Old Kodiak magnum

[Dannon]

My son was telling me about an old recurve bow that he’d been seeing in a room in my father in laws shop. He said it was just his size. He was gonna pick a day that his paw paw was in a good mood and he was gonna ask if he would give it to him.  My father in law was reluctant to give it to him because of some arrows with broad heads attached in the quiver. He told my son he’d have to talk to me first. So we go to his house this evening and my son comes walking around the corner onto the porch carrying this bow. I recognized right away it was an old bear. 52” kodiak magnum. Limbs are very straight and the bow seems to be in good condition. It does need a new string and could use a really good cleaning. What would be a good cleaning agent to clean this bow up with? My father in law said that his wife took it in on a pawn probably 40 years ago.

[Dannon]

These are the arrows that were with the bow.

[Ray Lyon]

Looks like a really nice 1971?? New B-55 string and maybe just a wipe down with rubbing alcohol to start and leave it at that. 

[LBR]

Saddle soap or some other cleaner that's non-abrasive and won't get into the finish.  B-55 string, 12-14 strands (I'd lean towards 14 unless nock fit will be a problem), around 48" (those bows generally "like" a higher brace).

[TIM B]

That's a beauty! Love those bear bows
Tim B

[monterey]

409. 

[Jon Stewart]

I clean old bows up with good old soap and water. I have a very used sponge scrubbie that I use so it doesn't scratch the bow. I dry real good and then wax the bow with car wax. Been doing it this way for many years with no harm to the bow.

[mahantango]

Citrus oil based cleaner like Goo-Gone,  polishing compound if needed to get rid of small scratches, then paste wax. Stay away from water unless the finish is 100%.