Custom Bows

Materials

All my bows are made from premium wood most of which I harvest, hand split and carefully season myself. The wood that I typically have available is Osage orange, Pacific yew, and ironwood (Eastern hophornbeam). There are other good species that grow in my area which I may add to my supply, and it's possible that I can acquire other types of bow woods as needed.

Please contact me if you want to know what I currently have seasoned and ready to work. I make self bows (un-backed bows typically from one piece of wood) or bows backed with natural materials such as rawhide, snake skins, sinew, etc. Every bow I make is unique with it's own character and feel.

My Process

When making a custom bow, I can accommodate a variety of styles and designs. I’m happy to talk with you about your ideas, needs and limitations to help envision the perfect bow for you. Each type of wood has its own strengths and weaknesses and lends itself to certain designs.

Sometimes I come across bow worthy character wood, staves that have “snakey” grain or well placed knot holes, etc. I don’t use these for custom bows due to their uniqueness and difficulty matching them to particular specifications. If that kind of bow interests you, they are occasionally available for sale in the Bows for Sale section.

For my custom bows I use the highest possible quality staves for building durable, high performance bows to your specifications. I’ll be honest about what works and what doesn’t, as well as my own limitations. If I can't do what you're asking but I know that it can be done, I’ll gladly connect you with someone who can.

Please browse my Gallery of past bows for ideas and inspiration.

Custom Orders

Pricing

The price of each custom bow will depend on the materials needed, the design and the level of finish work. The price of a custom bow will be $1500, $1750 or $2000 depending on the materials and design details.

I ask for a $200 deposit to secure the materials for your bow, and the rest of the money will be paid upon completion. 

Ultimately the cost of any bow will need to be discussed and agreed upon based on the unique nature of the project.

Timeline

I am a one-man operation with a wife and two children. I take my custom orders seriously and work on them diligently however there are times when I become backed up. I will strive to be as honest and accurate as I can when offering a time frame for completion.

Placing an Order

To place a custom order, contact me directly.

Phone: (971) 322-469

Email: swiftwoodbows@gmail.com

When reaching out please be prepared with the following details:

  • Draw length

  • Desired draw weight (with a 5# window)

  • Left or right handed

  • Any design preferences such as limb profile (straight, reflexed, recurve)

  • Self nocks vs. overlays

  • Handle wrap vs. bare handle, rawhide, sturgeon snakeskin backings etc. (I can discuss any of these options with you to help you decide if you aren’t sure).