Short Bow:
Short bows are easier to use than other bows, and surpass the longbow for short range targets. Unlike the long bow, the short bow can be used while standing, kneeling, on horseback or in confined spaces. The disadvantage of the short bow is without a doubt the lack of range, the longer the distance to be fired, the less force the arrow will have upon meeting the target.

The Longbow:
A longbow has a D-shaped cross section usually running about 5 ft in length, or sometimes longer.  The bow of choice for distance shooting but generally useless in close quarters.  Longbows are easier to build than the wide limbed flatbow, which is an advantage when many bows have to be made to supply armies. Because of the D shaped cross section the forces are concentrated on a very small area of the belly when drawn. To minimize the compression, the bow must be made very long (hence the name!). The best wood for this bow is the elastic Yew.

The Recurve:
Recurving of the ends gives this bow its name along with the look of elegance. A recurved bow shoots faster and farther than a straight ended bow of the same weight and they have a smoother draw. Recurved Bows are not as long as the long bow...but not as small as the short bow. A mid sized weapon that proves its worth both in the open and in confined spaces. Strong yet lightweight.

  The Crossbow:
The crossbow is a bow built for raw power.  It uses an artificial tension rather than a hand drawn force, with the string pulled back by crank to be locked into place before firing, much like a catapult. Accuracy is lost when using a crossbow for long range shooting so stick to closer targets with this weapon.  Crossbow bolts are shorter and thicker than regular arrows with a much heavier arrow head, and are more apt to punch right through certain types of armour.

Bow Woods:
(only a few of many)
Yew being a conifer it is softer and so more delicate, and it does not take extremes of temperature well.  A bow of this wood can break if used in freezing temperatures and will lose cast in very hot weather.

Hickory kept dry, a bow crafted of hickory will rival any in strength and flexibility. Cold and hot temperatures do little damage to this bow wood but dampness should be avoided.

Ash Another excellent wood for the Long bow,recurved bow, and flat bow. When cured properly a bow of this wood is virtually unbreakable and retains its flexibility through long usage.

Osage or Hedge Apple Loves to grow twisted, crooked and full of limbs. Finding quality staves from this wood is very difficult but well worth the effort since it ishard yet elastic, resinous and durable which makes it unaffected by climate extremes.

Taking care of your bow:
Your bow must be cared for just as any sword or piece of armour.  Careful waxing will reduce the fatigue in the wood.  Cold, heat or exposure to damp conditions can also warp or weaken the wood of the bow. To protect against this you might wrap the bow in a leather cover.

An archer should never carry their bow worn over the shoulder and chest like a sash. This only stretches the string and ruins the tautness of the wood.

Also remember to unstring your bow when not needed to keep the tension in the wood.

Bowstrings:
Linen strings require care and are generally short lived. They must be waxed and inspected carefully, along with all archery equipment, for wear before use.  Should the string break when an arrow is shot, the bow will have nothing to stop the forward thrust of the limbs, most likely causing the bow itself to break too.

Bracers:
Used to protect the bow arm, providing a smooth surface for the string to strike.  The Bracer or Armguard also keeps shirtsleeves tied back so it won't deflect or tangle in the string and spoil the shot.

Fingerguards:
Generally the fingerguard is a leather tab that fits over your drawing fingers like rings. An archers glove might also be used, it is a glove with only two finger covers, leaving your thumb, index finger and pinkie finger free.  The guard and glove cut down on friction to your skin from the flight of the arrow and any snapback of your bowstring.  Veteran archers tend to go without fingerguards/gloves since they have natural callouses from continuous practice.

More Terms and Definitions

((Under Major Construction))