Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Josh B on February 03, 2015, 02:48:42 pm

Title: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Josh B on February 03, 2015, 02:48:42 pm
This is my daughter's new Osage bow.  I'm backing it with ditch chicken(pheasant) feathers and can't decide what color of leather to do the grip wrap with.  These feathers have every color possible depending on how you turn the bow to the light.  The predominant colors are Brown to reddish brown.  I have burgundy leather with me, but I have black, beige, tan and Brown at home.  If it makes a difference, the string is pink, black and white to match her arrows.  What say you?  Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: DC on February 03, 2015, 02:58:18 pm
Wow! I'm no good with colors so I'm no help there but WOW
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Aaron H on February 03, 2015, 03:08:42 pm
I would ask your daughter.  But since you asked me, I would say black.  It compliments the feathers and ties in the string.  But that's just my opinion
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 03, 2015, 03:09:31 pm
Black!
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: twilightandmist on February 03, 2015, 03:12:07 pm
first off, beautiful job. never seen anyone use feathers that way before, points for originality and skill. On the subject of the leather, (just my two cents of course) I think a nice russet brown or a muted burgundy would be nice, something like this:
(http://leathershoppes.com/product_images/leathers/pallleathers/Tulsa_II_Russet_jpg_1113961516.jpg)
of course you could always ask your daughter, unless it is intended to be a surprise.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: adb on February 03, 2015, 03:13:25 pm
Black is my fav color for a grip, regardless of other accents. It ties in nicely with the string and arrow pass. It also doesn't get all grubby with use.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: bubby on February 03, 2015, 03:32:19 pm
If it was me I'd use a dark burgundy, but black would also be a good choice too, i think you need some contrast, wrap what you have around the grip and step back and see what you think thats what i do, that or ask my wife to pick between two if i cant make up my mind lace burgandy with black or vice versa
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: twilightandmist on February 03, 2015, 03:35:37 pm
another thought that just occurred to me is that a contrasting border would look nice. maybe a burgundy center with black around the edges and by the lacing? just spilling my thoughts.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Badger on February 03, 2015, 03:37:07 pm
 Wow, never seen that before, looks really cool.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: TimBo on February 03, 2015, 03:42:34 pm
That's a beautiful bow.  I think black would tie it all together nicely.  What are the overlays?  Would it be possible to use that material (or color) for a strike plate or something? 

Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: SLIMBOB on February 03, 2015, 03:43:10 pm
Looks sharp. Very original. I say black.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: PatM on February 03, 2015, 03:59:08 pm
Bonus points if you can get something in the iridescent green of a pheasant's neck.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: E. Jensen on February 03, 2015, 04:01:48 pm
Black
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: twilightandmist on February 03, 2015, 04:02:27 pm
 For PatM: this stuff on a white leather, then glass the hide:
(https://d31snyb1jsf9xb.cloudfront.net/services/image.aspx/media/images-product/eco-flo-leather-dye-forest-green-2600-14.jpg-250x)
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: half eye on February 03, 2015, 04:11:42 pm
Being as how ya asked....for your daughter I'd say the burgandy would be very appropriate. Ya got good taste Mr. Doc go with your instincts,  8) 8) 8)      Besides what's a bunch of old arrow flingin fools like me know anyways
rich
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: GB on February 03, 2015, 04:43:54 pm
I'm thinking that is a really pretty bow.  Nice work!
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: burchett.donald on February 03, 2015, 04:57:31 pm
  First off, beautiful bow! The ring neck pheasant with the reddish head and white ring? I would say burgundy with white wraps to simulate would be a thought.
                                                                                                           Don
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Chief RID on February 03, 2015, 05:13:28 pm
Another WOW! from this quarter. Nice work. I would not pretend to be able to help with handle color.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: PrimitiveTim on February 03, 2015, 05:20:14 pm
Feather grip? lol
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: soy on February 03, 2015, 05:29:46 pm
I say turquoise  >:D
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: blackhawk on February 03, 2015, 05:30:57 pm
Black leather with a red burgundy lacing Strunk style ;)
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: DC on February 03, 2015, 06:11:47 pm
OK Everyone go ask their wives and report back with the REAL answer >:D >:D
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: bubby on February 03, 2015, 06:14:50 pm
I think bad chris nailed it
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Danzn Bar on February 03, 2015, 07:35:47 pm
Really like the feather backing Josh....As far as color I think red burgundy leather with black lacing Strunk style....opposite of BH.  I think the black leather would too much for the feathers.
DBar
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 03, 2015, 07:57:54 pm
Thanks fellas!  Bill, I think that's what I'm gonna do.  Mainly because that's what I have with me. ;)  She knows about the bow because she picked the stave(DVShunter gave it to me at mojam), picked out the design, made her changes and then stood right there and made sure it was to her specifications.  Once it was all tillered and ready to be shot in, she put it through its paces.  After a few adjustments, again to her specifications, I was given the green light to finish it with only two restrictions.  No snake skin, no beaver tail grip.  She does not know about the pheasant feathers, so that part is the surprise.  I'm going to go ahead and wrap the handle to make it more presentable for her first glimpse at it and then I'll have her read you guy's suggestions.  Believe me, if she likes one of your suggestions more, it will be changed.  The overlays are mesquite heartwood and sapwood for whoever it was that asked.  Pat...don't get ahead of me.  I'm doing another bow similarly for the classic table.  I'm studying on how to use those neck feathers for the grip. We'll see.  Thanks again fellas !  Here's the overlay.  Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 03, 2015, 08:09:44 pm
Josh, first off nice looking little bow. Second, how old is your daughter? If it was my daughter I would say a pink leather wrap with black leather lace. John Strunk style.

I say that because I built one for my niece out of the same log that Dave gave both you and me. I'm trying to figure out the Strunk handle now. Patrick
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: wizardgoat on February 03, 2015, 08:16:59 pm
I vote black
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Badly Bent on February 03, 2015, 08:26:16 pm
Beautiful bow Josh, your a pretty cool dad for putting that much work into her bow. I think that combo Bill suggested will look great on it. Show some more pics. when your done.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Arrowind on February 03, 2015, 08:49:02 pm
WOW!  That's awesome!  I like your plan.   I would suggest you consider going black on the handle with pink lacing to tie in with the string.  But I'm sure she will like it what ever you do!
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: lesken2011 on February 04, 2015, 08:19:47 am
I think the burgundy will go great with the string. Might as well use what you got and get finished!!
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Del the cat on February 04, 2015, 08:47:20 am
Something V dark, or black... cool bow.
Del
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: russell on February 04, 2015, 09:14:39 am
No help with color here - my wife's the expert on that.  VERY nice looking bow!

BUT one question - Do feathers provide structural support like rawhides, silks, etc. or are they just for looks?

Ditch chickens  ;D ;D ;D  My wife will get a kick outta that one.  We got 'em all over up here.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: adams89 on February 04, 2015, 11:19:18 am
Beautiful I would go with a nice braintanned lleather with a sort of strunk style wrapping.
is there any build along on feather backings?
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Parnell on February 04, 2015, 04:25:22 pm
Bravo on the feather work.  That's probably the coolest I've seen, yet.

I say 80's style neon pink.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 05, 2015, 10:29:34 am
Thanks for the input fellas!
Patrick-she's twelve years old
Russell-feathers are pretty much just bling
Adams- I would be surprised if there's not at least one buildalong for feather backing already.  I'm thinking about doing one on the next bow I do like this. 
Thanks again!   Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Sidewinder on February 05, 2015, 11:12:41 am
Josh,

Stellar job on the feather backing. As far as color goes I think you have a couple of dominant choices already mentioned. I also like your idea of having her read the posts and then you decide.
 On another note, beings that your in Kansas, albeit North, when you coming to OJam in Oklahoma? Its only about 250 miles from you.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 05, 2015, 11:21:00 am
I've been wanting to attend ojam for quite a while.  4H shooting sports season keeps conflicting.  Of course I do have the scheduling committee trained to not schedule a shoot for the weekend of the classic.  I might be able to swing it next year if I knew for sure what dates ojam will be far enough in advance.  Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 05, 2015, 12:16:28 pm
Josh, sounds like she is only 2 years younger than my daughter. And I asked her what wrap she wanted on her bow handle last fall. She said and I quote, "pink and black of course dad." Gotta love them when they are that age! Patrick
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 05, 2015, 03:55:49 pm
You don't have to guess at what they want at that age, that's for sure.  We did pink and black on her last bow, but I wanted surprise her with something different on this one.  Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 05, 2015, 04:36:54 pm
That's cool buddy! She can't have two alike! Patrick 
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 08, 2015, 10:49:50 am
Thanks again for the input, but as it turns out, we were all vetoed.  She wanted a twine grip, not leather.  I used sisal twine, walnut stain and tbIII to color it.  She seems tickled with it.  Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 08, 2015, 01:23:49 pm
Very nice Josh! I like the twine grip really well. And it looks good to! Patrick
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Chief RID on February 08, 2015, 03:33:26 pm
Should have known, twine. Great bow Patrick.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Arrowind on February 08, 2015, 04:54:07 pm
Looks good.  Nothing wrong with a little variety.  My daughter has already started talking about her "next" bow and thinking of how it could be different from her last one.  Nice work Dad! 
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: bubby on February 08, 2015, 05:42:21 pm
Them daughters can be hard to figure out huh josh  :laugh:
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: iowabow on February 10, 2015, 05:04:40 pm
Real nice bow great work on the feathers.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Onebowonder on February 10, 2015, 06:16:25 pm
<snip>We did pink and black on her last bow, but I wanted surprise her with something different on this one.  Josh

I trust you are making her some Anti-BOY Blunt-tipped arrows to go with the new bow!  You never know when she'll need to chase off some Seasoned Osage Stave burning young fools!!!


OneBow

edited to add - I'm thinking sweet gum spiny balls hafted onto the tip of an arrow shaft might serve for such a purpose...   >:D :o 8)
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 11, 2015, 08:01:22 am
Thanks Patrick, chief,and arrowind!
Bub - I'm starting to figure that out.  I never would have bet on the string wrap. Lol!
Thanks John!
Eric- Ouch!  Getting whacked with one of them would make me cease and desist immediately!  Lol!
Thanks again fellas! I should be home at the end of the month.  Weather permitting, we'll try to get some better pics taken.   Josh
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Aaron H on February 11, 2015, 11:23:52 am
Didn't see that one coming.   Good for you Josh.
Btw guys, I saw this in person last week,  pictures just don't do it justice.   It is a really beautiful bow.
Title: Re: need some opinions
Post by: Josh B on February 22, 2015, 11:58:16 pm
Thanks Aaron!

We tried to get some pics, but the weather wasn't cooperating.  Cold and overcast so the feather backing didn't show up well and I never did catch my daughter at full draw.  We'll try again when the suns out.  Josh
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: lebhuntfish on February 23, 2015, 12:56:31 am
Top notch Josh! Beautiful bow for a beautiful young lady! She looks tickled pink! I can't wait for the sun to come out for more pictures of the back. Well done Sir! Patrick
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: wizardgoat on February 23, 2015, 01:37:43 am
Looks like one happy camper josh! Nice work.
When's that feather backing build along gonna happen??  ;)
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: HoBow on March 04, 2015, 04:33:39 pm
Looks good!  I have a large box of pheasant feathers that I now have a use for ;)
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Josh B on March 05, 2015, 12:44:26 pm
Thanks Patrick!
Thanks Hobow!  I look forward to seeing what you do with them.  When did you move to GA?
Ryan, I'm gonna try to finish tillering the bow when I get home on the weekend of the 15th.  It's close now, it just needs a little tweaking here and there.  Then I'll get started on the build along.
  Thanks again!  Josh
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: osage outlaw on March 05, 2015, 03:03:24 pm
That bow turned out great Josh.  That feather backing is very unique.  The possum quiver is pretty sweet to.  Does the pink and black bow have the tissue paper backing?
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Buckeye Guy on March 05, 2015, 04:04:18 pm
Man I got a have me a possum quiver after seeing this !!!!
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: ---GUTSHOT---> on March 05, 2015, 07:26:34 pm
That's a awsome feather job. On the grip black would be my color of choice. But if a person could skin out several pheasant legs and sew them together after tanning them. Now that would make a interesting grip   
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: John D on March 06, 2015, 10:54:29 am
Really impressive work!  Way to make some memories!  Wise decision on the grip; I know that sometimes the thing my girls want most is choice.  Well played, Dad. 

John D.

Boise
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: crooketarrow on March 06, 2015, 11:26:42 am
  I like that possum quiver.
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Josh B on March 08, 2015, 09:22:53 pm
Clint the backing on the pink and black one is cotton cloth that I found at Wally world.
Thanks fellas!  She gets a lot of compliments on her grinner quiver.  Her little sister's quiver is a skunk which also garners quite a bit of attention.  Josh
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Jodocus on March 09, 2015, 09:10:53 am
That's jewelery, man!  :-*
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: paoliguy on March 09, 2015, 12:48:31 pm
That is yet another beautiful build. Love the feather backing but behind those feathers is s really sweet bow too! Hope you all have a blast shooting together with it.
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: RLimerick on March 13, 2015, 07:05:28 pm
Great backed bow!  I had no idea you could back one with feathers!  I myself would go with a nice russet colored leather that is full grained hide.  It will only get better with age.  Now I know what to do with all these turkey tail feathers that I have!  Great bow!  She will love it!
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Josh B on March 14, 2015, 07:05:04 pm
Thank you for the nice comments!  I got home and snapped a few more pics.  Thanks for looking!  Josh
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Badly Bent on March 14, 2015, 08:06:24 pm
Very cool look on the feather backing Doc, better keep the bird dogs away or they may want to chew up that fine bow.  I imagine your daughter is proud as could be of her new bow and of her dads talent, as she should be. :)
Title: Re: pheasant feather backed Osage bow
Post by: Josh B on March 16, 2015, 11:36:21 am
Thanks Greg.  She shot it for a couple hours yesterday at the 4H shoot.  She was all grins from start to finish despite her "too cool to smile" pose in the picture.  Lol!  Josh