with it.  I have a bow with red oak in the limbs...and while pretty it is not an eye popping look.  I think it has nothing to do with the woods....and for more mild looking woods maple is cheaper and easier to come by I think even for dying with a laminated look.