Different Ways to Make a Bow & Arrows

There are several different ways to make a bow and arrow, some of which are very simple, and some that use multiple materials, modern techniques and specific engineering to maximize performance. The traditional straight bow is one of the easiest bows to make. Recurve and decurve bows both use curved bow limbs to change the nature of how the bow works.

  1. Straight Bow

    • A straight bow is one that is straight when seen from the side, though this is not actually the case with many straight bows, which develop a natural curve from the constant flexing of the bow limbs. The most important part of making a straight bow is the selection of wood, which must have straight grains that are closely aligned and with few or no knots. The bow is made by notching either end for stringing, tapering the limbs if necessary and creating a handhold.

    Compound Bow

    • Compound bows are made with modern materials and construction techniques. They use pulleys at the end of both limbs to help increase the draw strength. The bow is typically constructed of several different materials, including magnesium, aluminum and aluminum alloy. The strings are made from high-strength polyethylene, which minimizes stretching. Without highly specialized manufacturing equipment, it would be difficult to make a compound bow because of the various materials involved. A basic compound bow might be purchased, however, and specialized with specific pulleys, strings and stabilizers to create a unique bow.

    Recurve Bow

    • A recurve bow is any bow that curves away from the archer at either end of the bow. The limbs of a modern recurve bow are constructed of multiple layers of materials, which may include wood, fiberglass and carbon. The riser, which is the center section of the bow, is often a separate piece and will be constructed of a metal such as aluminum alloy, though wood is also an option. With the proper wood, glue to create layers and the equipment necessary to apply heat and pressure to the wood to bend it, an amateur bow maker can construct a recurve bow.

    Decurve Bow

    • A decurve bow is similar to a recurve bow, the main distinction being that the limbs bend toward the archer at their ends, rather than away as in a recurve bow. The reason for bending toward the archer is to reduce strain on the limbs when the bow is put under tension. The most common reason to create such a bow is a lack of access to good-quality wood, which would break more easily under the tensions required of many other bows. A decurve bow would be made by applying heat and pressure to the wood, gradually bending the wood into a curved shape.