#98 Jake Fenwick on Project Quiver
Available on these platforms: Spotify | Anchor | Apple | PocketCasts
Available on these platforms: Spotify | Anchor | Apple | PocketCasts
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 recent 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.
“It’s really refreshing to then see the Mary Rose bows...and they treat knots...the same way.”
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jake Fenwick.
Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/fenwickbows
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
