03 / Projects · Field

Arrowsmithing & Bowyering

Every arrow here was built by yours truly from port orford cedar shafts — matched within 5gr per set for consistent flight. As such, my arrows were frequently used by traditional archers in competitive scenarios. The process starts with straightening and tapering the shafts, followed by hand-dipping and cresting to lay down the base colors and patterns. Natural turkey feathers are shaped, dyed, and glued in place by hand.

Each set has its own color scheme and personality. I also taught arrowsmithing and traditional archery classes to students of all ages, including historical reenactment groups like the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

Shafts ····· Port Orford cedar · Matched ····· within 5 gr · Fletch ····· barred turkey

Fig. 01 — Green fletched arrows in a handmade leather quiver.

Fig. 02 — Purple and teal fletched arrows with barred feathers.

Fig. 03 — Red, green, and gold fletched arrows with barred turkey feathers.

Fig. 04 — Rainbow-colored fletched arrows with vibrant dyed feathers.

Fig. 05 — Pink fletched arrows with barred feathers on fur hide.

Fig. 06 — Red and black fletched arrows on a log.

Fig. 07 — White and blue fletched arrows with barred feathers.

Fig. 08 — Green and blue fletched arrows on a tree stump.

Fig. 09 — Blue and black fletched arrows on the workbench.

Fig. 10 — Rainbow fletched arrows — close-up of dyed feather detail.

Fig. 11 — Orange and purple fletched arrows on a drying rack.

Fig. 12 — Green and purple arrows in the fletching jig.

Fig. 13 — Rainbow crested arrow held in hand at the workshop.

Fig. 14 — Archery tag arrows with foam boxing glove tips.

Fig. 15 — Hand-carved bow riser in progress at the workbench.

Fig. 16 — A split shot trick I used to do with two of my hand-crafted whistle tip arrows (also called signal arrows)