[Bryn-gwlad] archery - SELF BOW

[Ferguson]

SELF BOW

Great answers, but no bingo.

The fact is that the definition of self bows has changed through the years and is also subject to the location and organization.  Everyone is right!

Period (What period, 7th to 17th century? 10,000 years ago?), primitive, SCA, renaissance, 3-D, private archery clubs, national archery organizations?  Each has their own definition of self bow (You want to start a really terrible discussion, ask an archery group to agree on a standard definition of traditional archery).

Oversimplified, as I understand it, self bow originally meant "simple bow" as opposed to a composite bow.  Composite bows were period and were bows made of different woods primarily for appearance.  Only the rich could afford composite bows.

Over time the generally accepted definition of self bow is a traditional bow made of one piece of NATURAL material, generally wood.  Metal bows can be self bows and period.  Plasticized bows are generally not considered self bows in any organization.

As pointed out, the problem is when you glue a backing on a bow.  Is it a self bow or a composite bow?  Both are period.  I use the example of a bow I made:  the bow is made from a Hickory stave, I then cut a separate strip and glued it on the back.  All natural material from one piece of wood.  Is it a self bow or a composite bow?  Technically it is a composite bow, but I shoot it at all self bow competitions.

What is a self bow?  The answer is what are the rules of the individual group or organization involved.

Primitive:  some groups allow backing, some do not.

3-D: some groups allow backing strips, some for decoration only, some do not allow any backing.  The two local archery clubs (Austin Archery Club and Hill Country Bowhunters Club) both allow backing on self bows.  In fact we encourage backing for safety.  Most of us make our own bows and have had self bows blow up on us.

Renaissance:  anything goes.

SCA:  Depends on the tournament.  For self bow tournaments the definition of self bow will be determined by the tournament Archery Marshal.  Generally backed self bows are permitted and may be encouraged for safety, but you need to check first.

So the answer is - there is no answer.  Self bow is defined by each organization and can be redefined by a tournament director or marshal.

Fergus d'Onray

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