Making an American Flatbow: Hickory

Today in the shop we are making another bow, but this time around it will be a Native American flatbow, from Hickory. I am really excited to bring you all along on this journey, as this is the style of bow that I made for my first bow, back in 2013. Hickory is a great beginner bow wood, because you only have to remove the bark, and you have the back of your bow ready to go. The rest of the process is cutting to general dimensions, and then tillering until your bow is bending evenly, and you are happy with the draw weight. Take your time, remove even amounts from the top and bottom limb, and don't over draw your bow too early, and you should come away with a really effective Native American Flatbow.

We want to give a huge THANK YOU to Cromwell Valley Park, and Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, for donating the hickory staves for the bow. Also, thank you to Ranger Kirk for leading the class and all or your encouragement over the years.

Thanks also to our Uncle Jack Tuttle for the gift of the Shinto Rasp. This thing is amazing for bow making. I'm definitely a fan, and am surprised it took me this long to realize its potential.

To see the video where I made the new tillering tree, view our \