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Both the longbow and the recurve bow, are used in "primitive" hunting today. A longbow is normally handcrafted using selected woods from around the world and even bows made from the same piece of timber will NEVER be identical. Basically, every long bow is a unique piece of art as well as a unique tool.
(the above is a gorgeous example just how unique a bow can be with the use of highly grained woods along with the use of the lamination process)
A longbow can be crafted from a single piece of wood
OR from laminates using waterproof glues or resins.
Most recurve bows are laminated. Both will be finished with several rubbed coats of oil or some form of urethane to keep out moisture. Many recurves have fiberglass outer plies as well.
The best place to keep your bow is in a cool, stable environment. Do not store it in an area of the house near a heating vent, over base boards or near a woodstove or other heat source. The idea is to avoid extremes of cold or heat (e.g. a loft). A spare bedroom with the heat turned down or even off is ideal. A dry garage would also be reasonable place for storage.
The longbow is best stored flat with the back down OR hung vertically with string or elastic bands around one end. The reason for this, is to avoid storing it where anything can push on it that may cause distortion.
If your bow becomes scuffed or soiled, soft furniture wax or some furniture polishes (without silicone) or a form of Danish oil can be rubbed on with a soft cloth to maintain its finish and help repel moisture.
Any scratches, dents or nicks should be immediately treated with Danish oil. If nicks and/or dents occur, if you feel they are fairly substantial, you should seek the advice from a bow shop immediately as these could eventually lead to weakness and possibly breakage.
Although frowned on by some, when your longbow has been relaxed at room temperature for two to three hours placing your bow on a flat carpeted floor, belly down with a small weight over its handle for a few hours will help to minimize string follow. Do remember bows with a slight string follow (slight curve) tend to shoot more consistently and accurately. This is NOT recommended for recurve bows.
Never flex or bend the bows limbs in reverse, this will lead to breakage. Always check your long/recurve bow for straightness and look for signs of any twisting or warping before use. Especially if it's been stored for a long time.
String Maintenance
The string should be waxed with beeswax or a proprietary string wax. Examine your string regularly, looking for signs of damage or wear. If damage is found seek advice or just simply have a new string made for you and replace. Remember, if a string breaks it is likely to shatter your bow. During periods of inactivity the bow is best stored unstrung.
Although the string shown below is from a compound bow, the signs of wear are virtually the same. If your string looks like this, it's time to replace it.
Feel free to add anything else I may have missed or any other tips you have that you've found helpful or useful to maintaining a longbow.
(the above is a gorgeous example just how unique a bow can be with the use of highly grained woods along with the use of the lamination process)
A longbow can be crafted from a single piece of wood
OR from laminates using waterproof glues or resins.
Most recurve bows are laminated. Both will be finished with several rubbed coats of oil or some form of urethane to keep out moisture. Many recurves have fiberglass outer plies as well.
The best place to keep your bow is in a cool, stable environment. Do not store it in an area of the house near a heating vent, over base boards or near a woodstove or other heat source. The idea is to avoid extremes of cold or heat (e.g. a loft). A spare bedroom with the heat turned down or even off is ideal. A dry garage would also be reasonable place for storage.
The longbow is best stored flat with the back down OR hung vertically with string or elastic bands around one end. The reason for this, is to avoid storing it where anything can push on it that may cause distortion.
If your bow becomes scuffed or soiled, soft furniture wax or some furniture polishes (without silicone) or a form of Danish oil can be rubbed on with a soft cloth to maintain its finish and help repel moisture.
Any scratches, dents or nicks should be immediately treated with Danish oil. If nicks and/or dents occur, if you feel they are fairly substantial, you should seek the advice from a bow shop immediately as these could eventually lead to weakness and possibly breakage.
Although frowned on by some, when your longbow has been relaxed at room temperature for two to three hours placing your bow on a flat carpeted floor, belly down with a small weight over its handle for a few hours will help to minimize string follow. Do remember bows with a slight string follow (slight curve) tend to shoot more consistently and accurately. This is NOT recommended for recurve bows.
Never flex or bend the bows limbs in reverse, this will lead to breakage. Always check your long/recurve bow for straightness and look for signs of any twisting or warping before use. Especially if it's been stored for a long time.
String Maintenance
The string should be waxed with beeswax or a proprietary string wax. Examine your string regularly, looking for signs of damage or wear. If damage is found seek advice or just simply have a new string made for you and replace. Remember, if a string breaks it is likely to shatter your bow. During periods of inactivity the bow is best stored unstrung.
Although the string shown below is from a compound bow, the signs of wear are virtually the same. If your string looks like this, it's time to replace it.
Feel free to add anything else I may have missed or any other tips you have that you've found helpful or useful to maintaining a longbow.
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