Trapping and backing question

[paleryder]

If I were to trap the back of a bow but also desire to back it with goat or deer rawhide, would I back only the portion that remained flat in the middle or the angular portions creating the trapezoid too? Thanks.

Todd

[M-P]

Paleryder,      The answer is probably do it either way, but just backing the flat portion would be easier.   My question to you...
Why would you do both?    Trapping is done to reduce the strength of the back, so as not to overpower a belly made of weaker wood.  Backing with rawhide is done specifically to keep the back from lifting a splinter, or otherwise destroying itself.   So if the back is too strong for the belly, why isn't it strong enough to do without rawhide?    Ron

[mikekeswick]

I agree, but one advantage would be you will lose a fair bit of limb mass.