click photo to enlarge Dave Windauer and Paul Schafer shaking hands over a successful Elk hunt back in 1988

"Paul Schafer, considered by many to be the world's greatest bowhunter and one of the finest bowyers of modern times, always had his shop open to youngsters. It was in Paul's shop back in 1987 I was given the opportunity to work off my first Schafer Silvertip Recurve. Upon completing my bow, Paul asked me to remain on working with him, which I gladly did throughout my summers in highschool. During those years, Paul mentored me as a father would coaching me in bowhunting, ethics and of course the art of bowbuilding. I feel fortunate to have had, not only a working relationship with Paul but also a strong friendship that remains a driving force in my life today. Each day as I work amongst Paul's old tools and machines I am constantly reminded of the incredible man behind the Silvertip and how honored I am to be carrying on his legacy.

The Schafer Silvertip is a hunter's bow, designed for speed, smoothness, stability, durability and beauty. It has a quiet, forgiving design which is favorable in all hunting conditions. You can expect the same level of excellence to continue in each Silvertip, along with innovative change in all my products. Every bow leaves the shop with an eye for beauty, excellence and love of the hunt, in tribute to Paul and in commitment to you, the bowhunter."

Dave Windauer

click photo to enlarge Dave with son Ben and his 2001 Montana Buck

click photo to enlarge Dave with a nice Montana Whitetail buck

When rifle hunting lost its challenge for teenager Paul Schafer, his analytical nature led him to develop the Silvertip, named after his first and only Silvertip grizzly taken back in 1974. Paul started building bows in 1974 but it wasn't until 1977 that he perfected his 60" one-piece design. By the early eighties Paul recognized the changing trends and designed the 60" and 64" Silvertip take-down (other lengths were added later). This was a bow designed with the same great performance and beauty of the one- piece in mind but with the added convenience of the break down knob style system. This design remains the favorite amongst bow hunters everywhere.

click photo to enlarge Paul Schafer with a Zimbabwe Cape Buffalo taken with his bow back in 1989

Though the bow has gone through significant changes over the past 27 years, it has continually proven itself in field tests from the frozen tundra to the African and Sonoran deserts. Silvertips have taken Alaskan brown bears, grizzlies, African lion, cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, jaguar, and practically all game animals in between. Paul Schafer was one of the most ethical hunters to walk a forest path or mountain ridge. He knew we have a responsibility to the game we hunt and the kill must be quick and clean. A keen edged broadhead and arrow delivered from a powerful and highly refined bow like the Silvertip helps you, the hunter, uphold this ultimate responsibility.

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