Customer Reviews

Making Indian Bows and Arrows, The Old Way

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm the author of the book, and appreciate the criticisms and praises. I *would* like to let folks know that I wrote this book when I was 19 years young, and had a lot to learn. I wrote it in response to a very bad, and misinformative book that was considered the 'bible' of indigenous archery books at the time. Now, there are many books available on this wonderful subject.
Jim Hamm's book, video, and classes are invaluable. So is TM Hamilton's book, and DC Waldorf as well.
Don't miss my "Voices of Native America" music book as well.

The other title of the same author "making arrows the old way" has its text already fully printed within "making indian bows and arrows the old way". Amazon gave me a discount so I could get both titles at once, and I end up having twice the same text and pictures on arrows... Do not do like me, buy only this title, not the arrow one. Nice book by the way...

This book is overall pretty good, but does not offer much for the slightly experienced bowyer. He is very narrow in his writings and do not discuss options very broadly, but makes a rapid and narrow conclusion. I also missed a little bit on the thing I bought the book for, which was how to make the weapons the old way, with primitive tools. He mentions it briefly, but is much more detailed on the use of metals instead. For beginners it is ok, but there are many similar books that provide better and more detailed information on making bows and arrows.

This is a book written from the heart by a man who wants to share his knowledge. It is a practical help with explanations and guidance on the correct materials and their applications in the makings of various catergories of indian bows and accessories. The traditions have been handed down through the author and he has taken the courage and effort to write it down. The narrative is perhaps a little naive, but the heart is in the right place. He has gone to a lot of trouble to learn his art, which is different from the glass and wood bowyers. His designs are good and well researched and my youngest now has a passion for a snakeskin bow and natural arrows. A true native design in simplicity and understanding.

Informative book, pretty deep insight into how NA bows and arrows were made, used, decorated, etc. Some good photos, descriptions, worth the money and read. I keep mine for reference, as it has loads of specific info in the book. Advanced bowyers would likely not like the book, folks who are just starting or want to learn the NA way that these things were done will like it.

This is a book written from the heart by a man who wants to share his knowledge. It is a practical help with explanations and guidance on the correct materials and their applications in the makings of various catergories of indian bows and accessories. The traditions have been handed down through the author and he has taken the courage and effort to write it down. The narrative is perhaps a little naive, but the heart is in the right place. He has gone to a lot of trouble to learn his art, which is different from the glass and wood bowyers. His designs are good and well researched and my youngest now has a passion for a snakeskin bow and natural arrows. A true native design in simplicity and understanding.

That's the only way to describe this book. I've been a traditional bowyer for 7 years now, and have been making European style bows. This book outlines not only how to make traditional Native American bows, it lays out several designs used by the differing tribes, arrows, quivers and bowcases and how to shoot Native style. A must for anyone interested in Native American culture and/or bowmaking.

I've been flint knapping now for years. I bought this book way back when I started flint knapping but never really read through it. My focus was on stone tools. Seemingly out of the blue, my interest in making primitive weapons was renewed after watching a video on youtube about making a bow with only stone tools. Now I'm shifting my focus on making bows and arrows the old way. Doug gave an objective view throughout the entirety of this book. His fine craftmanship speaks for itself. I really enjoyed the section on sinew backing and snake skin backing. This book is perfect for the beginger, novice and expert bowyer (As long as one is open-minded for new learning and others ideas). There is no "right way" to make a bow, just different ways and this book will give you tons of ideas as well as igniting an inspiration and enthusiasm for making bows and arrows!

Doug...please make a video to go along with the book. -James

This is a very detailed book on how to make authentic Native American Bows & Arrows, and it's very easy to understand.

When I first got this book, I was a bit fooled by the thin size but it has a great store of information in the thin size. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to learn more about making bows, arrows, and equipment the old way