1955/1956 dual shelf Kodiak

[Ray Lyon]

Is there a way to tell for sure the year on these dual shelf bows?  I just picked up a 34# 60 inch model that needs a new leather grip and I may refinish with new decals, but it is in pretty good shape. Tips don't look bad, but after redoing a 1957 Kodiak, I'm confident I can do new tips on this bow too. Also thought about chopping the left hand shelf right off and reshaping the grip a little since this will be for my daughters to use and it's only a 34# weight so not as much stress on the handle area.  Any thoughts?

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[Jack Shanks]

That would be a 1955. The '56 would have silkscreens instead of decals.

Looks in pretty nice shape other than the grip. Myself, I wouldn't alter a piece of history that survived the last 58 years by cutting the shelf off. Your bow though so do what you want.

[Ray Lyon]

Jack, thanks for the input. Yes, I looked at it again last night and I'm going to go 'minimalist' on this one and carefully replace the leather only. One tip has the smallest of crack on the glue line between the glass and first overlay, so I'm going to sneak a little locktite into that as well to be sure.  

 Thought about the Kodiak decal and how to replace that alone and blend it. Has anyone done that?? All the restoration stuff I've read talks about going the opposite way with restoring the rest of the bow and leaving the original decals in place and feathering them in.  I'd leave the rest of the bow in place and just replace the 'Kodiak' decal on this one. Thoughts anyone?????

Finally, does anyone have the exact string length info for this 1955 model? I'd like to get Allan at Lefties R Us working on one while I'm doing the leather work.

[Jack Shanks]

Ray, I've never bought any but I'm sure someone has replica decals that would be easy to replace. Maybe Al Harford / [email protected] that does the silkscreens has them.

As far as the string I believe I've made 56 1/4" flemish for that year.

[Ray Lyon]

Thanks Jack I'm already in touch with Al. I've got several set's from him in the past.

[Bjorn]

That's a beauty and great # too. One of Bear's best IMO.  

[Ray Lyon]

The price wasn't bad either. $57 on the big site. Must have flown under the radar a little. Everything other than the handle and arrow rest leather was really in nice shape.  I'm going to have my younger daughter help with the fix-up and it's going to be her bow.

[MJB]

Nice find  

[damascusdave]

Why not take the opportunity to see how your daughters do shooting both right and left handed...I shoot both ways and have found young people often pick it up rather easily

DDave

[damascusdave]

If you need a bit of help with left handed form there is an old rather Santa like fellow you might know

DDave

[Ray Lyon]

Dave,
That old Santa looking fellow just put a couple of Shrew Mantis 4 arrow quivers signed by himself in the mail.  They'll be under the xmas tree next week along with some Easton Axis arrows fletched with pink and pink barred feathers and white wrap with pint and silver crest; Asbell neck knives, turkey box calls and compasses.  They're quite the archers and they're very patient in the woods.