[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A long look at fletching and EFOC #29136

Troy Breeding wrote: All I can say is Ed must have some broad shoulders to be able to handle all the Ya Ya that as been thrown at him over his study.

I can’t understand why folks want to run it down when they havn’t given it a try.

Things improve and advance over time. If not we would all be driving a model “T” instead of the four wheel drives.

Troy

No kidding. Is there anything we currently use in the realm of traditional archery that wasn’t, at at one time, the result of someone tinkering, experimenting and refining an idea?

And why is it that so many who seem to have the most argumentative reaction to these ideas are those who have never tried them out, but merely convinced themselves that it couldn’t possibly be an improvement over the way that they’ve been doing things for years? Or worse, what someone they idolize did?

Tradition is a wonderful thing, when kept in check by an open mind. But sometimes I find the contradictions of what is considered “traditional” or not to just be downright hilarious, i.e. – longbows are more “traditional” than recurves, camo isn’t traditional (even though Fred Bear wore it, and used a recurve, but we revere him in every other way), or a definition of “traditional” that only seems to be what a handful of guys, in one country, were doing between the 1920’s – 50’s, etc…

And I think it’s fascinating that there actually is history (tradition) to the idea of EFOC, though it may not be the particular ‘tradition’ that most pay attention to.

It reminds me of the old Zen quote – “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert’s, there are few.”

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: "The Grey" #29054

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!

Must be the off-season!! Haha…PM me your address and the Zwickeys are yours. Well done, sir.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: "The Grey" #28998

That’s hilarious.

A free set of Zwickey Deltas to the first person who can link Pheobe Cates to Kevin Bacon, and then back to Liam Neeson to bring it full circle…

😀

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A long look at fletching and EFOC #28190

Dr. Ed Ashby wrote:

It was a lack of honest, reliable information, untainted by any personal-gain motive, that started me on my personal quest ot find answers as to what factors affect an arrow’s terminal performance, how they affect termianl performance, and how much effect they have. This I wish to leave to those that will follow. If it prevents the wounding and loss of just a few animals it is more than worth enduring the ‘slings and arrows’ of the detractors.

Ed

Amen, Ed. I’d rather pay attention to data than opinions.

Dr. Ed Ashby wrote:

The PNG article is here; in the Ashby Library section. Here’s the link, if you haven’t read it. This article will be featured in the upcoming issue of “The Journal of Primitive Technology”.

https://www.tradbow.com/members/310.cfm

Ed

Thanks!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A long look at fletching and EFOC #28027

Dr. Ed Ashby wrote: [quote=jlmiller]…I think you’re right about EFOC/Ultra-EFOC … and those ‘primitive’ (?) Papua New Guinea natives were using Ultra-EFOC long before they had any significant contact with the outside world; even before they had steel, and used only hardwood points … but we’re starting to catch up with them. 😀

Ed

Fascinating. As an amateur history/archaeology buff, I’ve been wondering about that. Seems highly likely that this was figured out a long time ago, by people who used bows a lot more than we do. Anyone know of good sources for more info about this?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A long look at fletching and EFOC #27555

Bump w/ a question – is it just me, or do other people find that EFOC-related discussions tend to draw a knee-jerk reaction in some trad circles? Some people almost seem to see this stuff a sacrilege (since it wasn’t what Howard Hill did…), or contend that it’s all theory and that “the real world is different.” And I continue to be amazed at the number of people who say it only applies to “big” animals. I don’t really care that much what others choose to do, but it’s a trend I’ve definitely noticed and I’m scratching my head as to why.

Regardless, I find threads like this really great and thought-provoking. Just because it’s “traditional” doesn’t mean there still isn’t room for exploration and refinement, in my opinion. Thanks for all the great info here.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: The perfect April Michigan weekend, in February #27452

Man, I wish we had that little snow right now! I’d love to be outside stumping without having to drive for an hour. Looks like a fine afternoon.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A Few Pics of My New Robertson #26841

Thanks. The quiver is the “4-Arrow Cherokee” made by Eagle’s Flight Archery. I’ve been very happy with it. It’s simple and very light, and holds all I need for a day of hunting. And it doesn’t budge at all once it’s strapped on. It’s the bow quiver that made me like bow quivers again.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Speed-quartering an elk #26442

R2 wrote:

Kinda like learning how to “milk a rabbit”.

Is there a vid of that too? 😆

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: INSTRUCTIONAL DVD??? #26205

I would also look at TBM member Moebow’s videos on Youtube. He has some great tips on form.

Out of curiosity, are you shooting with a glove? If so, are the tips in good condition? No grooves, etc?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Looking for some broadhead help #25200

Dennis wrote:

I’ve got him convinced that speed isn’t everything and he’s looking at heavier, stiffer shafts.

Wow – nice work! I wish more compound guys would pay attention to more of the equation than sheer speed with ridiculously light arrows!

Lots of great suggestions here. I’d also throw VPA Terminators into the hat. Very tough, devastating broadhead.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A Few Pics of My New Robertson #25197

Finally found the time, and a warm enough day, to get outside with the new Fatal Styk. Shooting it at longer ranges has left me even more impressed. I think I’m a confirmed Robertson freak. This could be really dangerous for my bank acct…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A whole new take on ethics #23607

hrhodes wrote: THAT AIN’T HUNTING.

No, it definitely isn’t. But sadly, for people who only care about the end result – a “hero” pic and a big rack on the wall, I think that’s a minor detail.

In too many states, this is becoming “hunting.” Even where I live, with healthy elk herds and lots of public land, there’s a private “elk preserve” not far away where, for some ridiculous amount of money, one can go shoot their elk behind a high fence. I just don’t get it. What an empty accomplishment.

I didn’t see anything in the article about Powell losing his license. Too bad.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A Few Pics of My New Robertson #21227

Chad Sivertsen wrote:

Quite a family those folks.

No kidding. Dick must be proud as heck.

The profile of the Trad Out clan in the latest issue of TBM was nice to see too.

And I just went back and downloaded the 1990 issue of TBM that had an interview with Dick. That’s a pretty sweet feature on this site, and it was fun to read a 20+ year-old article about him.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: A Few Pics of My New Robertson #19713

Thanks all. I spent some time shooting it again tonight. It is so quiet, dead in the hand, quick, and an absolute joy to shoot, that I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with my other bows anymore. It’s truly the finest bow I’ve ever shot.

[Author]

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