Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: shackleton on March 01, 2018, 01:55:27 pm

Title: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: shackleton on March 01, 2018, 01:55:27 pm

  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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on March 01, 2018, 02:02:34 pm

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: osage outlaw on March 01, 2018, 02:16:08 pm

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: PatM on March 01, 2018, 02:59:45 pm

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Pat B on March 01, 2018, 03:19:35 pm

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.

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Danzn Bar on March 01, 2018, 04:57:57 pm

Quote from: Pat B on March 01, 2018, 03:19:35 pm

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.

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: AndrewS on March 02, 2018, 01:57:57 am

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on March 02, 2018, 02:58:50 am

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Badger on March 02, 2018, 07:43:11 am

  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.

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: simson on March 02, 2018, 07:53:08 am

here are 100:

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: jeffp51 on March 02, 2018, 07:59:56 am

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

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: DuBois on March 02, 2018, 08:30:07 am

Leather thong tied at bottom or bare.

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: Stick Bender on March 02, 2018, 10:15:06 am

I really like cane wrap with leather dye lately

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: hoosierf on March 02, 2018, 10:26:54 am

+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.

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: bushboy on March 02, 2018, 02:14:12 pm

Birch bark

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: bushboy on March 02, 2018, 02:17:02 pm

I glued leather on the inside to reinforce the eyelets

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: bushboy on March 02, 2018, 02:23:02 pm

Elm bark

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: RatherBinTheWoods on March 03, 2018, 06:34:23 am

Yep bark or buckskin for me too...or buckskin held on with rawhide thong wrap looks great too. But most  primitive is always gonna be bare ;0)

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: txdm on March 04, 2018, 11:26:12 am

Quote from: bushboy on March 02, 2018, 02:23:02 pm

Elm bark

Wow, that looks like leather! Bushboy, can you elaborate on how to do that?

Title: Re: Need ideas for primitive longbow handle
Post by: bushboy on March 04, 2018, 08:26:47 pm

I leave the bark outside for a few months.soak in water over night.scrape off the corky stuff.coil it up and soak in double boiled linseed oil.i put the wrap on still wet and spray down with armour all well,then clean it up with paper towel and set aside to cure.