This morning the rawhide was good and hard again. The wood stove did its work.
![Smiley :)](http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
I rasped the excess rawhide from the sides and belly and sanded the belly smooth...
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser001.jpg)
After I got the belly cleaned up I decided to add a shoe leather handle riser. Being that this bow will bend in the handle I use the leather because it will flex with the bow. I may add another layer later after I shape the handle. Here is how I add the leather handle.
I first trace and cut out the shape...
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser002.jpg)
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser003.jpg)
I then taper both ends where it fades into the limb on my belt sander. It is a lot easier to do this before it is glued down...
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser004.jpg)
Now it is time to add the glue to the leather and the bow. Note the void where the center pith was. The handle will cover this area. First I soak the leather in warm water to make it more pliable. I blot off the excess water and put the glue on it. I decided to use TBIII because of it's water proof qualities. When finally shaped I will saturate the leather with super glue.
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser007.jpg)
![](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/leatherhandleriser008.jpg)