easy braided "inlay" handle

[Postman]

Wanted a wrapped handle that would be almost flush on the sides, but stick out a bit on the front/back.Started with some braided leather cord.  Got 3 yards for 5 bucks at a chain craft store, easily enough for 2 handles. Used a hacksaw, large chainsaw file and 3 rivers file/rasp combo.
Used the hacksaw as a guide cut for the round file. This is very unnerving to do!

[Postman]

Then used the chainsaw file to cut 4 "chalnnels " in the handle and joined them with the rasp and file. Nicked up the rest of the bow and skins a bit - be careful! The flat edge on the 3rivers combo tool worked welll as a guide in the round channel ends, though

[Postman]

Wrapped tightly and glued with super glue. Trimmed ends at an angle to make them easier to tuck under with a knife. Have to clean up some sloppy spots and nicks I made, but hope to finish and post this bow soon.

[JW_Halverson]

That looks really cool, but I doubt I have the guts to try it!

[Dictionary]

That looks really cool, but I doubt I have the guts to try it!

I came back to this post a few times and ive been really wondering why you said that.......

[JW_Halverson]

The one thing that scared the be-jeepers outa me on my first bow was the handle.  I understood enough that if I took off too much material, THAT's where it would fail. 

This design requires me to take a handle that already worries me and cut even deeper into it!  Honestly....that is probably the ONLY place I have never had a bow fail.  Maybe I need to put on my big boy Pull-Ups and just do one, huh? 

Postman's how-to leaves nothing to the imagination, it's pretty darn clear-cut.  Wonderfully concise and educational, Postman.  Sorry I didn't make that clear in my first post. 

[Knapper]

Looks great! Can't wait to try it. First ill have to fine the braid.