Originally posted by KeganM:
Pretty disheartening to see such negativity towards others.
I don't build and shoot longbows because they're "traditional", I do so because they're the best bang for my buck. Same with carbons. It's my money and what I use does that job quite well without costing much.
We can talk about "tradition" until the cows come home but we're all sitting at computers. Come on. This is just a hobby. Heck, longbows are my career. They pay my bills and keep food on the table. It's been traditional archery 24/7-365 for the last six plus years. Should I quit because I'm only "half ass-ing" it? Of course not, that's just silly.
We're better than this.
People do things for different reasons Kegan. I shoot traditional because it requires more skill (more rewarding), is a craft that is actually useful in the real world, and because it reconnects me with my past ancestors. It's a step away from modern society. It's an art form and a sport and I can use this skill to feed me and my family.
While I agree that we do use computers and other technology I do believe that there is a "middle way" in which we can try to make most of our activities as traditional as possible if that's what one wants in their life.
I do not see it as being hypocritical to shoot traditional archery and live a primarily traditional life style yet use modern technology to a certain degree (I try to keep it minimalist myself). Because on the other hand you could just go full out modern and live on the computer, buy and use the latest smart phones, buy the latest cars, and literally go crazy with modernism but that's not what this is about.
It's taking a step away from the modern fast paced industrialized world and doing something that takes time, effort, does not give instant results, is a craft, and reconnects you with the past.
I mean no disrespect but if what you said is true than why is there are a large group of people following a primal blueprint lifestyle? Most people in the paleo diet and lifestyle movement use computers and modern technology but again it's all about balance.
Finally brother, I am terrible when it comes to my usage of words so please forgive me. I had no intention of saying that anyone else was half assing anything. What I meant to say was that I like to go all of the way with doing the things that I do as I find it more rewarding.
I think that it's amazing that you are able to make a living selling longbows, I have seen your work and it is great. No disrespect intended my friend and I wish you and your business well!
Originally posted by pavan:
Well now, last year I got way half assed and put a bow sight on a recurve and shot some arrows from 20 to 30 yards. I also shot a bunch of differing arrows from several longbows at those same ranges and a bunch out at point on for the individual bow. I was a little upset by how little difference arrow weight made, within reason, to flight and trajectory. I was also surprised and a little upset, after I built two dozen perfect arrows for a particular bow, that I shot arrows that by all practical reasoning were too heavy and too stiff for that bow, would send arrows that flew nice and straight into the same pile at the same distance, which was much further than anyone would to shoot a deer. Some arrow materials get too stiff too quick and are difficult to gauge, while others if they are too soft in spine get difficult to gauge. If we stay within reason on spine and weight, things work out. It is when we start adding a bunch of goofy variables that things go amuck. By goofy varibles, one fellow here shot full length carbons so he wanted to get full length woods, so he ordered the stiffest woods he could get. He was up to 300 grain heads and they still wouldn't fly. I handed him some 27"bop 45 tapered cedars to try, with his about 45 pound r/d at his true 26 and something draw. He got mad as hell at me, he claimed that he had a 28 plus draw and that his bow was actually 4 pounds heavier than marked. He was wrong on both counts and my 45@27" bop arrows flew flawless from his bow.
I agree with your findings. We have been led to believe that we need to put out the big bucks to buy the latest cut past center carbon laminated mass production bows, carbon arrows with laser straight nocks, and all the other "traditional" doo dad's that are being sold to be accurate or hell, even hit the broad side of a barn.
Honestly, what's funny is that I got into making bow's not too long ago because I wanted to make my own laminated bow eventually and wanted to learn the basics first. I was led to believe by the big "traditional" bow company's and others that were led to believe the same thing that shooting a selfbow accurately is impossible because of many different factors. I was also led by the carbon and aluminum arrow manufacturers to believe the same thing.
After making my first board bow though I have to tell you I fell in love with the process of making the simplest of bows. I was led to believe that you'd need this tool, that tool, and you'd have to read 5 books minimum on the subject before getting started, and you'd screw up a bunch of times breaking bows but honestly it's all untrue.
It's all a simple straightforward process. Simple to learn hard to master.
The main reason for my posts in this thread on wooden arrows is not to piss people off, it's because I do not want others to be misled like I was thinking that you need to buy the latest and greatest in "traditional" archery bows, arrows, and other equipment just to be able to shoot halfway decently.
It's simply all untrue and has been propaganda by marketing.
I really admire everyone on here for being apart of traditional archery. And trust me I'd love to sit down on a nice spring or summer day and drink a few beers with you guys while harvesting trees and making self bows and toying with wooden arrows.
Like I said it's A LOT of fun and since I have started in this adventure of making my own bows, arrows, and so on I'd have to say that the shooting aspect itself is really only a small part of traditional archery.
I do apologize if I come off as an ******* at times or arrogant but sometimes it gets difficult for me because I love traditional archery so much that I get too single minded and get too intense and lose focus of what I'm saying while I'm typing up a post.
No harm intended and I wish you all well!
Topic: Are wood arrows more forgiving??? (Read 3031 times)
