Birch bark backing

[horatio1226]

I have some beautiful birch bark that I am considering using to back a bow with. Does anybody know of any reason why I shouldn't do it? Any suggestions would be very welcome. Also on a side note, maybe I'm just a little slow but I haven't been able to figure out what ttt means in the 2 months I've been hanging around here. Thanks
Brian

[4runr]

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[kctreeman]

I tried it and wasn't too impressed.  It didn't seem very durable.  I've had better luck with cherry.

[ROB TAYLOR]

My Hwarang Korean bow is birch bark backed....looks pretty cool...haven't really given it the stress test so I don't know how durable it is.  On the other hand, many cultures have been backing with bark for centuries...so...can't be a completely stupid idea.  I say give it a whirl....I'd probably seal it with something to give it extra life.
-Rob

[Pat B]

I've used birch bark to back sinew backed bows and had good results with it. Unfortunately it doesn't stay as white when glued but it still looks cool. I think I used TBIII to glue it down and used a single, thin layer as the back.It won't add ant performance but has good water resistance.   Pat

[MWM]

I have also thought of using Birch Bark.  I was thinking of splitting the bark, it grows in layers, and glueing it on with the inside out.  In other words, taking the white off, down to a good glue surface and then glueing that side to the bow. What do you think?

I have seen bows backed with the white side out and I didn't like the look of it.