Okay, I admit it. When it comes to traditional archery, I want it all. That means a custom bow with my own choice of woods, custom fletching, and cresting on my arrows, a custom back quiver, and a custom leather armguard, or bracer. Although over the years I have amassed more than my share of the first three items on the list, I had never found the right person to make the bracer until I discovered Van Normand, founder of Mobile, Alabama based Wildfork Archery.
I learned about Van and Wildfork quite by accident when I stumbled across his link on an informational archery website, where I was looking for businesses that specialized in custom leatherwork for archers. Although I wasn’t sure what a woman archer might find at a web address titled www.huntlikeaman.com, I gamely gave it a spin and discovered that as far as custom bracers are concerned, I definitely hit the jackpot!
The whole concept of custom is to provide a customer with a product that meets with their individual expectations in terms of materials, fit, options, etc. and that will ultimately reflect an individual’s personality as well as fulfill the product’s intended purpose. Meeting such objectives does not occur by accident and requires that the customer and the artist spend some time talking about the many combinations available. When I spoke with Van about what I wanted in a bracer and after looking over the many example pictures he emailed me as food for thought, it wasn’t long before my order was placed and the wait began.
When my bracer arrived, it was as hoped for. It is a unique model of tanned alligator hide with an antler button lacing system and a layer of suede sewn on the inside for comfort. The stitching and lacing are second to none, with very straight, tight lines, reflecting excellent workmanship and careful attention to detail. This is not a bracer that someone put together in minutes by using an automated machine-based approach. All of Wildfork’s custom leatherwork is handmade, one at a time, and with an obvious interest in perfection.
As for utility, my custom Wildfork bracer performs second to none. First, it provides a perfect fit on my left forearm, lacing securely and quickly with the durable elastic cord on the optional antler buttons. Second, the lacing system makes the bracer adjustable for virtually any width needed in order to accommodate extra clothes in Winter or minimal to no layers on the sleeve during the Summer. Finally, since the bracer is constructed with a two-layer design with the outside layer of alligator and the inside layer of suede, it offers both comfort and protection from bowstring slap.
Service and reliability are important aspects for any customer to consider before laying down a chunk of hard-earned change for any product, and that is particularly true of custom merchandise. Due to the nature of custom work, wait times are usually longer and prices are usually higher than production work. Thus, customers should know in advance they are working with a reputable organization or individual before placing an order. In the case of Wildfork Archery, I can attest that Van’s communication on the progress of completing my bracer was excellent. He kept me updated, responded to my questions regarding expected delivery time, and was as polite and service-oriented as anyone with whom I have ever done business.
If you or someone you know is interested in a custom leather bracer to compliment your love of archery and bowhunting, I strongly recommend giving Van at Wildfork Archery a call. Service and product quality are excellent and the workmanship will meet the standards of the most discriminating archer. Van can be reached at his web address listed above or at 1-888-870-4253.
