How do I remove a leather grip?

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I just picked up a very nice 1959 Kodiak. 64" & 54#
Bow is in very shootable condition, and I plan to shoot it.
Hiding under that leather grip is some very well figured rosewood.
For my personal preference I would as soon it was wood gripped. For collecting and possible resale,(at some point in time, not now) the original grip would be nice.
Anyone know a trick on removing one, and saving it?

[Waterhole-Ike]

The grip is original to the bow.

The grips are very hard to remove without tearing because the leather has been skived where the two ends meet. I'd leave the grip alone. I've removed a couple over the years (only because the bow was beyond repair and I salvaged the grips and coin.)

If ya just got to remove it use a flexable piece of metal about .015 in thickness, a points guage will work fairly well. Take your time you can use a little bit of Goo Gone or similar type solvent on the tip of the points guage. This helps disolve the glue.

For what its worth I'd leave it the way Fred intended it to be.

[raghorn]

48" belt sander???????

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

Ike, I understand it is correct, and this bow is probably 95%, so I don't want to muck it up. I would for my own use prefer the bear wood. Only if I am comfortable that I can remove it or find a good replacement, will I attempt to remove it.
So far, I haven't got a good solution, (Sorry Ron), so I am leaning to just leaving it. 3Rivers sells a leather grip, but it is just a chunk of leather with self adhesive. A poor substitute for a 59.
On another note, how do they skive that so darn thin, and keep a straight edge?

[Dan Spiece]

Leave it!

If you do take it off there's only one way to replace it! Wade Phillips can replace them perfectly! I had mine refinished by BowDoc then Wade replced the grip!

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I've pretty much decided to leave it. No clear cut way to do it without possibly screwing it up.

[TLANE]

How much does Wade charge to replace a leather grip on a 59 Kodiak? How do you get in touch with him?  I've got a 59 that had the leather grip removed.  I ordered one of those adhesive leather grips from 3rivers but that thing is just so darn thick and the color really isn't right.  Just wondering.

Thanks
Toby

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

Mike, You are probably right, that I won't sell it. However after talking to several people, "Wade" included, I am going to "Whimp" out on removing it, and see if I can wear it off. At least for now...
Now I have to find an arrow plate for a 57. Know where I can find one?