[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: TAPERED SHAFTS…historically speaking #37023

Most cultures and people’s of the world use the thumb as the primary bow drawing technique. Except for the Apache most of our own native Americans used the thumb to draw and release. Most of our traditional shooting dates back to the English longbow/warbow which indeed needed the entire fist to pull back 140 lb yew longbow!

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: numb finger #36205

Robin.

I appreciate the thought but actually I am not able to open my shooting hand all the way due to my injury. That is why I use the thumbring. However the Korean type I use still require significant thumb and middle finger movement. The Manchurian type is a bit different and uses much less finger movement to operate. When in cold weather I use larger thumb rings that fit over hand gloves. Thanks for the offer.

Kevin

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: numb finger #36050

What size are they?

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Questions on tradtiional archery #34979

I make arrow shafts from hardwoods and so added footing for strength is not needed. I was not sold on the concept of tapered shafts until after experimenting with Manchurian type arrow design. These have a taper in the rear third of the shaft then flares out again the last 3″. Historical documents dating back to the 15th century say this taper was important for redirecting vibrations into the larger than normal feathers. I was very surprised how well they fly!

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: numb finger #22091

I use a thumb ring after damaging both my middle finger as well as index finger from a table saw. I was amazed to find the majority of archers world wide do the same.

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Left Wing or Right Wing Helical? #22081

I like shooting get wing because I get to look at the pretty side of the feather when shooting!

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Eye Glasses for Archery? #22076

Contact lenses!

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Best way to tune for wood arrows? #19165

Best way I can think of to find a quality arrow maker is go online and look around. Pick someone who you can talk to over the phone so they can get a better idea what you are looking for and what will work for you.:wink:

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: American Plains Indian style quiver #63109

Thanks…my first one.

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Copperheads! #48576

Picture of a native american plains indian with his bow and quiver in use. (From the book: Bows and Arrows by Jim Hann).

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Just a thought (on technology)… #43611

Native americans never came to full draw with a bow as their lives depended on game and didn’t want to spook the animals with any extra movement. They relied instead on their stalking skills to get up close to thier game which required a huge amount of patience…which can’t be learned by using technology.

Kevin

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Just a thought (on technology)… #43590

Ditto on Peterson’s comment. The more people use technology the less we depend on our God given hunting skills. Reminds me of a blind person developing greater hearing skills…because he needs to. The more technology we use, the lazier we become and spend less time honing our woodsmanship skills. NVG might be fun to watch critters at night to see what they do with my son but in no way bring a weapon except a sidearm for protection. At night I’m on the menue…

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Copperheads! #43567

Wow that is some fine leather work Duncan. I have also gone back and forth with the quiver question. Have a Howard Hill type since the 80’s but pains the shoulder reaching back now. You will notice on old HH films he uses his left hand to push the quiver up from the bottom while reaching back with his right to grab arrows. I have a book with pictures of native americans from the 1800’s and how they carried their stuff. On horseback they have a bow quiver and arrow quiver tied together and slung on their backs. WHEN ON FOOT, A RIGHT HANDED ARCHER HAD A QUIVER HANGING LOW ON HIS LEFT SIDE WITH NOCK ENDS NEAR THE STOMACH FOR EASY REACH. I tried that and it works nicely. The quiver hangs loosely and can be manipulated while going through brush…and when coming to full draw, my bowstring rests against the quiver but no hindurance. (I know a picture’s worth a thousand words…and due to my electronic ineptitude…it’s a thousand words.

Kevin

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Cedar shaft availibility #43531

Always fun doing different things with traditional archery. Reminds me of this guy down in Texas who shoots 120 lb longbows…it’s part of his workout routine. As long as he stretches and warms up before shooting he seems to hold up ok.

Kevin

[Forresterwoods]

in reply to: Cedar shaft availibility #41709

Last summer my dad gave me a couple old bows and some POC arrows made in the early 60’s. The arrows are 5/16 and spine 43# and straight…(old growth cedar). I got a little old growth yellow cedar on a trade and there must be 80 rings per inch! Hard to find that stuff and I envy guys who bought up some older cedar to make their own. I just tested some new cedar shafts…at 11/32 they spine under 40#. Big difference between old growth softwoods and new growth Warehouser trees.Some hardwoods like ash are like shooting golf clubs so I look for ‘soft’ hardwoods.

Kevin.

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