Pros and Cons of Different Materials in Making Quivers?

[Phil Magistro]

Anyone interested in buying or making a leather back quiver would do well to re-read two4hookings posts.  I have talked with so many guys that have no use for backquivers because they never had a good one.  They have had showy quivers, slender quivers, middle of the back quivers, soft leather quivers, animal hide quivers... but they never took time to understand how and why Howard Hill designed his quiver and why the descendants of that quiver work best for hunting.

There is no need to line a quiver with fur to keep the arrows quiet and keep them from falling out when bending over.  And breaking in a leather quiver is the difference between happiness and disgust.

Plus, they aren't difficult to make.  I have one made by Nate Steen and I shamelessly copied it to make one using leather I have had for years.  There are plans on the internet from several sources including Hugh Rich that can get you on the right track.

[M60gunner]

I have made a number of back quivers over the years. Made my share of mistakes as well using to stiff leather, to big, leather that leeches color onto clothing etc. I am “planning “ another as we speck but hand stitched instead of lacing. Trying to find one of Howard Hills stitched quivers locally so I can see how the seams were done. This time I am going to use 4-5 oz veg tan leather I will treat with Mink Oil and let sit in our sun for a day or so. That will darken it up enough and be pliable as well.

[Gdpolk]

Leather is the most traditional material and is most often the preferred material for both aesthetics and function. 

The cost will vary greatly, depending on what hide in particular you use.  For example, retail prices of discounted hides can often go as low as $30-50 while some more premium and exotic hides with less square footage may run upwards of $1500 or more for some stuff like alligator and what not.

I've made several back quivers over the years and not including my tooling for leather craft, I likely average $70-$150 per quiver in materials costs, depending on what hardware was used and what hide was chosen.

[wooddamon1]

Pretty neat older thread. Great work displayed.

[Stumpkiller]

Leather side quiver for me.



With one caveat:

For my hunting bows I keep a single arrow bow quiver on the riser.  One fast for stalking or a fast follow up from a stand.