I see this popping up more and more. A checkered or diamond pattern on the handle to, I assume, act as a grip.

Anybody have a good (I hope fool proof) method of doing this to a recurve's grip?

There are a lot of bowyers that will do it for a fee??  Not sure how much but probably 75-100.00 is my best guess.  I do not like the feel but those that do, really do.  They look nice for sure.

The most foolproof way would be to send your riser to Dave Windauer of Silvertip bows he does excellent work.  If your set on doing it yourself I would practice on some scrap wood first.

Wes Wallace charges $20. Have had it done to a recurve & a longbow, will worth it    

Dave Windauer can checker a pane of glass!  Best of the best in my opinion.  Thinking hard on sending in my Kwyk Styk for a good checkering job...  Just need to find the cash.

Sent a PSA II in to have the grip checkered, I think it was $135 or so plus shipping.  Well worth it.  

Think about the 1/2 or full pinecones Bob Morrison does also.  Love them on my Morrisons, and I actually have one that needs them right now... but, again, need to find the $'s...

That Wes Wallace checkering sure looks good and is a simple design... and can't beat that price.

I really like what Lee Hoots does with his line of bows...'stippling'.  I would not own another bow without some type of grip enhancement.

I am dumbfounded by Windauers checkering, I always have it done after having my bow slip once after sitting in a light drizzle with cold fingers.


If you want to try it yourself, the best sources are from gunsmithing books.  You'll find all the tools you need and everything you need to know.

For sure ask D.Windauer !

Try this link on "stippling" a grip:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000104

I have a Dye recurve with a checkered grip.  Very nicely done, like you would find on a nice custom rifle.  Definitely adds a touch of class...

Dave Windauers work is the Best!! A True artist!

Twenty years a go I was inspired by the checkering on my Silvertip but was unable to find someone local that did checkering...I decided to teach myself, purchased the appropriate tools, practiced and have checkered dozens of risers since.  The type of wood and size of the diamonds makes a huge difference in the degree of difficulty.  If you have any woodworking ability you can become a respectable craftsman.  Woulds be glad to share with you the tools you'll need and good suppliers.  I'd be willing to send you some "starter" tools for you to try.