Tooling leather Longbow grip

[RGK]

Has anybody used tooling leather and then actually tooled (stamped) a design on the leather and used it for a longbow grip??? I am thinking of doing this with my son's new bow and am looking for ideas.

I also wonder if this sort of grip might be too hard or slippery for a bow grip?? It would have to be sealed or oiled but over time, I'm guessing it will look pretty dirty.

[tim roberts]

I never have used it, but leather can soften, or be softened over time, using oils and conditioners will help.  There are also cleaners that can be used to keep it clean and soft.

[RGK]

I just worry that the groove created by the tooling would fill with grime from sweaty hands and such.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

just use powder to keep it clean & dry... I know some ppl that work with horse all the time & they just use baby powder to prolong the life of their saddles. I don't see why that can't be true for bow leather...

What happens to un-tooled leather on a bow handle will be the same with tooled leather... First the oils in your hands will seal the leather, then smooth it all out... more so where you hand touches it the most.

[Roughcountry]

Shouldn't be slick if you use the right tooling.
A fine check stamp would make it grip even all over. A flower stamp will be harder to clean but not imposible.

In my mind leather gets better when used, you just have to use good firm leather so it stays firm on the grip. The closer it is cut to the backbone and butt in the hide, the better it will be.

[bamboo]

i've done it and its not hard--i think it looks great---don't worry about grime---do all the fitting and trimming then come up with a pattern and tool it -let it dry and a touch of rubber cement in the belly of the grip and stitch it on -done