[Jimbo]

I'm seriously considering switching from recurve to longbow and was wondering if someone could give me some advice regarding the longbow kits you can get from Bickerstaffe Bows and elsewhere.

• What do you actually get in this kits? (I know what it says on the site, but this doesn't mean an awful lot to me)
• On Pip's site it mentions a laminated 'stave', does this need shaping at all or is it all finished?
• Are there any specialist tools or skills would be required to complete one of these? (I have basic woodworking tools and very basic skills)
• When the longbow's all finished (assuming to a reasonble standard), how would it compare to a similar ready-made one (i.e. in terms of usage & life-span)?
• Any other tips/suggestions?

Many thanks