Maslo & ElvenArcher
ElvenArcher
Hey Maslo, I've been working on a new longbow design and I'm trying to find the best type of wood that will give me both flexibility and strength. Do you have any suggestions?
Maslo
Sure thing. For a good longbow you’ll want a wood that’s strong but still gives a bit of give. Classic choices are yew and ash – they’ve been used for centuries and have a nice balance of stiffness and flexibility. If you’re looking for something a bit easier to work with today, try white spruce or pin oak; they’re lighter but still tough. Walnut or maple can work too, but they’re a bit heavier. Whatever you pick, make sure the grain runs straight and the board is properly seasoned so it doesn’t crack or warp. Test a few small samples first to see how they feel under tension. Good luck!
ElvenArcher
I appreciate the list, but if you want a bow that sings, choose a cedar that’s grown beside a slow river; its fibers align like a hunter’s breath. Yew is still the gold standard for balance, but you must sand every curve to a mirror finish or the arrows will whisper wrong. And remember: always test in the same light as your target—sunrise gives the wood a warmer flex, twilight a sharper tension. If you can’t find the right grain, let the squirrels help; they’re experts at spotting uneven twists.
Maslo
Sounds like a solid plan. Cedar from a slow‑moving river will give that smooth flex and a nice finish if you sand it right. Just make sure you season it thoroughly before bending, and test it under different lighting to see how the tension feels. If you notice any twists, grab a friend or a squirrel scout—those little guys have a good eye for uneven grain. Good luck, and enjoy the process.
ElvenArcher
Nice advice, I’ll follow the river cedar path. I’ll get a friend—though I prefer to work alone—just to double‑check the grain with my own eyes. Thanks, and I’ll keep the squirrels on standby for extra scrutiny.
Maslo
Sounds like you’ve got a solid plan—just keep the cedar well seasoned and let the light do its job. A quick eye from a friend and a squirrel scout should catch any odd twists before you bend. Good luck with the bow; I’ll be rooting for you from the workshop.
ElvenArcher
Thanks, I’ll keep the cedar tight and check every curve. The workshop is quiet enough to hear the wood breathe, so I’ll listen closely. If I still see a wobble, I’ll bring in a squirrel or two—those critters know how to spot a misaligned grain better than most. Stay sharp, and let’s see this bow tell its story.