Rosalie Atkins
Two-piece takedown longbows are a great option for archers who want the benefits of a longbow with added portability. They are designed to be easily disassembled for convenient transport and storage, making them ideal for hunters who need to trek through rugged terrain or travel by plane. While some archers prefer the simplicity of a one-piece longbow, others appreciate the flexibility offered by three-piece takedown bows, which allow for changes in draw weight and limb style. However, two-piece takedown longbows have their own advantages, including sleek designs that preserve the slim lines of a one-piece bow, and tool-less assembly for added convenience. Various locking mechanisms are used to secure the two halves of the bow together, including bow bolts, pin-and-bolt systems, scarf-joint sleeves, and hinges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of transport | Easy to pack for storage and travel |
| Appearance | Slim lines, no obvious line betraying the "hidden" TD function |
| Durability | One shot closer to failure than one-piece bows |
| Cost | More costly than one-piece bows |
| Weight | Generally heavier than one-piece bows |
| Stability | More stable than one-piece bows |
| Noise | May make noise from the takedown or hinge area |
| Tool requirement | Some require tools, some don't |
| Safety | Must unstring the bow if not planning to shoot for more than a week |
What You'll Learn
The bow-bolt system used by Toelke
The Bow Bolt Take Down System is a fast and easy-to-use system for those who travel, backpack, or are looking to save space. The bolt is installed in the riser first, and then the bow is built around it to ensure perfect alignment and the tightest joint. This process results in a nearly seamless joint, allowing for a two-piece takedown that feels just like a one-piece bow, with only a few ounces of extra weight.
Toelke Traditional Archery offers a range of longbows featuring the Bow Bolt Take Down System, including the Whip, the Whistler, the Pika, and the Super D. The Whip, Whistler, and Pika are available in one-piece or two-piece options, while the Super D is offered as a two-piece takedown. The Whistler and the Pika are shorter bows, with the Pika being one of the shortest longbows available, while the Super D is a longer bow, offered in lengths up to 68".
The Whip is Toelke's most popular design, known for its smoothness, shootability, and performance. It features a locator-style grip with a thumb rest, and a leather wrap option is also available. The Whistler is a reflex deflex longbow that is smooth, quiet, and easy to shoot. The Pika, another reflex deflex longbow, is compact and stable, making it ideal for hunting. The Super D is a semi-static tip recurve with very little hand shock, and it has gained popularity among shooters who enjoy shooting D-style bows.
The Bow Bolt Take Down System allows for a seamless two-piece design, providing the convenience of easy transport and storage without compromising the performance and feel of a one-piece bow.
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Pin-and-bolt system used by Centaur
The Centaur longbow is a popular choice for archers who want the convenience of a takedown bow without compromising on aesthetics. The Centaur's pin-and-bolt system ensures a solid lockup with three steel pins and two bolts, providing a secure connection between the upper and lower limbs. This system requires a hex wrench for assembly and disassembly, which may be considered a minor inconvenience by some. However, the Centaur bow is renowned for its shooting performance and sleek design, making it a desirable option for those seeking a high-quality takedown longbow.
The Centaur's pin-and-bolt system offers a unique approach to securing the limbs, and its effectiveness is evident in the positive feedback it has received from owners. One user praised the Centaur's shooting abilities, stating that it "sure is a nice bow and it really throws an arrow." The same user also highlighted the bow's ability to produce powerful shots, even comparing its performance to that of full-sized wood recurve bows with similar poundage.
Another advantage of the Centaur's pin-and-bolt system is the precision and stability it provides. The tight and secure fit of the limbs contributes to the bow's overall shooting accuracy and consistency. Additionally, the system's use of steel pins and bolts adds mass to the riser, further enhancing the bow's stability and shooting performance.
While the Centaur's pin-and-bolt system requires the use of a hex wrench, it is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The process of assembling and disassembling the bow is straightforward, and the wrench required is a common tool that many archers may already have in their possession. The system's reliance on a hex wrench is a small trade-off for the added stability, precision, and convenience it offers.
In summary, the Centaur's pin-and-bolt system offers a secure, stable, and user-friendly option for those seeking a takedown longbow. With its solid lockup and precision fit, the Centaur provides exceptional shooting performance while maintaining the sleek and elegant lines of a traditional longbow. The system's requirement for a hex wrench is a minor concession given the overall benefits it delivers in terms of convenience, accuracy, and power.
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Scarf-joint sleeve used by Sky
The scarf joint sleeve used by Sky in its 2-piece takedown longbows is a method of joining two members end-to-end, in this case, the two halves of the longbow. This joint is often favoured in woodworking as it yields a barely visible glue line, preserving the slim lines of the bow while also providing a strong connection.
The scarf joint, also known as a scarph joint, is formed by cutting opposing tapered ends on each member, which are then fitted together. In the case of Sky's longbows, this joint is likely reinforced with adhesive and possibly additional mechanical fasteners. This joint design provides a strong connection, with the long grain-to-long grain gluing surface resulting in a stronger joint than a simple butt joint.
The tapers of the scarf joint are typically cut at an angle between 1:8 to 1:10, with the ends feathered to a fine point to obscure the joint. This joint design is also used in metalworking and has been employed in vintage aircraft restoration and timber framing.
Sky's use of the scarf-joint sleeve method allows for a seamless and discreet connection between the two halves of the longbow, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This design enables easy transport and storage without sacrificing the performance and sleek appearance of a one-piece longbow.
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Hinge at the front of the handle
A hinge at the front of the handle is one way that a 2-piece takedown longbow can stay together. This hinge is typically made of bronze and covered by the wrap of the handle. The hinge hooks together for shooting and stays in place until it is manually separated. This hinge design allows for a seamless fit between the two pieces of the bow, with no tools required for assembly or disassembly. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to be able to quickly and easily take their longbow apart for travel or storage.
One example of a 2-piece takedown longbow that utilises this hinge design is the Peregrine 50's style recurve. This bow features a bronze hinge at the front of the handle, which hooks together to form a seamless connection. The hinge is discreetly covered by the wrap of the handle, giving the bow the sleek appearance of a one-piece longbow. This design provides the benefits of both a one-piece and a takedown bow, combining the classic look of a one-piece longbow with the convenience and portability of a takedown bow.
Another similar design is the Black Widow PL, which also features a hinge at the front of the handle. This hinge allows the bow to be easily taken apart and put back together without the need for any tools. This makes it a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a takedown bow without the hassle of dealing with multiple components. The Black Widow PL is known for its sleek design, with a seamless fit between the two pieces that gives no indication that it is a takedown bow.
The hinge design offers a secure and discreet way to connect the two pieces of the longbow. The hooking mechanism of the hinge ensures a tight fit, while the placement of the hinge at the front of the handle provides stability and minimises any impact on the bow's performance. This design also eliminates the need for additional tools or components, making it a simple and straightforward option for those who want the convenience of a takedown bow without the complexity of other connection systems.
Overall, the hinge at the front of the handle is a reliable and effective method for keeping a 2-piece takedown longbow together. It offers a seamless and discreet connection, with no impact on the bow's performance or appearance. This design is favoured by those who want the convenience of a takedown bow without sacrificing the traditional look and feel of a one-piece longbow.
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Sleeve-type system
The sleeve-type system is a popular method for 2-piece takedown longbows to stay together. It involves a brass sleeve that slides into a steel handle, forming a solid, rugged, and simple joint. The bow can be easily converted to a takedown or made from scratch using this system. The sleeve-type system is preferred by some archers for its sleek look, as it preserves the slim lines of a one-piece bow while offering the convenience of easy transport.
One notable example of a bowyer who uses the sleeve-type system is Sky, whose scarf-joint sleeve design is mentioned by multiple archers. Jim Belcher of Sky offers custom longbows with this takedown system, allowing archers to choose their preferred limb and riser materials.
Another well-known bowyer who uses a similar system is Big Jim, whose 2-piece bows are known for their tight fit and precision. Big Jim's bows have a composite sleeve or a "slip-fit" 2-piece construction, requiring no tools for assembly and disassembly. Archers appreciate the convenience and stealth of Big Jim's sleeve-type system, as the joint is nearly invisible, and the bow can be quickly disassembled for travel and storage.
Other notable bow makers that utilise the sleeve-type system include Wes Wallace, Fox Archery, and Timberpoint. Archers considering a 2-piece takedown longbow with this system can explore these options, weighing factors such as customisation, wait times, and personal preferences for grip and aesthetics.
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Frequently asked questions
Some two-piece takedown longbows include the Timberpoint Odyssey, the Black Widow PL, the Thunder Child, the Whip, the Mandarin Duck Devour, the Striker Cocobolo Classic, the Bob Lee, the Bear Super Kodiak, the Great Northern hinge, the Centaur, the Tomahawk Bows SS Diamond Series, the Toelke Whip, the Black Widow Bighorn, the Schafer Silvertip, the Wes Wallace Royal, the Harrison HHS, the Groves Magnum II, the 3Rivers Tomahawk, and the Pika.
Two-piece takedown longbows are convenient for travel and storage, and they can be assembled quickly without tools. They are also lighter and more stable than one-piece longbows.
One disadvantage of a two-piece takedown longbow is that they are more expensive than one-piece longbows. Another disadvantage is that if a limb breaks, the entire bow needs to be replaced. Additionally, two-piece takedown longbows may have a more limited handle style, and they often need to be covered with leather or another material.
There are several types of two-piece takedown mechanisms, including the bow bolt, the pin-and-bolt system, the scarf-joint sleeve, the hinge, and the sleeve.
Two-piece takedown longbows typically use one of the mechanisms listed above to stay together. For example, the Black Widow PL and Big Jim bows use a composite sleeve or bow bolt, while the Great Northern Critter Gitter Jackknife uses a hinge.
