Handles, plain or wrapped?

[Badger]

   Wondering how many guys just leave the handle bare wood, I have always liked the feel of it better than a wrapped handle. Many say they look unfinished but I kind of prefer the look also. Of course I am not very good at the leather wraps anyway. Steve

[Pat B]

Steve, I very rarely use leather handle wraps. Over the last couple of years I have used rattan or cordage wraps. These give me a better grip in all sorts of weather. I like the looks of a "naked" handle but with sweat or rain the bow can slip in my hand while shooting.

[Badger]

  Pat, cordage wraps are my next favorite if I want a more finished look. I often use just unbleaced linen and coat with tb4. I think I will go to the hobby shop and check out more cordage for this. I am in the midst of finishing some bows that have been waiting years for sandpaper. Steve

[sailordad]

ofr me it all depends on the styl of grip and the purpose of the bow

[mullet]

 Steve, It depends on what kind of mood I'm in or the wood. And sometimes If I just want to try something different. I've got some Black Tip shark skin rawhided out right now I'm going to try. I think it will make a good grip, even when you getting sweaty hands or hunting in the rain. It feels like 200 grit sandpaper.

[HoBow]

I've read the Asians use it as sandpaper- you have any extra you'd like to trade?  I wished I'd kept some of the stingray I've caught over the years for the same purpose.

[mullet]

 Naww, Jeff. I've only got two small pieces and I'm gonna use one and I promised Mechlasher the other. I'll take the whole hide next time my buddy catches one, then I'll have enough to give away. This was an experiment on tanning.

[medicinewheel]

... I often use just unbleaced linen and coat with tb4. I think I will go to the hobby shop and check out more cordage for this. ...

The linen cordage can be dyed after application with wood or leather dye; I usually coat with boat varnish.

[Badger]

Sharks and rays are always comming up on the pier where I live, fisherman will usually just give them away. I need to go hang out on the pier some night and fish while I am at it.

[M-P]

Hi Folks,    My favorite bows all have bare wood handles. You have to admit though that a well done handle wrap can add a lot  to the look of a bow. 
Ron

[Del the cat]

Bare wood for me by preference, but then I don't shoot in the rain if I can avoid it.
Del

[George Tsoukalas]

badger, I never leave the handle bare. My preference is a nice leather sewed on handle. I'll do a cordage wrap if I want a more primitive look. Jawge

[Pappy]

It's rare if I leave one uncovered,most of the time stitched leather. I did leave the backwards Osage bow i made a few months ago unwrapped so you could see the bark on the inside of the handle.
   Pappy

[adb]

The only bows I leave without a handle covering of some sort, are yew warbows.

[hillbilly61]

Bare wood for me by preference, but then I don't shoot in the rain if I can avoid it.
Del

 They say cats don't like water. now I know why

  Don't like a bare handle. Just like the look of a good finished wrap or cordage