Interested in making a bow? Start by finding explanations you can follow and experienced people you can ask, rather than collecting disconnected build tips. # A reading shelf for bowyers - **The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, volumes 1–4:** the multi-volume bow-building reference highlighted in the original community collection. Find the set and individual volumes in the [3Rivers book catalogue](https://www.3riversarchery.com/buy/books-dvds); check the contents of each volume before buying. - [Primitive Archer](https://www.primitivearcher.com/): offers magazine information, sample articles and links to its community. Its [featured articles](https://www.primitivearcher.com/pages/featured.html) are an accessible starting point. - [Primitive Archer message boards](https://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php): this link opened a login page when checked. An account may be required; we are not presenting private discussions as publicly available tutorials. # Turn reading into a useful build journal Record your intended bow style, materials, source of instructions and questions. Add clear photographs as the project develops. When requesting feedback, describe what you have done and where you are uncertain so people do not have to guess. A reading list is not an inspection or a complete construction course. Get experienced, in-person guidance before using an unfamiliar homemade bow. [Explore BowStrike's bowyers, arrow builders and classes](/bowyers.html), or share your project in our building forums. **Join the discussion:** What resource would you give a first-time bowyer, and what does it explain especially well? Please link to the creator's legitimate page, not a copied book or video. # More in this series - [Traditional Archery Resources: Where to Start](/forum-thread.html?id=3aba820b-5d30-4832-9e27-338fa84b8d2e) - [Arrow Building and Tuning: A Resource Shelf for Wooden Arrows](/forum-thread.html?id=5f330b71-adb5-4f98-bee4-0a3f70cf8bed) - [Historical and Asian Archery: Where to Begin Your Reading](/forum-thread.html?id=ea82e039-9f7b-4f6a-b40a-a98d083fc7a6) # Sources and updates Inspired by [Cinderella-99 and contributors' traditional archery resource collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/TraditionalArchery/comments/3f0vxq/a_comprehensive_list_of_resources_for_traditional/), with additional research from the original resource sites linked above. BowStrike's descriptions are original; the linked creators retain their own work. Links checked October 6, 2026. Prices, editions, stock and access requirements can change. Please reply with corrections or useful additions.