Take Down Bow (friction fire kind)

[IA Woodsman]

I have been on a bow and drill kick lately. So much so that I have decided that it will be my primary means of starting fires. I have had to make up a kit to keep in my pack to make things a little faster. One of my first problems was carrying around a bow sticking out of my pack. A while ago we had a discussion about making a take down bow. I decide to try a bone socket and 2 pieces of wood for the limbs. I had found a deer leg bone in the woods, cut off the ends and took out the marrow. I carved a couple of Hackberry limbs and added a string. I was in business till I tried to use it and it split down the length of the bone. A little super glue and some artificial sinew and it worked like a champ. I made a bag and the kit fits nicely into my pack.

 

[carspidey]

That's pretty cool...
But isn't it more fun to make one when you really need it?

BTW... what kind of wood that?

 

[mtnfolk mike]

ha.. that's great man...:thumbup: i like it...

 

[kgd]

I usually grab my bow near the edge. With your takedown set up do you have to grasp the centre holder during bowdrill or can you still grab it at the edge when using it? Its a cool idea! Two things I hate making when creating a bowdrill kit are the head piece and bow.

 

[IA Woodsman]

Carspidey- This is kinda like carrying flint and steel. I don't want to take the time to cot and make a bow every time I want a fire. The hearth is Cottonwood and the spindel is Basswood.

KGD- you can still hold the bow on the end. Once you add the spindle the tension is just like any other bow.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

If you like a longer bow, that is a great idea. :thumbup:

Personally, I use a shorter bow.

Doc