#98 Jake Fenwick on Project Quiver

Jake Fenwick of Fenwick Bows is a bowyer in New Brunswick, Canada, with a strong interest in the history of bows, especially English longbows. His stopover to examine the Mary Rose bows in England was a highlight of a recent trip to he took to Norway to harvest yew staves. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jake Fenwick. Episode Links: https://www.fenwickbows.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fenwickbows Fenwick Bows on FaceBook Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this episode, Jake and Todd discuss the fascinating world of historical bows, wood selection, and Jake’s recent expeditions to Norway for stave harvesting. They explore the craftsmanship of the Mary Rose bows, the properties of lemon wood, and practical insights into traditional bow-making techniques. In this episode, Jake and Todd explore the art of bow making, the importance of harvesting the right wood, and the deep connection between nature and craftsmanship. They share personal stories, practical tips, and cultural insights from their experiences in Scandinavia and North America. Show Notes: Analysis of Mary Rose bows and their construction Properties and harvesting of lemon wood for bows Heat treatment and tool marks on ancient bows Historical bow design and military applications Challenges of stave harvesting in Norway Differences in wood growth and ring structure in tropical vs. northern climates The role of side knocks and horn fittings in bows The significance of wood grain and density in bow performance The importance of harvesting the right wood for bows Personal stories of sourcing and selecting bow staves Cultural insights from Scandinavian and North American communities The patience required in traditional bow making The connection between nature, trees, and craftsmanship Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:04 Introduction to Bow Making and Wood Harvesting 02:05 Todd's recent surfing and jujitsu routine 03:55 Update on Todd's shop and stave storage 04:05 Personal Stories of Sourcing Bow Staves in Scandinavia 05:59 Properties of lemon wood and growth ring structure 08:04 Analysis of the Mary Rose bows and tool marks 10:10 The Significance of Tree Selection and Observation 11:50 Heat treatment evidence on ancient bows 14:56 The Challenges and Rewards of Harvesting Laburnum 15:59 Signs of reworking and horn knock placement 19:52 Historical bow draw weights and military use 20:17 Cultural Insights: Scandinavian Communities and Traditions 23:48 Wood grain, density, and performance factors 24:49 The Patience and Time Required in Bow Craftsmanship 28:08 Tool marks and craftsmanship details 30:07 The Connection Between Trees and the Bowyer's Craft 32:04 Jake's recent stave harvesting expedition in Norway 35:00 Community, Sharing, and Passing Down Traditions 35:56 Norwegian landscape, geography, and harvesting challenges 39:53 Wildlife encounters and landscape similarities 40:13 Practical Tips for Harvesting and Selecting Wood 42:01 Shipping and import restrictions for raw lumber 44:52 Reflections on Nature and the Craftsmanship Journey