How to Make a Bodark Bow

Bodark is a type of hard wood used for carving to make a bow. Also known as Osage orange, bois d'arc and bow wood, bodark wood gives strength and durability to long bows. This particular wood is extremely valuable in bow making and was first discovered by the Osage Indians. The steps to making a bodark bow is like making any other kind of bow. The difference is the process of removing the sap and bark and following the grain of your stave.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch thick piece of bodark wood, 3/4-inch thickness at the ends, sawed and sanded
  • Bow string
  • Sharp knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut one half circle one inch from both ends of the piece of bodark wood on the flat side. The piece of bodark wood should have a flat side and a round side. This should leave a notch in the wood that allows for the bow string.

    • 2

      Tie one end of the bow string onto one of the half circles using a timber hitch knot. Tie the knot tight.

    • 3

      Tie the other end of the bow string to the remaining half circle using a hard loop. Make sure the bow string is arrow-ready by testing its arrow flexibility. The bow string and bodark wood should be five inches apart when the string is fully extended.