I came across Warrick Harvey and Harvey Archery on Facebook when I saw some of his risers made from various stabilized burl woods. I started looking at his photos and saw that he used amboyna burl in a few bows. I have been in love with that particular wood for a long time but had never seen it used in a bow. I had heard that some bowyers used it in risers but never as limb veneer because they couldn't get pieces big enough. But there it was, on limbs and in handles.
So I fought temptation as long as I could but then I noticed he made knives as well and then I caved. I commissioned an all-amboyna burl bow and a matching knife to go with it. Seeing as Warrick lives in South Africa, I thought it was also fitting that he use some local material in the bow. He accommodated me by putting gemsbok horn on the back of the riser and the limb tips. I think the total time from me placing the order to him finishing the bow was 3 weeks!
Bow specs: It is his Crowned Eagle model which is a hybrid longbow. The bow is 60" long and pulls 53#@28". The limb core is bamboo and the belly veneer is spalted bamboo. I asked why he didn't use the same veneer on both sides of the limb and he said he always used bamboo on the belly for performance purposes. The back limb veneer is amboyna burl and the riser is also amboyna burl. You can see the gemsbok horn on the riser and tips. Warrick said he should have the knife done next week. I look forward to seeing it as well.
I hope she shoots as good as she looks!
Darren
