How many backing strips can you get out of a hide?

[Weylin]

About how many bow backings could get out of a deer rawhide that was about 55-60" long?

[Pat B]

Figure they will be 1 3/4" to 2" wide. It will take 2 per bow and you overlap them in the handle. How wide is yor hide?

[wizardgoat]

I got one recently and was able to get enough for 6 bows, plus lots of scraps.
The hide cost me about 90, so about 15$ a bow. Still cheaper than what you'd get else where.
I could of got more, I made mine 2.5" wide.

[Weylin]

Thanks guys!

Pat, I don't know how wide the hide is because I haven't bought it yet. I'm trying to do the math and make sure it's economical. Wizardgoat's math was the kind of input I was looking for and that sound's about right. The hide I'm looking at is about $90.

[PatM]

Keep in mind that the actual strength of the hide varies greatly across the width. If you really want the hide to protect a back choose your strip placement wisely.
 Only Kangaroo hide is the same strength all over and in all directions.

[Weylin]

Keep in mind that the actual strength of the hide varies greatly across the width. If you really want the hide to protect a back choose your strip placement wisely.
 Only Kangaroo hide is the same strength all over and in all directions.

How do you judge that and how much of hide do you use/discard?

[wizardgoat]

Ya, inspect them closely if possible. There can be some holes in them.
The outer edges are a little thiner than the middle of the hide, just root through them
and find a good one

[Pappy]

90 bucks for 1 rawhide deer hide,wow. I'm seating on a gold mine. I would say at least 6 ,maybe more if you watch what you are doing as you lay them out.
  Pappy

[JW_Halverson]

Keep in mind that the actual strength of the hide varies greatly across the width. If you really want the hide to protect a back choose your strip placement wisely.
 Only Kangaroo hide is the same strength all over and in all directions.

Not exactly true, roo hides are trimmed of much of the inside rear leg, all the front leg and a fair amount of belly.  What's left over is mostly similar strength, the belly flap can be a little stretchy and the back leg section will stretch lengthwise.  Still the best leather I have ever laid hands on!  I can't imagine how wunnerful 'roo rawhide would be for backing bows.