Howdy, I am making an edge ring goncalo bow that I don't want to back even though I have rawhide, sinew, and hickory. I knew I needed to back my last one (quarter sawn but violated) but I still went for it and it lasted about 100 shoots til it cracked. Have any of you made one without backing it? It makes such smooth bows and I don't want to cover its character. I don't care too much if I break it as long as there is a chance, just another learning experience. On my last one I tried burnishing the back but it doesn't burnish well and pulled a splinter so, I rounded the edges an sanded smooth and it lasted a very fun 100ish shots.
Let my know what your experiences have been and any pics if available?
Thank you,
David
p.s. it is 67" ntn W1.5 with a 8 inch handle drawing 29.5" flat belly and back
