How to Make a Samurai Longbow

Longbows were used around the world, but perhaps most famously in Japan. The samurai created their own version of the longbow, one that was both powerful and accurate. To make your own samurai longbow, you need patience and some basic woodworking ability. The entire process could take several weeks to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Oak sapling branch, 2 inches wide
  • Measuring tape
  • Sharp knife
  • Electric saw
  • Vice
  • File
  • Rasp
  • Sandpaper
  • Standard 2-by-4
  • Leather straps
  • Nylon bow string
  • Varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your oak sapling branch, and trim to 6 feet long with the knife. Strip the bark off the sapling with your fingers. If you encounter stubborn bark, use a sharp knife to remove it. Cut the sapling in two lengthwise so you have two potential bows. Examine each half of the sapling, and choose the one that is straighter and more flexible, if there's a difference.

    • 2

      Secure the chosen half of the bow flat side up in the vice. Use the file and rasp to reduce the thickness of the bow to just under 1 inch. Remove wood only from the flat side of the bow. The middle of the bow should stay at just under 1 inch thick. The ends of the bow should be 1/2 inch thick. Taper the bow to fit these dimensions using whatever technique is most comfortable for you.

    • 3

      Remove the bow from the vice, and sand smooth. Use the knife to carve two notches, one into either end of the bow. These will be the nocks that hold the bow string in place.

    • 4

      Secure the bow to a flat bench or worktable with the leather straps, flat side up. Cut two 4-inch blocks off the end of the 2-by-4. Place one of these blocks under each end of the bow, raising each end 4 inches. Tighten the leather straps to pull the center of the bow downward. The result should be a slight recurve to the bow. Leave the bow strapped in this position for four to six weeks.

    • 5

      Unstrap the bow. String the bow with the nylon bow string, and set it aside for 24 hours. Unstring the bow, and bend and release the bow at least 100 times. Observe the bow carefully, and look for any areas where the bow is not bending evenly. Sand these areas down. Only sand off wood from the flat side of the bow. Continue this process until you're satisfied with the profile and curve of the bow.

    • 6

      Varnish the bow using the varnish of your choosing. Consult the manufacturer's directions to determine how many coats you'll need and how long each coat should dry. Once the final coat of varnish is dry, you can restring and use your samurai longbow.