Durability of Snakeskin

[Diamond Paul]

Hey, just wondering how durable snakeskin backing was on laminated limb recurves/longbows.  Several bowyers have told me they didn't do it because it tends to get pretty rough-looking in a fairly short time.  I know everyone loves Bob Morrison's snakeskin jobs, but it's not something I'd want to do if it doesn't hold up well.  Any opinions?  Thanks, Paul.

[John Scifres]

If applied and finished well, they should last and look good for many years.

[Orion]

If they get ratty looking, that's because the fella is beating H out of his bow.  With rough treatment, without skins, the glass would look pretty beat up as well.  I've had skins on some of my bows for 15 years or more.  Still look good.  But I don't use my bows for walking sticks, clubs, etc.

[The Whittler]

Do you have to apply a finish every so often.

Alan

[Bill Carlsen]

I put some on my DAS bow three seasons ago. This year they seemed to be pretty beat up and coming loose along the edges. I simply took them off and camo painted the limbs.

[Bjorn]

If the bowyer does a bad job they will look like crap in no time! Just like anything else.
I saw an application where the scales were not removed-why I don't know! The bow looked like it had a layer of fur on it after a bit of time with all the scales sticking up!

[Diamond Paul]

So it basically comes down to the person applying the skins, correct?

[BigRonHuntAlot]

Originally posted by Diamond Paul:
So it basically comes down to the person applying the skins, correct?

Yep. Morrison is the best in my opinion        :D