Instructions for using By The Sword, Inc. Composite Bows By following these principles you will ensure the proper working of your bow and extend its lifetime. Protect the bow from damage and inclement weather by using a bow cover for transport and storage. Do not expose the bow to extreme temperatures (fire, frost) and store it in a dry place Unstrung WITHOUT the bowstring. Never draw the bow past the recommended arrow length. Only use the specified bowstring length from the bow maker (preferably by the same bow maker). Never release the bowstring (without an arrow). The energy for the arrow passes to the bow limbs which can be damaged this way. Before shooting, verify the proper orientation of the bow. The lower limb is a little stronger than the upper one. The arrow should be nocked above the bowstring center. Bowstring: Do not expose the bowstring to extreme temperatures and protect it from moisture. Using arrows with low-quality nocks will speed up wear and tear of the bowstring; possibly causing damage. You will extend the bowstring lifetime if you treat it with beeswax. The bowstring must always be dry while shooting. Store the bowstring by hanging it loose. When winding the bowstring for bracing the bow, watch for breaking the center and kinking the fibers. Every archer should have several spare bowstrings. Arrows: Do not shoot at unconventional targets (too hard or too soft); we recommend shooting at archery targets designed for this purpose. Do not expose arrows to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some arrow points can get rusty. Rust can be rubbed down and the point can be treated with conservation preparation (e.g. WD40) After shooting clean the arrows with damp cloth and let them dry slowly (NOT above a stove or heating!) The arrow fetching serves as stabilization in flight, not for brushing meat at a barbecue! The fetching coming off is a commonplace occurrence (even in Olympic archery). The fetching can be stuck on with quick-acting glue. Fletchings are sensitive to damage in case of improper handling and storing. We recommend using a quiver. Safety instructions: 1. Never aim at anything you do not want to shoot at. 2. Never aim at a person, not even for the fun of it! 3. Do not use the bow for any other purpose but shooting. 4. Always examine the bow carefully before shooting. If you find damage, do not use it for shooting any more. 5. Always be certain of the bow range so as not to jeopardize people, animals, or property. 6. Never interfere in the bow construction. 7. Only shoot arrows of the recommended length. 8. Use an archery bracer and archery glove while shooting. Procedure for fitting on the bowstring: 1. Put the bowstring loop on the lower limb nock (watch out, reflexive bows have their limb ends turned forward!) 2. Turn the bow over in order to lean its handle against the back part of your thigh and to get the lower limb end stuck behind your ankle. 3. Grip the upper part of the bow and bend it to reach BALANCED BENDING OF BOTH BOW LIMBS and put the other bowstring loop on the upper limb bowstring catch. 4. After putting the bowstring on “step out“ of the bow, check both the bowstring catches to ensure the bowstring is put on properly. If need be, align the bowstring to pass through the center of the bow limbs. Two-year guarantee does not cover the normal wear, mishandling, exceeding the draw length (of the arrow) altering the bow.