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#8 on this list
English Warbow / Traditional Longbow
Pip Bickerstaffe / Joe Gibbs
Yew or laminated warbow in the historical pattern. Heavy draws, deep archery tradition, roving and clout.
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#9 on this list
Osage Selfbow
Custom bowyers (Dean Torges, Clay Hayes, Billy Berger)
One-stave osage orange bow, hand-tillered. The oldest working design in North America, still hard to beat for a hunting-weight stick bow.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | English Warbow / Traditional Longbow | Osage Selfbow |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid Yew / Osage Orange / Laminated | — |
| Bow Type | Self Bow / Traditional Longbow | Selfbow (Traditional) |
| Typical Draw Weights | 70 - 120 lbs+ | — |
| Arrow Material | Wood (heavy spine) | — |
| Shooting Style | Instinctive, Mediterranean draw | — |
| Maker | — | Custom Bowyers |
| Material | — | Osage Orange Wood |
| Draw Weight | — | Highly variable, custom ordered |
| Handedness | — | Ambidextrous (typically) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
English Warbow / Traditional Longbow
- Unmatched connection to historical archery
- Exceptional power and arrow cast with heavy arrows
- Deeply rewarding to master
- Impressive durability and longevity
- Authentic, minimalist shooting experience
- Extremely demanding physically; not for beginners
- Poor portability due to length
- High cost for quality custom craftsmanship
- Limited shot count before fatigue sets in
Osage Selfbow
- Deep connection to traditional archery and craftsmanship
- Exceptional durability and resistance to wear
- Quiet shot, ideal for hunting scenarios
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Unmatched shooting feel and sensory feedback
- Not as fast as modern bows
- Requires significant skill to master
- One-piece design limits packability
- Less consistent than synthetic materials without precise tillering
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