#92 Kevin Hawkins on Project Quiver

Kevin Hawkins is a bowyer based in North Carolina and moderator and owner of the Primitive Archer Forum. He recently took over the Forum from the founders to preserve the community that has given so much to him as a bowyer and plans to maintain and update it so it can continue to be a valuable resource to bowyers.

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Kevin Hawkins.         

Episode Links:

https://www.facebook.com/primitivearchermagazine

https://www.primitivearcher.com/

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary

In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from carving his first bow out of a sapling in Oklahoma to becoming a renowned bowyer specializing in Osage. We explore his techniques, flight shooting records, and the passion that keeps him crafting bows in his workshop. In this episode, Kevin shares his innovative approach to bow making, including how he minimizes set and maximizes performance through scientific principles and practical techniques. Todd and Kevin also discuss the importance of community, preservation of craft, and future projects like the Primitive Archer forum and a groundbreaking book on bowyers worldwide.

Show Notes:

Kevin's background and journey into bow making

Techniques for carving and shaping Osage orange bows

His experience with flight shooting records

The importance of craftsmanship and materials in bow making

The role of tradition and innovation in archery Kevin's method for achieving perfect tiller and no-set bows

The role of surface area and density in bow performance

Use of a custom bow set calculator and app

Community efforts to preserve primitive archery craft

Kevin's travel and mentorship experiences with top bowyers

Future projects including the Primitive Archer forum and magazine

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Kevin's Workshop Tour

01:50 Kevin's Background and How He Started Making Bows

05:02 Carving the First Bow from a Sapling

07:54 His Experience with Flight Shooting Records

12:02 Materials and Techniques for Bow Making

16:02 Using Osage Orange and Other Woods

20:06 Hunting and Archery Practice

23:59 The Journey of Harvesting and Preparing Osage Logs

29:59 Tools and Power Tools in Bow Making

35:03 The Meditative and Therapeutic Aspects of Crafting Bows

39:59 Community and Competitions in Archery

44:54 Future Projects and Goals in Bow Making