Atlatl and recurve longbow
Threw my first atlatl, Sunday. I was amazed at the accuracy and speed of this very simple "stabbie chucker". My knapping mentor has met a fellow who makes and sells them, and I'm not sure if he traded for his or what, but I will be making one in the near future. As I understand it, it is a legit hunting weapon in our state (double checking that!) during primitive weapons season. His darts were of rivercane with hardwood practice tips, and one that was tipped with "flint".
I harvested a nice Hickory tree this past weekend, and will likely use part of it for the handle, and I'm going to use the old-style with finger loops. I'm going to attempt to make it with only primitive methods for cutting and sanding, and probably use animal fat for the finish.
Now the question: Craig said that red cedar had the best qualities for the handle with the right amount of flex/rigidity. since I have about 30 feet of Hickory, does anyone know of any reason that wouldn't work? If it's flexible enough for a bow...?
About 15 feet of the Hickory is almost perfectly straight and fairly knot-free. I harvested it with the intention of making a longbow. It will be a long project, I'm sure, and I think I have enough wood to make two pairs of matched bows. Since this is my first attempt, I need two things: A good book that isn't going to cost a fortune on the subject, and time. Suggestions on the former would be most helpful.
The tree has been down for 4 days and hopefully I'll get to debark it in the next day or two. I'm re-reading the McPherson's book chapter on making bows, so I have a basic, albeit very primitive, outline for this project. I'm certain that it doesn't contain the detailed info that more experienced bowyers know.
I'll try to do a video series on it, complete with beginner mistakes and all, but not sure I'll always be able to get the camcorder.
Anywho, suggestions welcome!
