Handle Modification Advice Needed

[WDELongbow]

Here's the problem. I have a 48 lb. Harrison American Wolf (my lighter bow). I dislike the dish-shaped handle. It feels like my hand is forced to bend backward by the top region of the dish-handle, and also seems to have me heeling the bow (I feel pressure on my hand at the bottom of the grip). I prefer more or less resting bow handle on lifeline of my hand, with little pressure on the bottom region of my hand/wrist.

Another Harrison I have is my heavy bow, 60 lb HHS with a takedown handle. This is a full handle, larger size handle than the other bow. I'd like to modify the American Wolf handle to be more like the HHS handle. I can think of two options. (look at attached pictures).

Solution 1:  Build up the American Wolf Handle using Form-a-Grip, or another substance. I'd remove the existing leather wrap, ruff up the surface and apply the Form-a-Grip material (possibly multiple applications?). Then sand to the final shape. Seal, and apply a new leather wrap grip to finish project.

Solution 2:  File/rasp down the top/upper region of the dished handle (try to mimic shape of the HHS bow's handle), and then use thicker leather wrap to build up the handle a bit.

Any experience changing shape of handles using either method? I can see advantages and disadvantages to each solution.

[lcamp319]

I have reshaped a couple of my ASL grips.  One, I just wanted a larger grip, the other I bought used with a dished grip and changed to a straight grip.  I used JBWeld KwikBond wood epoxy.  I removed leather grip wrap, applied too much epoxy then sanded down to preferred size. And then reinstalled a leather wrap. It works well, it’s been on for close to ten years and have had NO issues.  Good luck.

[WDELongbow]

Thanks Icamp!

[Orion]

I'd go with your first solution.  You can always bring it back to original if you, or a subsequent buyer, don't like the modification. 

[WDELongbow]

Orion, that's good advice. Many times the best course of action is to NOT do something that isn't readily reversed.

[Arrowang]

I have owned a few Harrisons over the years HSS & HHC and had a handle wrap change out also.
Just FYI at the shelf area Jack makes them by building up layers of leather with glue  and then sands the final arrow shelf shape in.
I know this from when I took it all off when my sleeve socket worked loose but thinking this may only refer to his TD's and yours appear 1 pc.
Good luck with it , Jack's bows were always shooters.

[Steelhead]

I would not like the position of how the American Wolf grip puts your hand in either.Seems simple enough to romove the material from the grip like you traced in the picture and then maybe adjust the size by using thin,medium and or thicker leather to get the size you want after the material is removed and you could use bondo etc to shape it a bit.I have done similr things to get a grip to work for me.

[Kirkll]

Using bondo can be kind of a mess if you need much more than 1/4” build up. I think I would consider using a soft piece of wood you can shape to match the existing grip and use epoxy to glue it in place. Then shape to your desired grip shape and re wrap with leather, or sand it smooth if you prefer no wrap. There are many ways to dress it up.   

[Alexander Traditional]

https://www.3riversarchery.com/form-a-grip-custom-bow-grip-kit.html


I have used this when I was shooting compounds. I applied as much as I thought was needed,and then gripped the bow. It turned out well on that bow.