Bow Woods. How I Identify Trees for my Longbows. Harvesting Elm for Bow Staves 

Ha! I wish, but thank you for your comment! Mick

David Attenbow?

Dammit...you beat me by 3 years!!!

@@MickGrewcock Don't wish, you are. You are incredible narrator, teacher, film maker and amateur bow maker. Thank god i found your channel, i know you cannot make bows anymore, but the material is still useful form me, that i just started making them and i also know you will keep making amazing videos about other passions you have. Keep the amazing work!! And love from Uruguay

EnterTheFatrix Exactly wha i was bout to comment, like national geographic, " and this is the most fearsome fascinating specie, the lion, apparently is hungry as its closing by looking for food"

sounds a lot like sir david attenburough

MattBalfouri just what I was thinking!

Very true. Best place to remember who we are.

Hi Ben. I have to be that way! If I'm friendly with them, they just might bend the way I want ;-) Thanks for watching.

It may be a while yet but it'll come! Thanks for watching. Mick

Oh dear! That's unfortunate. But thanks for watching anyway! Mick

what country do you live in wth thats aweful

Adam probably England xD

How wrong you are

Same goes for me xD

Thank you very much, glad you enjoy and I appreciate your comment. Mick

Thank you very much Lars!

Thank you. MIck

Hi there and thanks for your kind comment. I hope you get to the UK! Mick

Hi Simon, not tried it yet but I believe apple works okay for bows. Mick

😉

donaldtrumpshairdoo Hi there, thank you - and very useful info too. All my harvests before now have been winter but I thought I'd try a summer harvest. There are several more where that came from and I will take a winter one too. Never worked elm so I'm looking forward to it - but it's got to dry first! Thanks again, Mick

Mick Grewcock A little Update from my neck of the woods. I came across some different pieces of wood today, some maple and and hazel in particular. Peeling off the bark brought along the outermost growth layer, perhaps you will be as lucky too? Atb Esben

+donaldtrumpshairdoo Good news, let's hope so!

Danish ,helm is a good choice ,holmgaard It testify the thing , the oldest bow finded now as now Is in helm 7000 BC. Helm is not so good as yew or laburnum , It follow the string more than them ,but Is almost impossible to brook , and Is quite easy to work ,but ,flat shape for the limbs , not Stick bow .as the holmgaard style teach.

Thank you very much! Yes, I love my old truck. Can't wait though until LR launch the new replacement for the old Defender! Mick

Glad you enjoyed 🙏

Agreed!

Thank you Herb 🙏

Thanks a lot John! I will video the elm bow build - but the wood has to season a while first. Thanks again. Mick

+Rob Greene Glad you enjoyed!

Glad you enjoyed. Mick

Thank you! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Mick

+Cade Farmer Thank you very much - I hope that I can retain your interest!!

Thank you Sean!

Thank you Abraham. Mick

Thank you Raj. Mick

was it Witch Elm.

Thank you for watching and commenting. Appreciated. MIck

Hi Dave, I've heard that elm is tough! No doubt there will be a video of my tribulations. Thanks for watching. Mick

+Anthony Tuhacek Thank you Anthony! Mick

You are my favourite Italian! 🙏

A fine dog indeed!

You can make a bow out of pine. One of the oldest bows ever found was found in Germany and made out of pine.

I'm also in Houston and make bows. We have tons of amazing wood around for it, including elms very similar to what Mike harvested here. Sometimes you'll find a cluster of honey locust trees that you can cut if you can get to them through their woody thorns. We are also close to the native range of the osage tree, which is arguably as good as or better than yew for bows - go to Cullinan Park in Sugar Land and walk along the canal and you'll see hundreds of them. I hear you can also make good bows out of the oaks and crepe myrtle trimmings that landscaping companies leave lying around here. The hardest part is getting permission to harvest wood. If you know anyone around here with land, I recommend asking if they'll let you walk around and look for bow woods. Just memorize what elm, honey locust, and osage look like before going!

Great advice for all there, thank you. Mick

You may have other things to worry about, but when people are out cleaning up fallen trees in your area look for Elm, osage black locust trees. Around here Elms got planted in open spaces near shopping centers, if there is a drainage area you are likely to find on property you can cut. Folks may be quite happy to let you take the wood if you help with cutting it up and hauling away. (and some weeds make great sapling bows too.)

You should have some nice old juniper trees growing around there.

Richard Sanchez Thanks and good luck!

Thank you Mihai!

Good luck with the acetate, use just a little or you'll get a vivid disco green. Feedback from my video suggests that it is still theory about the reason for copper being present in the resin - but its presence is fact. I have a blackthorn thicket about 300/400 yards long and around 30/40 foot deep. In there, there are some very big blackthorn - I have felled one that is about 9 inches in diameter. I hope to get several bows from it - it's eight feet long and straight! I've heard of your Pacific yew, I hope to get some from Canada one day. Hope you are well, Ben is just dandy - off to Scotland soon in search of the grey goose. Stay safe. Mick

Update - Mixed up a bit of copper acetate + pine resin and bees wax . The green appears to be very close to the green in your video . In your video ... you say "copper was obtained by ( hard for me to understand) - verdigris ... or vertebrae ... ? I have a chunk of verdigris sent to me from a fellow in Portugal . Horrible smelly stuff and keep it tightly wrapped in a meat freezer = Lady friend is not remotely fond of it and thinks I am insane . Made some bow string from elk back leg sinew ( the equivalent of a human Achilles tendon ) and hemp . It seems to work well for fire bow and bow drill , but not certain how well it would work for a bow string - 60 - 90 pound draw at 28" - 32" . Saw 2 mountain lions not far from home . A mule named Samson is not fond of them . Stay in touch Mick and say hello to Ben .

It is verdigris, a compound formed as a reaction by copper to acid/atmosphere, copper acetate being a substitute. Apparently by leaving some copper near vinegar you get, hey presto, verdigris. It's that greenish tinge that copper takes on when left outside. The lady friend sounds rather wise! Sounds like rotten vertebrae to me!! That said, my mam never objected to me boiling fox skulls on the stove when I was a kid (trained as a taxidermist would you believe from about 12!!). Love the idea of an elk back-leg bow-string. Ye Gods, and I buy plastic stuff from the store. And mountain lions! Samson seems rather wise too. Look in the About section on my channel, follow the email contact link and pop me an email, then we can keep corresponding. Mick

Good luck Jack!

That's interesting, I have access to alder! Will give it a go! Thanks.

Hi William, great that you've made a bow - well done. The pounds/inches is just a way to describe the amount of weight required to draw the string to a set distance. Many bows have draw weight measured at about 28" draw and the amount of 'pull' required expressed in pounds is a guide to the bow's performance. Hope that explains. Mick

HI there, can't help with PE ID but I imagine it's similar to TB yew. Thanks for watching. Mick

check if the stems are green and look at pictures of the bark, you can find it in forests older than 70 years old

Hi there. I'm not making bow videos just now due to other commitments but that's a good idea! The process is simple. Ideally, the wood is taken in the winter when sap content is low. If it's to be a long term/traditional season (they can be dried more quickly) then the ends of the stave are sealed with wax, paint, or similar. The stave is then usually laid flat but supported so that it can't 'sag' in a dry place but with good airflow. At this point, I would check the moisture content using a moisture meter (under the bark) and record it on the stave along with the date when felled/taken, length, etc. Then the waiting begins. The stave's dimensions affect the drying time - a thick log will obviously dry more slowly than a thinner stave. When the stave is showing a reading of about 10% moisture at the surface (under the bark) then I would work the stave. If I wanted to speed it up I could do various things: strip the bark or shape the bow (but not bend it) for example. Long term drying might take a year or more depending upon the stave's size; the quicker route might achieve sub twelve months. The sealed ends prevent the ends drying more quickly than the centre; if they do, the ends could easily split. I hope that helps. Mick

@@MickGrewcock awesome thanks.

Not a UK wood unfortunately but thank you for the recommendation, appreciated. Mick

Very common here in Poland. It was brought to Europe from North America during colonial times. I believe that right now it's actually treated as an invasive species. Online sources suggest its "introduced" range includes all of Europe and indeed UK as well.

That's interesting, thank you! I'll investigate. Mick

Thank you.

+Mihai Zograf Thank you Mihai!!

It’s not true 😉

Clan Gunn Bushcraft Hi Andy, great to hear from you and thanks a bunch for watching. Surprised you've got no broadleaves, are you at altitude? I have a big elm log to split into four bow staves - hopefully one of those will be my next bow. Not worked elm before, I believe it's tough to split and hard on tools. I have handled a heavy elm bow (130lb, couldn't draw it!!) and the wood looks lovely, a real ancient appearance. Anyway, stay safe and look after yourself (ps: I had to re sub you. Have you had any of your subs removed? Seems others have gone from my list for no reason?). Looking forward to your next post. Mick

+Mick Grewcock Thanks Mick. There's broadleaf trees in the lowlands, but that's in the town and I don't really want to take from them. There's tree hear that I don't recognise though. Need to do some reserch. I'm spending most of my time in the mountains, so it's all at high altitude. The Spruce and Pine are huge up there. This place is like jurassic park haha. Ash will do great for my bow, but I did buy a crossbow the other day. That'll sure put some meat in my freezer. Made some arrows on my last camp video. I seen you've made a video on them yourself... it's in my watch later list. I'll hopefully be posting the video tomorrow. The laptop I brought out with me wasn't powerful enough to edit it. had to order a new laptop which is being delivered in the morning. Can't wait to see the Elm bow. Iv never made a traditional bow before. Always been selfie/ survival bows made from green saplings. I'm learning alot from your videos. Thanks buddy and the Scotland trip sounds awesome. Bet you'll both love it out there. All the best Mick 👍

Thanks Berty. If you are in the UK the Woodland Trust has an app to help identify leaves/trees. That might help. Yes they are similar but side-by-side they are noticeably different - hornbeam remind me more of beech than ash but I too find it tough sometimes to figure one tree from the next. Thanks for watching. Mick

thanks Mick, downloading the app as I type

Hope it helps!

That's a great idea! Thanks, Mick

Hi Kyle, I've heard the same - it's tough to split. It's drying just now but I'v got to choose which way I split it. Thanks for watching. Mick

Hi Kyle, I've heard the same - it's tough to split. It's drying just now but I'v got to choose which way I split it. Thanks for watching. Mick

Mick Grewcock I've seen some people free hand a centerline with a chainsaw a couple inches deep and then split it from there. Seams a bit too risky for me.

+kyle plants I use a chainsaw often but even so the risk of running off centre is too much of a risk for me - though I'm sure a real chainsaw expert could do it easily.

Thank you Roberto. I'd like to try laburnum! We do have some cherry where it is called Bird Cherry. Sorbus acuparia is called Mountain Ash or Rowan here in the UK - we have some in our wood but very few so I will not be felling one of them. Thank you very much for watching, Mick

Mick Grewcock you have maked some of the best viideos of archery and connected argoments i have aver seen ,realy , compliments One more time

Mick Grewcock you have maked some of the best viideos of archery and connected argoments i have aver seen ,realy , compliments One more time , impressive the size of your Black thorns trees ,in tuscany they are small bushes max size of trunk 2" but cut the trees in descending Moon ,possibly last days of descending moon and possibly the late novembet or dicember january the wood It result with the fiber more closed and more compact ,don't cut It in spring ,never ,becouse the fibers are more opened for the flow of the growth saccarin linfa(don't know the exact name) PS the Hazel in Italy goes in flowering in january so for It stop the cut in december, by ,and as usual scuse me for my macaronic english

Very kind of you Roberto, very much appreciated to get your encouragement. Mick

+Rod Parsons Evening Rod, English elm - there is a small stand of them in our wood; suckers I guess because they succumb to DED after about 20 ish years. That one is between 20 and 25 from ring count. Quite a few more there for cutting soon; next one a winter cut. Some lovely blackthorn there as well, 80" plus straight and about 6-7" diameter thickest. Great news about Nocton, what trees are there?

I'm not planning on taking a serious look until the leaves are off the trees but hope to do a little exploring before then. In the meantime I have a few odds and ends to finish, allergy permitting. More a question of seeing if there is anything that speaks to me.

+Rod Parsons I hope your hands let you finish them Rod.

"Touch wood" or then again, maybe not. :-)

Very droll Rod!

Oh yes Nick, enjoyed that sound since I was five! Thanks for watching. Mick

Hi, yes I've known them from being a kid - they common name I guess you know as we did - though I've never eaten them. Lots in that wood on elder. Thanks for watching, Mick

They taste crunchy even when stewed quite bit, they are excelent in wog stir-fries, when dried, one can store them for years. When soaked in water for few minutes, they are as fresh again. But enough about Judas ear, thanks a lot for your inspiring videos! :-D

Hello Joachim. I have never used English oak for bow making. I often faced similar dilemma so i just experimented with woods about which I could find no information. Our elms all die around 25 years old (DED) and our ash die randomly. Meanwhile our young oaks are ring barked by grey squirrels so I can take some of each species without affecting the long term health of our woodland. Good luck and sorry I cannot help you more.

Agent Zier Hi there and thanks for watching! Spent most of my leisure time outside since childhood, that’s all. My professional life was electronics manufacture/business owner. Cheers for now, Mick

Hi Evan, about 50% of the video was filmed in woodland owned by my wife and I plus other family members. I had to visit two nearby woods in private ownership to show yew and ash trees. I can't take wood from these places! Mick

Birch is often used for bows. I suggest wide limbs. But finding straight stems of SB in the UK is surprisingly hard! Good luck 🤞

@@MickGrewcock thanks Mick - will give it a go - I have a nice straight stave

+Frederik Hellum Will do Frederick! Thanks for watching. Mick

Elm makes so nice heavy warbows :) Its the next best to yew in compression

I look forward to it! Mick

And why not!! 🐶🐾 Best company you can have!

+Jed Syrenne At 30kg he's not so little but I'll give you cute. Six years at my side, born on my late father's birthday so inevitably named for my dad: Ben

We have planted nearly 2000 trees in our wood. I have taken about six trees for bow making. It is a great suggestion, but planting two or three for every tree taken is much better. Thanks for watching.

Hi Islam, it depends on your country and local rules. In the UK there are numerous laws protecting trees such as tree preservation orders - plus of course most woodland is in private ownership so landowner's permission must be obtained as well. I own some woodland along with family so I can take some staves for my use. Sorry I can't be more helpful, Mick

Thank you Mick I live in Bolton, Greater Manchester. How can I find out where is acceptable? I started watching your channel when you did the review of your Defender, now im hooked on your archery videos.

Hi there Islam. First, thanks for sticking with me for so long! Lots of changes in channel direction but hopefully settled now. Am thinking of starting another channel for my countryside stuff. What do you think? Good idea or bad? Anyway, if you are looking for bow woods in your area then you have a number of choices. First though, if you are going to cut it yourself, decide on the wood you want - that narrows your search to suitable places. Let's say you want some hazel. You will find hazel in different places to yew for example. Everyone wants yew, no-one much bothers about hazel - which means less completion for the wood. When you know what you want, make sure you can identify the tree correctly. To get a bow stave, you don't have to 'chop down trees'. Yes I felled an elm, but all my hazel staves have simply been big branches. This is important. If you ask someone if you can chop their hazel down, you are likely to be refused; if you ask if you can take a particular limb, then they might say yes. Next find some hazels and find who owns them. Then, go ask. If you can be specific what branch you want and offer some money (needn't be much, just a gesture) then you may find someone who'll help you. However, if you've never worked with trees before, that might not be the best way to do it. After cutting a hazel limb for example, you get a lot of left over branches and wood and if you haven't the means to get rid of it you will not be popular. And cutting a big hazel limb takes some practise and tools. In Bolton, I have googled at least five tree surgeons. These are companies or individuals who work on trees, felling, pruning etc. Ring them all, explain what you want, and ask if they will help. Most will be happy to do that. You will have to explain what you want (tell them: yew, ash, hazel) and explain that you need a straight piece no less than say 100mm diameter/4 inches and at least six foot long. See how you get on with that. Also, have you thought of making a laminate bow first? You can buy staves of triple laminate - great for practise (self bows from natural wood are much harder). If you want one of those, let me know and I'll tell you where you can buy one. Good luck, Mick

Thanx Mic, lots of leads for me to follow.

Islam Bolton Good luck!

Yes for sure - though it is not common at all in my area and is of course non-native to the UK. I believe it makes good bows.

@@MickGrewcock Yeah, I know but I have read that black locust was praised by the Native American bowmakers and it's very common in my area 😊 It's a little bit challenging because it's often has many knots. It would be great if you would have a chance to get some black locust it would be a great video .

Hi Victor, no I've never attempted to work with red cedar - though I think I have read somewhere that it will make a bow. Sorry I can't help further. Thanks for watching. Mick

thanks

Why not! Good luck