Author Topic: snakeskin / fishskin backings (Read 2944 times)

wizardgoat · « **on:** October 11, 2014, 03:01:54 pm »

I know snake skin bows are considered self bows, because snake skins skins don't provide much protection, only decoration.
Very thin fabric and paper are considered backings.
Where do fish skins fall? Some species are as thin as snake, while some are extremely thick and need to be sanded heavily (yum)
I just figure anything glued to a bow is a backing, but then again I also
think a real self bow can't be made from billets, but lets not go there.
Really, im just not sure what category to enter my sturgeon backed bow for BOM

Pat B · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2014, 03:37:52 pm »

You might ask Cipriano when you enter it in BOM.
Most folks consider joined billets as a selfbow and I agree.
IMO any added backing, snake skin, fish skin, rawhide, paper and even sinew are backed selfbows unless that have a hard backing then they are a backed bow.

Chadwick · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2014, 06:36:54 pm »

No skins are purely decorative -- I would think that anything besides finish and air over the wood, would make a backed bow. Our nomenclature is just our definitions, though.
Michael

Shaneisneato · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2014, 06:47:21 pm »

Quote from: Chadwick on October 11, 2014, 06:36:54 pm

No skins are purely decorative -- I would think that anything besides finish and air over the wood, would make a backed bow. Our nomenclature is just our definitions, though.
Michael

I'm new at this but this makes sense. Since you have to glue the skin down that adds to its strength, even thin skin glued down will help prevent splinters from raising.

Carson (CMB) · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2014, 11:22:37 pm »

I think this question has come up before. Not sure what the answer is regarding the rules for backed and unbacked entries. Cipriano would know.

ajbruggink · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2014, 11:46:40 pm »

I don't intend to steal the thread but is fish skin a functional backing? I've heard snakeskin isn't but I know that cherry bark is because I've used it.

Weylin · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2014, 12:30:42 am »

Don't we have to enter rawhide and sinew backed bows in the backed category?

lebhuntfish · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2014, 01:04:22 am »

Wizard goat, my question is, did you apply the sturgeon skins as a decorative addition to your bow? Or did you use them as a protective layer for the back? I don't know where it would fall in the rules. But in my mind if I used them as protection then I "backed" my bow. If not then their just for decoration. JMO, Patrick

wizardgoat · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2014, 02:05:12 am »

its backed for decoration, and for protection. i always find a way to put little dents in yew sapwood

Pappy · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2014, 05:38:22 am »

I'll make the pop corn.

Pappy

blackhawk · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2014, 08:13:12 am »

Quote from: Pappy on October 14, 2014, 05:38:22 am

I'll make the pop corn.
Pappy

Can I come over and watch the show with ya ...

Pappy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 14, 2014, 10:04:27 am »

You bet.

Pappy

JoJoDapyro · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2014, 10:44:56 am »

In the rules it states.

"Self Bow Category:

1. Any bow in which the bending portion of the limb is made of one piece of wood. Tip overlays and handle laminations count in the selfbow category as long as the bending portion of the limbs remain one piece of wood. The back of the bow must be only wood or snake skin.

2. Modern String materials are allowed (some examples: B-50 dacron and Fast Flight)"

Pappy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2014, 11:09:17 am »

Snake skins,at least most snake skins [very large snakes maybe some] provide not protection at all that is why that rule was put in place.

Primitive Archer