HomeFrequently Asked Questions
I sell many longbows through ebay and have been asked many questions about longbows generally and about some of the descriptive terms that I have used. Here is some of the FAQs that crop up regularly.
- What is the difference between a right and left handed longbow?
- How does the weight of the longbow affect the trajectory of the arrow?
- How do I tie a bowyers knot?
- What is set back?
- Why do I sell bows on ebay?
- How do I order a longbow?
If there are any questions you want answered, please email me.
What is the difference between a right and left handed longbow?
Modern longbows are made from a variety of hardwoods from around the world. Traditionally, the bows would have been made of yew, a very 'soft' hardwood. To protect this soft wood, an arrow pass was placed where the arrow came into contact with the bow. This practice was probably started in the 19th century. With the woods used today, the arrow pass is really cosmetic as the modern hardwoods are quite resilient to the passing of the arrow however the finish may be affected.
The arrow pass is really the only thing that makes the bow either a left handed bow or a right handed bow. If the arrow pass is on the left hand side of the bow, the bow is for a right handed archer and vice versa. Some longbows have an arrow pass on both sides making them ambidextrous. However it may be possible to make a bow 'lean' to the left or the right in order to make them 'sided'.
How does the weight of the longbow affect the trajectory of the arrow?
Obviously the higher the poundage, the flatter the trajectory of the arrow. However, physics dictates that whatever the poundage of the bow, the trajectory of the arrow will never be totally flat (something to do with gravity).
It is not really the trajectory that the archer should be bothered about but the poundage of bow that he/she could pull without being over bowed (a bow that is too heavy for the archer). If an archer is over bowed, they will tire quicker and will not be able to hold the bow on target in order for the aim to settle. A sixty pound bow is a much harder bow to use accurately for most beginners than a forty pounder.
How do I tie a bowyers knot?
English longbow strings traditionally only have a loop on one end for attachment to the top nock. The other end is left without a loop allowing the archer to make their own loop for attachment to the bow. This system also allows the same string to be used on virtually any longbow with none of the associated problems of string length with double loop strings. The bowyers knot is a simple timber hitch and if tied correctly, will not slip. The following photos show the method of tying the knot.
What is set back?
Many bowyers use full length laminations to construct their longbows but others will use half length laminations spliced and glued under the handle. This allows the bowyer to set the limbs back or reflex the limbs ie instead of the limbs being absolutely straight they are angled slightly forward. However if set back is too extreme, it will cause complications for the bowyer in the construction and for the archer in he increased shock and the possibility of the bow trying to turn around in the hand whilst drawing the bow. Up to one inch is acceptable but any more than this would possibly be frowned upon. However there are examples of Victorian longbows with a moderate reflex of about 1.5 to 2" so this is not a recent development.
To measure the set back would be very difficult as almost all longbows take a set, however small. Even when the bow is brand new it may take a set due to the tillering process and even the smallest set would prevent the set back being measured as the limb tips would not be in contact with the ground if the bow is placed on its back.
If you look at the picture below you will see that the limbs have set back at the handle.
Picture coming soon
Why do I sell bows on ebay
The English longbows that I sell on ebay are essentially the same bows that I advertise on this web site for £250 except in several regards. On ebay, the bows fetch substantially less than if being sold as custom bow directly to customers. The ebay bows differ in that they are not made for an individual archer and individual requirements are not taken into consideration. They are generic longbows made either to a weight I want or to the weight they come out at. Wood choice is also mine.
Also the bows are finished with only one coat of varnish and not three. The handle is not padded and may be of an experimental material. There is a full warranty available with the ebay bows but this has to be bought separately. I also generate sales through the direct link on the ebay advertisement from those who wish to buy a custom longbow.
However, the performance of the ebay longbows is exactly the same as a custom made bow within the restrictions mentioned above.
How do I order an English longbow?
Bows may be ordered by email, telephone or you may visit the workshop. There are several details that are required for any longbow. These include draw weight, draw length, whether you are right or left handed and preferred woods to be used. Help can be given if any of his information is unknown. It is useful to also know what type of shooting you will be doing as this can affect the tillering and construction of the bow. An order would normally be submitted with a deposit, usually £50.00. Lead times can vary depending on the construction and woods to be used.