#52 Weylin Olive on Project Quiver

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Weylin Olive, husband and father of two, is a professional bowyer based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Through his company, Swiftwood Bows, he sells world-class handmade primitive bows, offers bow carving workshops, and provides content for amateur bowyers. 

He credits much of his success as a bowyer to his mentors and a supportive traditional archery community. He is deeply passionate about the art of bowmaking, traditional archery, and bow hunting and loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

“I really feel like there is something deep within us that archery speaks to.”

— Weylin Olive

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Weylin Olive.         

Episode Links:

swiftwoodbows.com

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Show Notes:

Weylin's journey into archery began with hunting and fishing in Wisconsin.

He became interested in bow making after attending a primitive skills gathering.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Weylin's development as a bowyer.

The community of bowyers is large and supportive, with many resources available online.

There is a resurgence of interest in traditional archery, largely due to social media.

Cultural roots of archery span thousands of years across various civilizations.

Weylin emphasizes the importance of using quality materials in bow making.

Teaching bow making requires patience and a focus on individual student needs.

Different woods have unique properties that affect bow performance.

Weylin's passion for bow making has grown since transitioning to it as a full-time profession.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Project Quiver and Bow Making Journey

02:41 The Evolution of Archery Interest

05:41 Community and Collaboration in Bow Making

08:49 The Resurgence of Traditional Archery

11:25 Cultural Significance of Archery

14:10 The Magic of Making Your Own Bow

16:54 Transitioning from Hobby to Profession

19:50 The Business of Bow Making

22:29 Favorite Woods for Bow Making

25:21 Challenges of Working with Different Woods

28:02 The Impact of Logging on Bow Wood Availability

31:10 Exploring Lesser-Known Bow Woods

34:03 The Future of Bow Making and Sustainability

40:45 Understanding Bow Wood Characteristics

47:24 Exploring Osage Wood for Bow Making

54:46 Teaching the Art of Bow Carving

01:01:18 The Relationship Between Bowyers and Archers

01:07:51 Overcoming Challenges in Archery

01:13:43 Bow Hunting Practices and Preferences