In today’s video we meet Robert Geddes, a professional bow maker that brings history to life through his craftsmanship while maintaining traditional ties with artisans who wielded transformative influence through weaponry. Fascinated by the meditative nature of working with wood, Robert meticulously crafts english longbows that echo the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Employing hand tools, he peels back single pieces of wood, gradually revealing the shapes required for these medieval weapons. The process is ancient and deliberate, involving constant testing to ensure the bow's strength and optimal range. Please enjoy.

Important Information:
In order to demonstrate and film the various stages of the process in the time we had, we started cutting oak; roughed out already seasoned elm; finished the tillering on yew. The wood is also dried for 3 years.

Robert’s social media:
• Facebook:   / robertgeddesbowyer  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/string_on_a...

More info about Robert and his longbows:
https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/p...

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:33 Cutting down the tree
1:53 Stripping the bark
2:30 Split in half
3:11 Weigh and dry the wood
4:10 Cut to length and shape
6:05 Applying cow horn nocks
7:27 String making using a reverse twist Flemish loop
8:47 Apply serving
9:11 Tillering process
12:50 Applying the finish (linseed oil & beeswax)
13:30 In the field (shooting)



#EnglishLongbow #MedievalLongbow #Longbow #Woodworking #Bowyer #Craftsmanship #Artisan #Bowandarrow


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