Need ideas for primitive longbow handle

[shackleton]

  As per my previous post I'm finishing up a longbow.I want something besides a leather wrap.Any ideas are welcome...the more primitive looking the better.
Scott

[Mo_coon-catcher]

You could always leave the handle naked. A rope wrap works well too. You could either wrap it around or weave it onto the handle for a more unique look. Rawhide would look good too. Lots of options, just gotta experiment and see what looks and feels good to you.

Kyle

[osage outlaw]

Beaver tail looks good but can be tricky to put on.

[PatM]

Primitive bows tend to be bare and it's still a good choice today.

[Pat B]

I've been using hemp cordage wrap saturated with thinned 2ton epoxy. Looks good, gives a positive grip and is weather proof. Hemp cordage in available in the craft section of big box stores. For cordage wraps you have to consider the diameter of the cordage and the size of the handle.

[Danzn Bar]

I've been using hemp cordage wrap saturated with thinned 2ton epoxy. Looks good, gives a positive grip and is weather proof. Hemp cordage in available in the craft section of big box stores. For cordage wraps you have to consider the diameter of the cordage and the size of the handle.

Yep I've used cordage and soaked it in TBIII to waterproof it.

[AndrewS]

What's about bark? Stripes of cherrybark for example.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

Bark strips make a good looking handle. I’ve got an Osage now from lebhuntfish with a hackberry bark handle wrap and it looks great. Shoots great too. Thanks again Patrick.

Kyle

[Badger]

  I have always preferred the naked handle but all the comments you get about not being finished become aggravating after a while and I usually end up putting some leather on the grip.

[simson]

here are 100:

http://primitive-bows.com/handle-gallery/

[jeffp51]

Wow Simon. Impressive collection of grips.  Which style do you prefer?

[DuBois]

Leather thong tied at bottom or bare.

[Stick Bender]

I really like cane wrap with leather dye lately

[hoosierf]

+1 for cane - love the way they look and feel. I use split cane cause it’s easy but they are way cool with full diameter cane. I seem to break them when i try that; probably because any cane i find up here is very dry.

[bushboy]

Birch bark