Joe Lyons is a bowyer based in Nottingham, England, who has been carving bows for just under two years. His brand, Wildwood Bows, is a nod to his style of bow carving in which he prefers to leave the bark on his bows. He also enjoys carving prehistoric bows and crafting fantasy bows.

“I also got very obsessed with Robin Hood at one point - had some kind of...spiritual connection.”

— Joe Lyons

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Joe Lyons.

Episode Links:

https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodbowyer/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/wildwoodbowyer/?etsrc=sdt#about

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

In this engaging podcast episode, Todd interviews Joe Lyons, a passionate bowyer from Nottingham, England. Joe shares his journey into bow making, inspired by his love for Robin Hood and the game Runescape. He discusses the intricacies of crafting bows, the types of wood he uses, and his aspirations to make heavier bows. The conversation also touches on the importance of balance in archery, Joe's business Wildwood Bows, and his plans to expand his presence on social media.

Show Notes:

Joe discusses his journey from local woods in England to sourcing exotic staves for his bows
The significance of different woods such as hazel, yew, ash, maple, and underrated options like dogwood
How bark rentention and finishes like linseed oil and varnish impact bow performance and appearance
His approach to bow design, including longbows, flatbows, and fantasy-inspired creations
The usage of modern tools like card scrapers and traditional hand tools in bow shaping
How he incorporates cultural and historical inspirations like Robin Hood festivals and Mesolithic bows
The role of ongoing learning and mentorship in mastering bowcraft

Chapters:

(00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Joe Lyons’ background
(02:05) - The Robin Hood festival experience and local events in Nottingham
(07:43) - Making fantasy and themed bows, including orcs and wild rose staves
(10:10) - Wood types and their properties, with a focus on dogwood and wild rose
(15:40) - Training both sides of the body for balance and injury prevention
(22:21) - Using AI and online resources to learn about bow making
(28:14) - Challenges in bow making: horn tips, knock design, and finishing touches
(33:27) - The upcoming book on bow making and sharing knowledge within the community
(43:00) - Current projects and custom commissions, including the historic St. Andrews bow
(45:47) - Finishing techniques: linseed oil, shellac, wax, and handle wraps
(55:00) - Connecting with Joe and exploring his online presence

#81 Joe Lyons on Project Quiver

#80 Cubby Hoover on Project Quiver