Salish Wolf

Tommy Leach is a bowyer in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a founding member of the Oklahoma Selfbow Society. With their marquis event known as OJAM, they are helping to preserve the legacy of primitive archery. Tommy has been carving selfbows for more than three decades.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Tommy Leach.         
Episode Links:
https://www.okselfbow.com/
Facebook
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Tommy Leach shares his passion for primitive archery, bow carving, and the preservation of traditional bow-making techniques. Discover insights into the craft, the importance of heritage, and tips for aspiring bowyers.
Show Notes:
The mission of preserving primitive archery heritage
The process and challenges of bow carving
The significance of specific woods like Osage and black locust
Tips for aspiring bowyers and the importance of mentorship
The role of events like O Jam in education and preservation
The impact of archery on personal life and family
Historical styles and modern adaptations of bows
Resources and community support for bow making
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Tommy Leach and Primitive Archery
03:25 The Mission of Preserving Heritage in Bowcraft
04:26 Getting Started in Bow Carving and Primitive Archery
08:44 The Evolution of Bow Design and Wood Choices
15:03 Challenges in Bow Carving and Heat Bending Techniques
19:58 The Role of Community Events in Heritage Preservation
25:19 The Significance of Beauty and Function in Bow Making
30:03 Personal Impact of Bow Carving and Archery
35:26 Mentorship and Resources for Aspiring Bowyers
39:47 Future Goals and Styles in Bow Crafting
45:09 Overcoming Challenges in Bow Construction
49:49 Signature Characteristics of Tommy Leach Bows
54:53 Connecting with the Archery Community and Events
59:41 Closing Remarks and Next Steps for Enthusiasts

Jake Fenwick of Fenwick Bows is a bowyer in New Brunswick, Canada, with a strong interest in the history of bows, especially English longbows. His stopover to examine the Mary Rose bows in England was a highlight of a recent trip to he took to Norway to harvest yew staves.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jake Fenwick.         
Episode Links:
https://www.fenwickbows.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fenwickbows
Fenwick Bows on FaceBook
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Jake and Todd discuss the fascinating world of historical bows, wood selection, and Jake’s recent expeditions to Norway for stave harvesting. They explore the craftsmanship of the Mary Rose bows, the properties of lemon wood, and practical insights into traditional bow-making techniques. In this episode, Jake and Todd explore the art of bow making, the importance of harvesting the right wood, and the deep connection between nature and craftsmanship. They share personal stories, practical tips, and cultural insights from their experiences in Scandinavia and North America.
Show Notes:
Analysis of Mary Rose bows and their construction
Properties and harvesting of lemon wood for bows
Heat treatment and tool marks on ancient bows
Historical bow design and military applications
Challenges of stave harvesting in Norway
Differences in wood growth and ring structure in tropical vs. northern climates
The role of side knocks and horn fittings in bows
The significance of wood grain and density in bow performance The importance of harvesting the right wood for bows
Personal stories of sourcing and selecting bow staves
Cultural insights from Scandinavian and North American communities
The patience required in traditional bow making
The connection between nature, trees, and craftsmanship
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest background
00:04 Introduction to Bow Making and Wood Harvesting
02:05 Todd's recent surfing and jujitsu routine
03:55 Update on Todd's shop and stave storage
04:05 Personal Stories of Sourcing Bow Staves in Scandinavia
05:59 Properties of lemon wood and growth ring structure
08:04 Analysis of the Mary Rose bows and tool marks
10:10 The Significance of Tree Selection and Observation
11:50 Heat treatment evidence on ancient bows
14:56 The Challenges and Rewards of Harvesting Laburnum
15:59 Signs of reworking and horn knock placement
19:52 Historical bow draw weights and military use
20:17 Cultural Insights: Scandinavian Communities and Traditions
23:48 Wood grain, density, and performance factors
24:49 The Patience and Time Required in Bow Craftsmanship
28:08 Tool marks and craftsmanship details
30:07 The Connection Between Trees and the Bowyer's Craft
32:04 Jake's recent stave harvesting expedition in Norway
35:00 Community, Sharing, and Passing Down Traditions
35:56 Norwegian landscape, geography, and harvesting challenges
39:53 Wildlife encounters and landscape similarities
40:13 Practical Tips for Harvesting and Selecting Wood
42:01 Shipping and import restrictions for raw lumber
44:52 Reflections on Nature and the Craftsmanship Journey

Joe Giago is skilled bowyer from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and an enrolled member the Oglala Sioux tribe. Joe began his bow-making journey over 15 years ago from the encouragement of an uncle and has been carving beautiful replica Native American bows every since.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Joe Giago.         
Episode Links:
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Joe Giago shares his deep knowledge of traditional bow making, the history of the bow in indigenous cultures, and the cultural significance of archery among the Plains tribes. Discover how ancient techniques, materials, and stories shape modern practices and cultural preservation.
Show Notes:
History of the bow in indigenous cultures
Materials used in traditional bow making
Cultural significance of archery among Plains tribes
Techniques for harvesting and preparing wood
Arrowhead types and their historical context
Influence of horses on bow design and use
Traditional and modern bow finishing methods
Storytelling and art in bow decoration
The role of archery in cultural identity and education
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest background
00:04 Joe Giago's journey into bow making
00:31 Historical origins of the bow in Plains tribes
01:42 The evolution of bow design with the introduction of the horse
05:09 The continued relationship with horses today
07:11 Ancient evidence of bows and arrowheads
09:57 The genesis of bow use: hunting, war, and culture
11:04 Influences from other cultures and origins of bow styles
17:49 Materials used in traditional bows: wood types and sourcing
19:17 Design variations: flat vs. D-shaped bows
24:25 Use of animal materials like horn and sinew
36:37 String making, repair, and maintenance
48:33 Finishing, decorating, and artwork on bows
54:57 The cultural importance of archery today
57:16 Teaching and passing down bow making skills
01:00:08 Impact of archery on family and community
01:04:55 Opportunities and cultural preservation through bow making

Holger Berty has been a professional bowyer for nearly two decades. Based in Germany, he was introduced to bow carving by a friend. Holger's approach to bow making is eclectic, exploring various styles—from primitive bows to modern laminated designs.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Holger Berty.         
Episode Links:
https://berty-bogenbau.de/index.html
https://www.instagram.com/bogenbauberty/
https://www.youtube.com/@bogenbauberty
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
Holger Berty shares his journey from woodworking and therapy to becoming a full-time bow maker, exploring traditional and modern bow building techniques, materials, and the meditative aspects of archery.
Show Notes:
Holger's background in woodworking and ergotherapy
Transition to full-time bow making
Differences between primitive and laminated bows
Materials used in bow building, including sustainable options
Design considerations for modern and traditional bows
The role of archery in Holger’s life and therapy
Tools and techniques for bow tillering and shaping
Influence of cultural bow styles and history
The importance of experience and trial-and-error in craftsmanship
Inspiration from other bowyers and the global bow community
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Holger Berty and his background
02:01 Holger's journey from therapy to bow making
04:01 Differences between primitive and laminated bows
05:57 Materials and sustainability in bow building
09:00 Design elements of modern laminated bows
13:09 The role of archery in Holger’s life
16:53 Cultural influences and historical bow styles
21:07 Tools and techniques for bow shaping and tillering
25:57 The significance of wood selection and sourcing
29:53 Learning from other bowyers and continuous experimentation
34:54 The balance between craftsmanship and business
39:04 The spiritual and therapeutic aspects of bow making
43:59 Favorite woods and their performance in bows
49:58 Archery as a meditative and social activity
54:14 Future inspirations and community in bow making

Gerhard Wiesler is a bowyer living on a 200-year-old farm near Weiz, Austria, where he has nut orchards of walnuts, chestnuts, and pecans. He is a prolific teacher, guiding hundreds of students yearly in the building of selfbows.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Gerhard Wiesler.         
Episode Links:
https://www.meinbogen.at/
https://www.facebook.com/BogenbauGerhardWiesler
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
Gerhard Wiesler shares his journey into traditional bow making, the art of crafting self bows, and the cultural significance of archery and martial arts. Discover insights into the craftsmanship, experimentation, and traditions behind this timeless craft. Gerhard and Todd discuss the art of bow making, focusing on different woods, workshop processes, and the impact of forest management on bow making materials.
Show Notes:
Gerhard Wiesler's background and journey into bow making
The process of crafting self bows from a single piece of wood
Experimentation with different bow designs and woods
The tradition and cultural significance of archery in Japan and Europe
The role of workshops and teaching in Gerhard's craft
Challenges of selling handmade bows within European consumer rights
The influence of martial arts on archery practice and philosophy
Innovative techniques like bamboo wedges and fire arrows U wood differences between Europe and Pacific Northwest
Impact of forest management on bow wood quality
Workshop process for building bows from selection to finishing
Design considerations including bow length, draw weight, and aesthetics
Material choices for handles, arrow shelves, and strings
Chapters:
03:06 - The spontaneous round-the-world trip that changed everything
08:01 - Why the family chose to keep homeschooling during travel
11:19 - Mika Wolf and the Austrian bowmaking scene
13:47 - What counts as a professional bowyer
16:10 - Japanese dojo culture and slow apprenticeship
19:17 - Martial arts, archery, and embodied practice
21:04 - Rambo 2 and Gerhard’s explosive start in archery
22:28 - Making flaming arrows and archery fireworks
24:14 - From compound bows to self bows
25:13 - A failed first bow and the start of serious bowmaking
27:00 - Burning finished bows as a ritual
29:30 - Why Gerhard only builds self bows
31:45 - Consumer warranty issues for handcrafted bows in Europe
33:39 - Why workshops are better than custom commissions
35:26 - Experimenting with different bow woods and designs
36:22 - Performance, comfort, and the Yumi bow
41:19 - Bamboo backing and the Japanese rope-and-wedge method
42:20 - One-day and two-day workshop formats
45:08 - First bows made from Pacific yew
46:50 - Humidity problems in Costa Rica and switching materials
48:14 - Success with knotty yew staves
49:00 - European yew versus Pacific yew
52:22 - Yew as a demanding wood and workshop success rates
53:42 - Shipping staves and sourcing osage from the US
55:23 - Ash, black locust, and hickory for workshops
57:37 - Stave logistics and why he buys dried bow wood
61:13 - The Redwoods and the feeling of standing among giants
62:24 - How many workshops Gerhard teaches each year
63:08 - Where his students come from
66:47 - Walking through a full workshop from start to finish
68:02 - Manau as the wood used for horse bows
69:22 - Choosing bow wood by type and personality
70:58 - Horse bow dimensions and strong draw weights
74:27 - Choosing draw weight for beginners
77:19 - Women, men, and learning style differences in archery
79:52 - Bow length, performance, and tradeoffs
80:22 - Rough shaping with hand tools
84:31 - Handle shaping, 50 test shots, and checking limb balance
85:57 - Finish options: sanding, oiling, painting, and wraps
86:45 - Shelves, horse bows, and tradition
88:42 - Arrow passes and decorative inlays
89:30 - Strings, arrows, and cedar shaft preferences
91:45 - Gerhard’s informal success guarantee and free repeat workshops