Traditional Bow Care & Maintenance

Caring for a longbow is more than routine upkeep—it’s part of the tradition that archers like Hill, Pope, Young and Turay have carried forward. Proper maintenance preserves not only the life of your bow but also the spirit of traditional archery.

Stringing and Unstringing

- Always use a bow stringer. Howard Hill himself emphasized the importance of stringing safely to prevent twisted limbs or unnecessary stress.

- Unstring your bow whenever it will not be in use for an extended period. Leaving a bow strung accelerates fatigue in the limbs.

Storage

- Store your bow in a cool, dry location. Excessive heat, cold, or humidity can damage wood and adhesives.

- Rest or hang your bow so that weight is evenly supported. Traditional bowyers recommend a horizontal rack or wall pegs to prevent warping.

String Maintenance

- Wax your string regularly to protect fibers from wear, moisture, and friction. A natural beeswax blend is traditional and effective.

- Inspect for fraying or thinning and replace the string as needed. A fresh string is essential to both performance and safety.

Limb and Finish Care

- Wipe down the bow after shooting to remove perspiration, dust, or oils. Howard Hill himself was meticulous about keeping his equipment clean and dry after each hunt.

- For all-wood bows, a light coat of bow oil or furniture-grade wax helps preserve the finish. For laminated bows, regular cleaning is sufficient.

Avoiding Damage

- Never “dry fire” your bow. Firing without an arrow can severely damage the limbs. 

- Always draw only to the length your bow is built for. Overdrawing stresses the limbs and shortens their life.

- Make it a habit to inspect your bow regularly for cracks, splinters, or any separation in laminations.

Transport

- Use a bow case or soft sleeve for travel. This protects against scratches and shields the bow from sudden temperature or humidity changes.

- Avoid stacking heavy gear on top of your bow during transport. Even a legendary longbow cannot resist the weight of a toolbox.