Arrow bamboo?

Daniel T. · Post by **Daniel T.** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:18 pm

Hi!

I have been looking for arrow bamboo, but I couldn't find any. I could only find this garden stuff and Tonkin, which didn't look like good arrow material as well. I would like to plant it in the garden, so I am looking for live plants. Does anyone know a source? Or could maybe send me a starter?

Daniel

Jakub · Post by **Jakub** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 5:01 pm

Hello!

http://eamarrows.com/en/east/korean

This is polish manufacture.

Regards.

Ashbow · Post by **Ashbow** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 6:42 pm

Dear Daniel,

this problem has been brought up before, you may find the second page of this topic interesting to you;
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... ight=#8109
There were also some other topics on processing the raw bamboo to shafts as well but I couldn't find the links.

regards

Daniel T. · Post by **Daniel T.** » Tue Jul 21, 2009 5:57 am

Thanks for the links! I already know where I can buy arrows, but I'd like to grow my own. I found bamboo on ebay yesterday and I bought it. I hope it will work out with this one.

Cheers,
Daniel

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:21 am

Daniel,
One of the best bamboos for making arrows is Pseudosasa Japonica, commonly called Japanese arrow bamboo. It is particularly straight in growth and the nodes are smooth compared to many other types. It should be fairly easy to get hold of.
I have some large clumps of this bamboo at the bottom of my garden and it does make very nice arrows.

Daniel T. · Post by **Daniel T.** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:49 am

Sure, that is the species I was referring to. I could not find it in the shops around here, but now I am waiting for the one I bought on ebay.

Scott M. Rodell · Post by **Scott M. Rodell** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 8:18 pm

Orda Khan wrote:... best bamboos for making arrows is Pseudosasa Japonica...

If you want "raw" bamboo, there are several growers in the US that can supply Arrow Bamboo that you can grow & harvest, here's one:
http://stokestropicals.com/arrow-bamboo-39.htm

BUt let me warn you, I grow bamboo for test cutting practice, & if you don't work at keep it under control, or surround the area where it is growing with cement, the bamboo will take over your yard.

My company also carrys ready made bamboo arrows & will be offering custom made arrows shortly (testing prototypes tomorrow), if interested, please see:
http://sevenstarstrading.com/site/tradi ... searchery/

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:46 am

Scott,
Pseudosasa Japonica is one of the less invasive species. It does send out runners which will sprout and eventually form a new clump. Generally, if planted in a corner or boundary of the garden, there is little danger of it 'taking over' in a similar way to ,say, Chinese square bamboo which is possibly the most invasive of all.
I have three clumps at the bottom of my garden, each one is more than 4 ft in diameter and in 22 years the only maintenance I've employed is thinning for arrow shafts or canes for the garden.

Daniel T,
How is the bamboo coming along? I'm guessing you have quite a few new culms by now?

Daniel T. · Post by **Daniel T.** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:10 pm

Last winter was not a problem, the bamboo grow nicely. These pictures were taken in October. I still need to wait for it to grow stronger culms, but so far it looks good. This winter is harsh, but last winter wasn't much better, so I am optimistic that it will be fine as well.
Do you take any special preparations for winter?

Daniel

Daniel T. · Post by **Daniel T.** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:12 pm

I cut the large culm that was already there when I got the plant. I am not sure if it is good for an arrow, but it is very straight and the nodes are flat. I'll be very happy if they all grow like that.

Scott M. Rodell · Post by **Scott M. Rodell** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 2:18 pm

Orda Khan wrote:Scott,
Pseudosasa Japonica is one of the less invasive species...
How is the bamboo coming along?...

It is good to know that arrow bamboo is less invasive.

I'd say in general it takes 3 years before you can start harvesting much bamboo, but I'm not growing arrow bamboo, but a variety I got from a friend that is 2" in diameter that I use for practicing sword cuts.

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:19 pm

I had a variety that was a similar size but with yellow culms. That one did get too huge

Daniel T,
Scott is right about the age, any suitable culms that grow this season are best given another two before cutting. When the sheath over the shoot at the node dries and is brittle is a good guide. Above all, any you cut should feel woody, new ones snap similar to a carrot.
If that one you cut is old enough (or at least looks that way) it's worth having a go but dry it a few months first.
We just had a foot of snow here and similar last year with below average temperatures, I'm guessing your Austrian winters are harder than ours. If you are at all worried, you could make a sort of tepee over it using garden fleece. My bamboo must be at least thirty years old and well established so I never take any precautions with it.