Kevin Hawkins is a bowyer based in North Carolina and moderator and owner of the Primitive Archer Forum. He recently took over the Forum from the founders to preserve the community that has given so much to him as a bowyer and plans to maintain and update it so it can continue to be a valuable resource to bowyers.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Kevin Hawkins.
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/primitivearchermagazine
https://www.primitivearcher.com/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary
In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from carving his first bow out of a sapling in Oklahoma to becoming a renowned bowyer specializing in Osage. We explore his techniques, flight shooting records, and the passion that keeps him crafting bows in his workshop. In this episode, Kevin shares his innovative approach to bow making, including how he minimizes set and maximizes performance through scientific principles and practical techniques. Todd and Kevin also discuss the importance of community, preservation of craft, and future projects like the Primitive Archer forum and a groundbreaking book on bowyers worldwide.
Show Notes:
Kevin's background and journey into bow making
Techniques for carving and shaping Osage orange bows
His experience with flight shooting records
The importance of craftsmanship and materials in bow making
The role of tradition and innovation in archery Kevin's method for achieving perfect tiller and no-set bows
The role of surface area and density in bow performance
Use of a custom bow set calculator and app
Community efforts to preserve primitive archery craft
Kevin's travel and mentorship experiences with top bowyers
Future projects including the Primitive Archer forum and magazine
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Kevin's Workshop Tour
01:50 Kevin's Background and How He Started Making Bows
05:02 Carving the First Bow from a Sapling
07:54 His Experience with Flight Shooting Records
12:02 Materials and Techniques for Bow Making
16:02 Using Osage Orange and Other Woods
20:06 Hunting and Archery Practice
23:59 The Journey of Harvesting and Preparing Osage Logs
29:59 Tools and Power Tools in Bow Making
35:03 The Meditative and Therapeutic Aspects of Crafting Bows
39:59 Community and Competitions in Archery
44:54 Future Projects and Goals in Bow Making
