Interesting that arrowsmithing is endangered, but bowyery isn't.
What sort of arrows are not getting made? (cane, reed, bamboo, wood) using what techniques? Does this include the heads, or is that a separate specialty? (or does smithing mean that this is separate from blacksmithing? Really, any competent blacksmith can knock out any sort of point you want all day long)
What do they use for fletching? (here in the U.S. it's turkey feathers)
Knocks are mostly plastic these days, but a while back I remember seeing some bone knocks which I still regret not buying.
Most trad archers who use wooden arrows end up fletching their own. These dont show up as arrowmakers, but they are. Wooden arrows have to be matched to the bow and the shooter.
If youre not shooting a longbow, its easier and cheaper to shoot modern arrows which are mass produced and dont require the same level of tuning.
Yes, but where are they sourcing the shafts? Of what material? (It's been a while since I saw Port Orford Cedar shafts in bulk in a sporting goods shop)
Apparently the discussion here is limited to commercial viability of crafts?
Is preservation of craft a concern when it has become widespread?
What sort of arrows are not getting made? (cane, reed, bamboo, wood) using what techniques? Does this include the heads, or is that a separate specialty? (or does smithing mean that this is separate from blacksmithing? Really, any competent blacksmith can knock out any sort of point you want all day long)
What do they use for fletching? (here in the U.S. it's turkey feathers)
Knocks are mostly plastic these days, but a while back I remember seeing some bone knocks which I still regret not buying.