Longbows from Bearpaw Products – Experience Tradition in Archery

The Fascination of Archery

Archery has fascinated humans for centuries – as a hunting tool, as a sporting challenge, and as a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. In intuitive and traditional archery, longbows play a central role. Their simple construction, impressive shooting performance, and deep historical connection make them a special choice for archers around the world. At Bearpaw Products, we have dedicated ourselves to this fascination for years, crafting traditional bows that blend modernity with history.

The History of the Longbow – From the Middle Ages to Today

The history of the longbow goes back centuries. Already in the Middle Ages, the traditional longbow played a decisive role, especially in England, where the “English longbow” shaped entire battles. Over generations, it evolved not only as a tool for hunting and warfare but also as a symbol of skill, endurance, and precision.

Even today, the traditional bow has its place in archery, particularly among archers seeking an authentic and unadulterated experience. While modern sport bows often rely on technical aids, the longbow depends entirely on the skill of the archer – a feature that makes instinctive archery so unique.

Longbow Variants – From Selfbows to Composite Bows

Not all longbows are the same. Their construction and materials differ – each variant has its own character.

Selfbow: The most original form of the bow. A selfbow is made from a single piece of wood, usually yew, ash, or elm. Its simplicity gives it unmatched naturalness and authenticity.

Laminate: Multiple layers of wood glued together. This construction provides stability and allows combining different wood properties.

Complex Cores: Using different core woods or additional layers, these bows offer high durability while maintaining smooth shooting dynamics.

Composite Materials: Modern traditional bows may incorporate materials like fiberglass or carbon to increase performance while keeping a traditional appearance.

This variety allows bows to stay traditional while meeting modern archers’ demands.

The Archery Community’s Fascination with Longbows

Why do so many archers still swear by the longbow? For one, it’s simple: a traditional longbow requires no complex technology. For another, it impresses with efficiency and precision – qualities unchanged for centuries.

In the traditional archery community, the longbow represents values like authenticity, focus, and mindfulness. Many archers report entering an almost meditative state when shooting instinctively, clearing the mind while challenging the body. The longbow is more than just equipment – it’s a companion that teaches archers to focus on what matters.

Visually, a traditional bow is also striking. Its clear, elegant form reflects craftsmanship and timeless design. Its unchanged construction over centuries proves its enduring quality.

Materials at Bearpaw Products – Tradition Meets Innovation

At Bearpaw Products, we focus on high-quality materials that combine durability, aesthetics, and performance. Our traditional bows are crafted from carefully selected woods and innovative materials, including:

• Mycarta: A highly durable composite used for grips, ensuring stability.
• Maple and Walnut: Classic woods that provide warmth and balanced properties.
• Bamboo: Popular for its elasticity and speed, ideal for powerful limbs.
• Stabil Core: A modern addition making the bow more resilient and precise.
• Carbon Fiber: High stability with low weight – perfect for ambitious archers.
• Powerglass: A special fiberglass material combined with wood layers for excellent performance.

This material variety allows us to craft bows that are visually impressive and perform at their best in everyday use.

The Longbow as a Timeless Companion

The traditional longbow combines history, craftsmanship, and sporting passion. Whether in instinctive archery, outdoor training, or as a collector’s item – the longbow is a piece of living tradition that continues to inspire. Its simplicity, reliability, and centuries-old heritage make it an unmatched choice for anyone wanting to experience archery in its purest form.

Anyone who has drawn a longbow feels it immediately: the past meets the present, and every string tells the story of an ancient tradition’s strength.