Stickbow Vs. Longbow: What's The Difference?

A stickbow is a type of bow made from a single piece of wood, sometimes referred to as a self-bow. It is a traditional bow with straight limbs that form an arc when strung. Stickbows are often associated with the English longbow, popularised by Robin Hood, and used for target shooting. However, the term can also refer to a recurve or longbow, and some sources suggest it is a more general term for any bow without wheels.

Stickbow vs. Recurve

Stickbows and recurves are both types of traditional bows, with the stickbow being a broader term that can refer to either a longbow or a recurve. Stickbows are typically made from a single piece of wood, while recurves have limbs that curve away from the archer at mid-limb, allowing them to store more energy and resulting in faster arrow speeds.

Basic Differences

Stickbows are often associated with the longbow, which has a D-shaped arc when strung. Longbows are generally quieter and more forgiving than recurves due to their grip design and straight limbs, but they tend to be slower. Recurves, on the other hand, are shorter and easier to manoeuvre, especially in confined spaces like pop-up blinds. They are also more portable, as they can be taken down and stored in three sections.

Learning to Shoot

Both stickbows and recurves require practice to master, but the learning curve for a recurve is generally steeper. Recurves become more difficult to pull as you get closer to full draw, requiring significant strength to hold the bow in position. Stickbows, on the other hand, are simpler and may be more intuitive for beginners.

Speed and Accuracy

Recurves can achieve impressive arrow speeds, but their accuracy is highly dependent on the shooter's skill and practice. Instinctive shooting, which is common with recurves, requires a lot of practice to master. Stickbows, while generally slower, are noted for their accuracy due to their longer limbs and reduced string "pinch".

Ease of Use and Handling

Recurves are typically longer than modern compound bows, making them more challenging to handle in tight spaces. However, they are extremely lightweight and have a sleek profile, making them easy to manoeuvre in the field. Stickbows, especially longbows, are generally slower to shoot but offer a smooth release due to their longer limbs.

Making a stickbow

Step 1: Choosing the Right Wood

Select a long, straight stick or branch about the same height as yourself. The ideal wood should be dry, hardwood such as hickory, elm, osage, yew, or certain types of ash. Avoid wood that is rotten or green, as it won't provide the necessary strength and flexibility.

Step 2: Preparing the Stick

Find the center of your stick and mark it. Remove the bark, being careful not to cut through the outer growth ring, as this will create a weak spot. Leave any knots on the stick, as cutting them might weaken the stick.

Step 3: Determining the Natural Bend

Place one end of the stick on the ground and hold the other end loosely. Push on the handle to find the natural bend of the stick. Mark the side that faces towards you, as this will be the belly of the bow. Start shaping the bow by shaving off wood from both limbs, tapering them towards the ends.

Step 4: Stringing the Bow

Create notches about 1-2 inches from each end of the bow, angled towards the branch. Use a strong, non-stretchy string such as nylon cord, and tie a knot at one of the notches. Pull the string to the other notch and tie another knot, ensuring the string is taut.

Step 5: Testing and Adjusting

Stand on the middle of the bow and pull up on both ends of the string to test its balance. If one side is stronger, adjust by removing more wood from that side. You can also place the bow on a tillering board and draw the string to mark where the limbs need adjustment for even bending.

Step 6: Finishing the Bow

You can strengthen the bow by applying strips of sinew to the back using hide glue. Remember to unstring the bow when you're not using it to prevent loss of tension.

Step 7: Making Arrows

Arrows require straight, lightweight, and strong wood. Find sticks with these characteristics and cut them to a length of about half the bow's length. Remove the bark, shape the arrows, and create a nock at one end for the string. You can use stone or metal to create arrowheads, attaching them with glue or lashing. Feathers can be used for fletching, glued or wrapped tightly with thread.

Remember to always practice safety when using your stickbow, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own traditional archery set!

Stickbow length

The length of a stickbow is an important factor in its performance and ease of use. While the specific length can vary, most stickbows tend to be on the longer side, typically measuring between 62 and 72 inches. This longer length is a defining characteristic of stickbows, also known as longbows, and sets them apart from other types of bows like recurves, which are shorter.

The length of a stickbow has implications for its use and handling. On the one hand, a longer bow provides more power and is well-suited for activities like field shooting, 3D archery, target shooting, and hunting. The extra length also reduces fatigue on the fingers and joints of the archer. However, the longer length can also make the stickbow more challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces or when shooting from horseback.

When choosing a stickbow, it's important to consider the archer's height and draw length to ensure a proper fit. As a general guideline, the bow should match the archer's height plus a couple of inches. If the bow is too short, drawing it will feel uncomfortable, and if it's too long, there will be wasted energy due to the extra height of the limbs at full draw.

In summary, the length of a stickbow is a key characteristic that influences its performance, ease of use, and suitability for different types of archery. While the specific length can vary, most stickbows are on the longer side, and choosing the right length for your needs and preferences is essential for optimal shooting experience.

Stickbow weight

Stickbows, also known as longbows, are made of wood and are considered "traditional" bows. They are typically heavier than recurve bows, which are more modern and high-tech. The weight of a stickbow depends on its design and the type of wood used. For example, a stickbow made from a thicker wood like hickory or locust will be heavier than one made from a lighter wood like Oregon yew or mulberry.

The weight of a stickbow is also determined by its length. A longer stickbow will be heavier than a shorter one, assuming the same type of wood is used. Typically, stickbows are longer than recurve bows, with an average length of 72 inches or more. The ideal length for a stickbow is one that fits the archer's height plus a couple of inches.

The weight of a stickbow also depends on its draw weight, which is the force required to draw the bowstring. A heavier stickbow will have a higher draw weight, requiring more strength to pull and hold the string. The draw weight of a stickbow can be adjusted by thinning or thickening the limbs, a process known as tillering.

Stickbows are heavier than recurve bows but are still considered lightweight and easy to carry. Their weight can range from 30# to 85#, with an average weight of around 50#.

When choosing a stickbow, it is important to consider the archer's strength and comfort level. A heavier stickbow may be more challenging to draw and hold, requiring more practice and skill. A lighter stickbow, on the other hand, may be more suitable for beginners or those with less physical strength.

Additionally, the weight of the stickbow can impact its performance. A heavier stickbow may have a smoother draw and be easier to control, while a lighter stickbow may be more manoeuvrable and suitable for hunting or target practice.

In conclusion, the weight of a stickbow is determined by various factors, including the type and length of wood, the draw weight, and the desired level of performance. Stickbows are generally heavier than recurve bows but still offer a lightweight option for archers, especially when compared to compound bows.

Stickbow arrows

Stickbows are a type of traditional bow, often handmade and crafted from natural materials. They are typically constructed from a single piece of wood, known as a stave, and can be made using a variety of flexible hardwoods such as hickory, elm, ash, and maple. The process of creating a stickbow involves carefully shaping and seasoning the wood, attaching a string, and crafting arrows that are straight, lightweight, and strong.

• Materials: For the arrows, collect straight, knotless sticks with a diameter of 3/8 to 5/8 inches. Good wood options include willow, dogwood, cedar, fir, ash, and chokecherry.
• Drying: Bundle the sticks together to prevent warping and let them dry for about two weeks.
• Shaping: Drill a 1/4 or 3/8-inch hole in a block of wood and shape the shafts of the arrows to fit the hole. Straighten the shafts by holding one end over steam or a small fire, then apply pressure to remove any kinks.
• Fletching: Cut a nock at one end of the shaft and a deeper notch at the other end for the arrowhead. Split the vanes of feathers and attach them to the arrow using glue or tightly wrapped threads of sinew.
• Arrowheads: Use stone, bone, or antler to craft arrowheads. Alternatively, you can use a small, blunt object like a rock and secure it to the arrow with duct tape.
• Testing: Ensure that your arrows fly straight and fast. You may need to adjust the fletching or arrowhead to achieve optimal performance.

Crafting stickbow arrows is a satisfying process, but it requires more time and skill than making the bow itself. It is important to prioritise safety when creating and using your stickbow arrows, and always choose your materials and workspace carefully.

Frequently asked questions