The Process
I start by selecting the arrow shaft: Cedar, Norway Pine, Chundoo, Western Larch, Spruce, or Douglas Fir.
The second step, and in my opinion the most important, is the spine tester. At Bearpaw Arrows, each dozen arrows are Matched-Spined. This means that all of your custom arrow shafts are the same spine weight. As a general rule the arrow shaft should be about ten pounds heavier than the bow weight — but “about” is not good enough — I have found that between ten and fifteen pounds, there is one correct spine weight specifically for you and your bow. A shaft of this spine weight will generally shoot straight and true for both field point and broadhead, as long as the shafts are of the same spine weight and the points are mounted straight on the shaft. Each matched-spine arrow handles the archer's paradox the same, so the results are the same with each of your shots.
The next step in the making of your custom arrows is hand sanding and any minor straightening required for each arrow shaft. Each shaft is checked and hand finished.
Then I apply your choice of stain by hand along the grain of the wood. Each shaft is hung by special holders while drying, then each arrow shaft is hand-dipped in a clear lacquer and hung again to dry. This step produces a clear, even coat of protective lacquer and also helps the arrow to dry straight. From the staining to the installing of the nock to the crowning, cresting, and fletching processes, all arrows are kept hanging to help ensure straightness.
Crowning is the application of lacquer colors to the top eight inches of the shaft. Double crowning is the application of a second color to the top four inches of the shaft. Cresting is the hand application of rings of color around your matched custom arrows, marking them as truly your own.
When all cresting and crowning has dried, the nock is installed on each shaft. Of major importance, nocks are installed so that the growth rings run on both sides of the shaft and perpendicular to the string.
After the nocks are installed straight and in alignment with the wood grain, it is time for your custom fletch. I use and recommend 5-inch feathers. Shield and parabolic are offered in the most colors. Some colors in barred tones are also in stock. (right-wing fletching only, please).
Bearpaw Arrows can be cut to your draw length with 125 or 145 grain field points installed. I recommend that the arrow be cut at least one inch longer than your draw lenth.
Your matched-spine Bearpaw Arrows are packed in a special arrow box for shipment. The invoice-receipt will include all arrow information: spine weight, mean grain weight, field point weight, arrow length, and total mean arrow grain weight.