Hannu, you should definitely get one from thomas, he's an awesome guy to deal with, and will get you set up correctly and quickly. Few months?? No way!
102 2011-09-15 06:52:05
Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look... (76 replies, posted in Bows)
Hey pal, can I ask you, how is it having all different draw weight bows? Yours go from 45-70 lb draw, mine are 50 and only the khan is 55 as that's the max for these kaya bows... Do you have a favorite or is there an advantage to having different weight bows? I'm curious because it's like having different caliber rifles for different shooting scenarios i
Wondering if this was your thinking? I am happy with the 50 and 55 but have been toying with even getting a 40 or 45lb draw as it would be less straining to shoot for a long time and fun also, let us know your thoughts on this...
103 2011-09-14 11:43:36
Re: Yegung (7 replies, posted in Bows)
Looks like an NBA player wanted to get into Korean archery for some odd reason and had him make a bow..
104 2011-09-14 05:13:59
Re: Kaya khan bow good for hunting?? First post, nice to meet everyone! (33 replies, posted in Bows)
It doesn't just say speed this thing is a beast!! It is a hard hitting bow! Make no bones about it... They were not playing games when they designed this, anybody that has picked it up didn't want to put it down. I had about 6 guys try it out today at my local and they all loved it... I tried their long bows and that was cool too... But they all loved my khan and wanted to know who/what/where/how.... Oh yeah, I mentioned there was a little hand shock, that was the first time I shot it, today I shot it again, no hand shock. Think the beaver silencers helped a lot as there was no noise at all, and so did my release/form..Much better today...
105 2011-09-14 05:02:12
Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look... (76 replies, posted in Bows)
bluelake wrote:
Great!
Thanks thomas! Now I'm gonna have to get a bow rack made for my growing collection... What started out as one compound bow grew to 2 compound bows over the summer, and recently 2 Korean bows with 2 more Korean bows on the way and growing... I'm sick!
106 2011-09-14 04:59:50
Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look... (76 replies, posted in Bows)
Hey jbl, thanks for your reply, we need feedback to get this forum going... You know, I was kind of not too fond of the paisley because everyone was complaining but hell, now I love it!
It looks unique.. And since I plan on owning a few Korean bows, not just one, it fits right in... But most important is how it shoots.. I actually like the paisley, it has grown on me.. It had to, I love this bow!, if kaya chooses to make the same bow, with a slightly different color or pattern, then that would be cool too... Some manufacturers make different camo patterns for virtually the same bow and charge more, the following year... If kaya did that, then I'm sure the naysayers would say they didn't mind the paisley why did kaya raise the prices $30 or $40 bucks? Ha... Just kidding! Kaya DO NOT RAISE YOUR PRICES! Now on that note... They could make a bareback clean version with a darker color leather for $20 bucks less that would be interesting... I think they tried to do that with the dong yi, LOVE the name and by the pics it looked really nice but they didnt have the right length horn.. Shame.. Or have a contest for us forum members to come up with a winning color, or pattern design and the winner gets the first pre-production proto for free?... Some of the other forums I've been on have done naming or design contests would bena fun project to see how it turns out... For all those put there who aren't crazy about the print, do you have a better idea? If so say something instead of lurking!
jbl wrote:
Thanks for the info. The bow really looks nice. I always have wondered about the paisley print.
ENJOY!!!! There are very few things that match the fun of a new bow.
107 2011-09-13 21:54:35
Re: bow/arrow quiver (WTB) (3 replies, posted in Buy/Sell/Trade)
Hun, any information on how to make a bow/arrow quiver somewhere?
108 2011-09-13 21:01:23
Re: Gungdo arrows by Korean Arrowsmiths (6 replies, posted in Arrows)
Nice! Any more information about how/what you did to make them? How long are the feathers? I have 4" feathers on order, and plan to use 3, but I think 5" is more traditional right? Did you make that quiver and case? They are beautiful....
109 2011-09-13 20:36:06
Topic: Kaya KTB Bow First Look... (76 replies, posted in Bows)
Just got my Kaya KTB Bow (50lb draw @31 Inches) in the other day.... Wow, it is nice! I can see that the leather on the limb tips and wrapping on the limbs and handle were all cut by hand, which doesn't look like mass produced bows, you can see slight irregularity, but it adds to the character knowing that one man, is making this bow by hand. (According to Kaya). It definitely was finished by hand. It is hand cut and finished. That just adds more appeal to me. As I have owned many production bows, yes they are perfect, and no soul... But this one kind of feels like it was custom made for me. I have heard complaints about the wrapping being uneven, etc.. But thats all they are, complaints. You can't make everyone happy. I must say though, that the rubber silencer on the bottom limb popped off (my fault) as I strung it the first time. I put some nail glue on it, Presto! Better than new! Remember, this bow is delicate, like the other korean bows, and should be treated as such, but no biggie! It is made of natural components, covering on the outside, which can be replaced or repaired easily over time with use... Really feels nice in the hand...
My bow was beautiful out the box, and hand made. That is worth the money I spent on it, totally... If you want a cookie cutter bow, be my guest. But I prefer them this way, finished by hand. The bow is very light, and feels natural in the hand. It is so smooth to draw, and does not stack at all! I was drawing in the mirror, and it looks awesome from the side, just beautiful. It does almost feel like a toy, as it is only ounces light, a big change from my High End, High Power compound that has more attachments than inspector gadget. Its a totally different feel. Just the Bow, the String, and the arrow. Organic. Raw. I haven't even had a chance to shoot this bad boy yet, but I am dying to try it out... Mine came with a neon green string, which is very cool! I love it. I asked about it, and I was told some of the newer ones have been coming with them, which is great that they are mixing it up a bit. Looks like I got a new production... The green string gives it a really sporting feel, and I also ordered a standard white string just for when I'm in the traditional mood... This is about the only thing you can customize without altering the actual bow, and expresses individuality, very cool, want to get other colors as well...
Check out the pics below!
Came with bow sock, string. Got the thumbring separately but it comes in a traditional sack as well, nice touch.
Unstrung.
Yeah baby, she's sexy....
Limb tip top
Limb tip bottom
Top of outside limb, the pattern really is subtle and looks more beautiful than pics on the kaya site...
The Grip has a slightly darker pattern tone, and is a fine size/shape for my hand..
All string wraps are done by hand, and can be replaced easily....
Inside of upper limb.. Black finish..
Inside of lower limb...
This is the rubber silencer that I popped off while stringing by accident, but a little nail glue (crazy glue) and it was better than new!
Inner side center of bow.
Side by side with my Khan... Profile is slightly different, but then again, the khan limits out about 29" or so...
Khan (55#) on the left, kaya (50#) on the right.
Other side...
The khan is a different bow, although the lines are very similar... Its made for 3 finger draw with a rest and more solid heft. It only draws back to about 31" as I've tried to pull it back as much as I could... Its reason for being is to have the benefit of the korean horn bow's compact size, power, light weight, and speed, but be shot as a western type traditional bow, I love it. Different tools for different jobs.
The Kaya is meant for thumbring, but it can also be shot with a 3 finger draw, although I will be using this for thumbring exclusively, hence having the other bow (Or thats what I told my wife)... LOL... The kaya can be drawn back forever it seems, and is super smooth.... I am in love with both.... Now my only problem is going to be which one to take with me, I might as well bring them both!
Hope you enjoyed the pics and the initial review, will post more as I get to shoot it I am waiting for the correct arrows and will fletch them myself, also will attempt to build some bamboo arrows for the Kaya and Khan...
Other enthusiasts, please participate and share your experiences!! Thank you.
By the way, have a 50# Hwarang Bow on Order, will post when I get that in also... Beautiful bows that double as use, and can also be hung on my wall of weapons for display...
110 2011-09-11 22:42:09
Re: Hwarang for sale. (8 replies, posted in Buy/Sell/Trade)
How did it shoot raven?
111 2011-09-11 16:44:16
Re: Kaya khan bow good for hunting?? First post, nice to meet everyone! (33 replies, posted in Bows)
So I picked up my Kaya Khan, and it is beautiful! Lightweight, and clean. 55# draw at 28", but I draw 29" so its probably 2 pounds or so more. I love the lines, and basically its a beautiful hybrid of a tradition korean horsebow, with a small shelf cutout for 3 finger draw which it does very nicely. Smooth draw, and POWERFUL... This baby was flinging 340gr carbon arrows with authority. Wouldn't think twice about its penetration capabilities up to 20 yards or more, as that is the only distance I have had the chance to shoot. It does not draw beyond 28-29 inches, it starts to stack a little after that. This bow wasn't meant for thumbring as you wouldn't be able to shoot it unless you got an opposite hand model, and I don't think the Bowyer ever meant this to be used with thumbring, ever. Which is fine with me for this design. It wasn't meant for thumbring draw, but I love the fact that Kaya has produced this model. It gives you the best of both worlds, in a small package. All the andvantages of the Korean Horse bow design, yes easy to shoot for those familiar to 3 finger draw or want to get into traditional shooting.
Unstrung as it came from Korea. Was thinking how am I going to bend this?
Small Logo on bottom limb. Nice touch.
Bow, strung up for the first time. Was kinda tricky because the limb kept slipping in my top hand as I wasn't used to it, but once you get the position down, you push and bend the limbs, its kinda unnerving I think, if you haven't handled these bows, because it is so slender I was amazed at how much flex the limbs could take, so smoothly.
The grip. Its a nice thin piece of suede leather covering the handle. Its very nice, but will wear out with use, which is expected. I have big hands so I am going to put a rubber grip on it and see how it feels and shoots. If its ugly I am going to take it off, so Traditionalists, don't hate.
Micarta on the ends of the limbs. I love the fact that they used black canvas micarta. Its barely noticeable, but a nice touch. This stuff is indestructible. Its canvas layers overlapped with epoxy so it is super tough and will never break. This gives the khan bow extra durability when traveling through the bush and stand up to a bit more abuse than normal while still maintaining the lines of the limb tips. Modern technology hidden on this still faithful to traditional lines, gem.
Put some beaver fur silencers on the ends, wow... gives it a real "hunter" finishing touch, and just is beautiful. I don't want to put it down!
I've only shot this once so far, have been busy.. But this thing packs a punch is all I will say. I was really not expecting this type of bow to be so fast, and strong for its relatively light weight. I feel like I have a small wand in my hand until I'm ready to shoot, and this bow does its job and looks fantastic doing it from the side. It bends and feels very natural in the hand. The inherent korean horn bow design is something of amazement to me in my limited experience with traditional archery.
Have ordered a KTB so will do a review on that soon. Thanks for all the info and for this forum! Please share your experiences and post pics and stories! Thanks!
112 2011-09-11 03:26:57
Re: bow question.. (6 replies, posted in Kaya Bows)
I am going to keep mine strung for a few days at a time here an there and let you know how it holds up, with these modern materials it seems to be a very tough bow. If something happens they aren't so expensive to replace I think these are working mans bows (sorry ladies), and they seem to be able to more than likely hold up. Is there an inherent issue with keeping these types of bows or recurves strung for periods in general?
114 2011-09-09 19:38:41
Re: kaya Khan bow (57 replies, posted in Bows)
Ok picked up my bow, it's a kaya khan @55lb draw... Beautiful beautiful bow... I would post pics If I knew how... I had a little trouble stringing it, but it wasn't that hard. Just the first time I have strung a bow, the step through is an easy way. You just have to manhandle it, the bow can take it when stringing as long as you are in the correct position. I followed the bracing the horn bow instructions on the main page. Bluelake does a clear demonstration. Once i got it strung, I headed over to the range. I shot about 60 arrows, the same 340 gr beman ics hunters I use for my compound bow. WOW.... tons of power and hard hitting bow! I couldn't believe it. It was whacking the targets with authority! My local indoor range is only 20 yards, since I live in the city area. My arrows were a bit straying at first, due to my form, and not being used to a zero letoff bow... It felt organic. It felt natural, it was so much fun and pure. I really loved it and now I'm hooked. It's a bit heavy draw without the letoff but I'll be fully used to it after a few more sessions, lol.. Had no problems drawing. Tons of power! There was a tiny bit of handshock, but that was mentioned. It's not really noticeable when you are shooting. I just put on some beaver fur silencers so let's see if that makes a difference. It is such a joy to hold, it feels light and natural in the hand, is very well made and finished very nicely. The limb tips are made of canvas micarta, beautiful tough stuff. Glad they used that. Think how hard the Formica countertop is in your kitchen. Formica is short for formally micarta... My arrows had the blazer fletched which were getting ripped off, need to get some of the heavier arrows I ordered fletched with feathers and should be perfect. A natural pointer, it felt very natural to point and shoot. After the first few I got most of them in around the 10x, and a few even in the 10x! I was surprised, I wasn't even expecting to hit the same wall first time out... All in all a terrific bow for the money, is beautiful enough to be hung on my wall in between use, I plan on leaving it strung for the first week and on and off, I don't think it would cause any problems to this very well made bow at all.
115 2011-09-07 04:11:17
Re: Korean stile arrows (3 replies, posted in Arrows)
I ordered some bamboo shafts on eBay and nocks and feathers from 3riversarchery and will attempt to make my own and see what happens. I have no idea what I'm doing but I will try and let you guys know how it goes..
116 2011-09-07 04:08:10
Re: Any experience with the kaya dong yi bows? (2 replies, posted in Bows)
Ok... Thought I had one, placed an order only to find out that they never made it into the states and they have been discontinued before they even started like bluelake had mentioned... Was really looking forward to trying it out, a less maintenance horn bow..
117 2011-09-06 13:55:45
Re: Traditional Korean Arrowheads (15 replies, posted in Accessories)
I know they designate certain artists as national treasures, amd ive read articles about the korean government assigning titles to certain artists, for korean pottery. I dont know why they dont have a bamboo arrow maker or two as such? I think i read that one bowyer was... Its sad to me.. They have preserved tae kwon do and made it a world wide sport, archery (modern) is dominated by koreans, but their traditional archery is not well protected... Maybe because of the thought of trying to hit a 150 yard target turns people off, lolol... Ok so if water buffalo is not a native animal then how did the ancient korean peoples make their nocks? Or did they use another material? Howdid they acquire horn for hornbows? I have seen noru (deer) and pheasants aplenty on the island of jejudo, but no animals in around seoul... I know airgun hunting is big there, another of my hobbies... But you are right there arent much species to hunt... I hear about the wild boar outbreak and considering how much damage they do, maybe korea should open a traditional bow only season to help the farmers out.
118 2011-09-04 14:47:12
Topic: Any experience with the kaya dong yi bows? (2 replies, posted in Bows)
Any one have experience with the kaya dong yi bows? They sure do look pretty...
119 2011-09-04 14:44:21
Re: Carbon Bamboo Arrows (26 replies, posted in Arrows)
These arrows look amazing bluelake... Let us know when u get set up how we can buy them..
120 2011-09-03 22:32:53
Re: New Kaya Korean (8 replies, posted in Kaya Bows)
Hi Thomas, I can get my hands on a dong yi, would you say it is a much better choice over the ktb if money is not a problem and it is available? I shoot 70 lbs on a compound bow, do you think 50lb is good for hunting for me, or should I get a 55lb which is the max if I can? My draw length is 29"... I'm used to a high letoffs I'm very curious to see how this will handle... Thanks!
I take that back, the store that supposedly had them online said they were supposed to come in, but were abruptly discontinued which follows your comment. Shame, looked really nice...
121 2011-09-03 15:57:03
Re: my new bow quiver.. (6 replies, posted in Accessories)
Looks nice! Thanks for the pics, keep updating us on how it is going along. I want to make my own too...
122 2011-09-02 05:40:16
Re: kaya Khan bow (57 replies, posted in Bows)
I think carbon arrows only come in 500 weight that I've used?? I will roll with that and see what happens, still waiting on my bow....
123 2011-09-02 05:27:00
Re: Traditional Korean Arrowheads (15 replies, posted in Accessories)
I thought they must have had a long tradition of hunting... I don't think the Japanese are against the hunting, although it may be possible, but I know hunting is not big in japan because they are busy stealing fish from our waters and international waters as well. And the only reason it's not big in Korea is because of strict laws with guns and such, since the war is not over with the north and they are at a constant state of being on guard... I think it may be a modern idea, the Buddhist thing... I say leave it to the monks to find balance, bow hunting is archery at one of it's purest forms.... It runs in our blood, all of us as a human species hunted or fished and farmed for our food and survival, it is the basis for the bow. If a cave man wanted to kill another cave man a club or rock would have been sufficient, but in order to hunt animals effectively, they made spears and that eventually turned into bows to launch spears from a distance and with more accuracy. I Also read about the ban of buffalo horn and sinew. It is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard, or it's time to start a buffalo horn farm, and make some money since there is a ban on importation... Why would they not want to preserve their culture over an outbreak that has been contained? It's just like cutting the balls off of their culthistory. Banning buffalo horn and sinew is going to make a difference in what?? Politicians have forgotten...
124 2011-09-01 15:33:33
Topic: Any new yorkers shooting korean bows? (2 replies, posted in North America)
Any new yorkers out there shooting korean bows?? Would like to meet and go shooting sometime...
125 2011-09-01 15:19:57
Re: Traditional Korean Arrowheads (15 replies, posted in Accessories)
Bluelake, why do the korean archers frown upon hunting? How did they survive in the past? Who provided wild meat? I know they farmed, but it seems like it was a lost art... I know the butcher at the slaugherhouse is considered a "dirty job", so maybe it has something to do with that, the killing of animals is against buddhist beliefs, (even though every buddhist I personally know eats meat, etc..
Was the bow a primarily military weapon?