How To Make A Mongolian Bow – A Complete Guide 2024

Making a traditional Mongolian bow is tricky and time-consuming. But, if you have built a composite bow before, you might just make the finest piece in the first attempt, provided you have the right material, required skill sets, and immense patience. 

There are 5 reasons for the superiority of traditional Mongolian bows: the use of high-quality materials such as horn, wood, and sinew; the unique design and construction methods; the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail; the powerful performance and accuracy in shooting; and the deep cultural significance and history behind each bow.

These factors contribute to the unparalleled strength and precision of Mongolian bows, making them highly sought after by archery enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

In this guide, I will walk you through the detailed process of making this recurve bow. I will cover all the important aspects so you will know exactly how to begin.  

Let’s jump into the materials needed.

Materials Needed for Making a Mongolian Bow

1. Wood 

The core of the Mongolian bow is made of flexible wood, such as bamboo, birch, mulberry, or elm. 

Being flexible, these types of wood provide the perfect balance of strength and resilience, helping the bow instantly return to its original shape after being drawn.

2. Horn 

Used for reinforcing the belly of the bow, the horn improves the bow’s ability to store energy when drawn.

Typically, water buffalo horn is used to make all types of composite bows, including Mongolian bows. But you may also use a cow to sheep horns. 

3. Sinew 

Tendons from deer or elk are best for reinforcing Mongolian recurve bows. They are strong yet elastic enough to withstand high tension. 

4. Animal Glue 

Being an extremely strong glue, it is probably the only thing that can effectively bind the wood, horn, and sinew together the traditional way.

Although fish glue is also equally strong, I do not recommend it because it is moisture-sensitive.

5. Bowstring 

Traditionally, the Mongols made bowstrings from silk, but I prefer animal sinew and synthetic fibers like Dacron. 

Silk is strong and stretches just enough to give you a good quick release. Synthetic fibers, however, are more durable and resistant to humidity and temperature variations.

6. Leather (optional) 

Although optional, leather is often used to cover the back of the bow to protect it against moisture. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the otherwise raw Mongolian bows. 

To get an idea, look at our black Mongolian composite bow wrapped in cow leather, which looks both luxurious and traditional. 

Don’t have time, interest, or skills for making a Mongolian bow? I’m with you. I would rather buy a well-built bow than spend weeks making something that breaks and snaps on my arms after a few uses.

Most recommended Mongolian bows for beginners

Here are some of the handmade Mongolian bows that best suit your purpose.

Just in case you still want to go ahead with this DIY project, let’s look at the process of making a Mongolian bow.  

Mongolian Bow Construction Process

1. Prepare the core 

Before you begin, make sure the wood is well-seasoned. If the wood has moisture, it may crack or warp over time. To ensure proper seasoning, you may leave it in a dry and well-ventilated area for a few weeks. 

Here’s what you need to do when the wood is ready for shaping – 

1. Take a single piece of wood without any knots or defects and cut it to the length you want. 48 – 60 inches (1.52 m) which is ideal, but choose a length that best suits you. 
2. Carve the wood to the desired thickness. Ensure that the core is thicker than the ends while carving. 
3. Cut notches or fitting shapes at the ends of the core to secure the siyahs (the tips of the limbs). 
4. Cut and shape the siyahs so they fit properly into the bow’s limbs. Using animal glue, attach the siyahs to the core. 
5. Sand everything to get a smooth, sprinter-free surface. 

2. Apply the horn 

Soak the water buffalo horn in hot water to soften it. Cut strips from it that fit the belly of the bow. 

Apply a layer of animal glue on the belly of the bow and glue the horn strips on it. Wrap them together tightly using a fine rope or anything you have, and leave them overnight, so the glue gets enough time to dry properly. 

3. Apply the sinew 

Soak the sinew in warm water to soften it. Apply animal glue on the back of the bow and place a layer of sinew on it. Let it dry completely, which could take a few days. 

Once the first layer is ready, sand it lightly and apply another layer of sinew. Repeat the process two more times. The layers of sinews help the bow maintain its flexibility while delivering a powerful shot.

When the sinew layers have dried completely, you may apply a layer of leather to the bow’s back.  

4. String the bow 

Archery Manufacturers Organization recommends that your string should be 3-4 inches shorter than the bow length. Measure your bow and cut the string accordingly. Identify the top end and the bottom end of the bow before you string it. 

The above video shows the easiest trick for stringing a bow. 

Here are three tips to help you.

• Loop the bow string into the bottom limb first.  
• You can use a bow stringer to make things easier. 
• Always keep the bow facing away from you to minimize injury in case the bow string slips or the bow gets released accidentally.  

Your Mongolian bow is now ready!  

Things to Keep in Mind While Making a Mongolian Bow

• Like other recurved bows, making a Mongolian bow requires intricate wood carving and bending skills. The core needs to have a reflexed design for proper functioning. If you are an amateur DIY’er, you might have to do some trial and error to get things right. 
• You probably know this, but I would still like to remind you to be very careful when taking measurements. From brace height to draw length, you have to do your calculations in advance and cut the pieces very precisely. If you need help, you can use our Bow Draw Length Calculator and Draw Weight Calculator to eliminate guesswork. 
• Do not rush through the process. As I said in the beginning, making a Mongolian bow is time-consuming. The glue can take days to dry properly. So, be patient. 

Wrap up 

Ready to make your own Mongolian bow? 

Before you get to work, please note that crafting a well-designed, durable Mongolian bow could take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your skills, the design you choose, and the weather. 

Not interested in devoting months to building a Mongolian bow? We get it; not many DIYers have that kind of patience. 

We have several handmade Mongolian bows ready to be shipped. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced archer, you can find something that best suits your skills.