#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](/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