Hello everyone!  I just picked up this Black Widow SAB TD recurve.  It is my understanding that this is the factory finish and was more than likely done because there may have been a flaw in the original finish. I have heard that it is possible to strip the black finish to reveal the original finish.  Has anyone attempted this or have any feedback?  Would you leave it as is?  Thanks!

Kevin

 

I did it on a LBS  2 piece take down and it looked really good when I was done. I called Black Widow and Toby suggested a stripper to use. I think it was a citrus base, but it has been years ago so the best bet would be to call Widow and talk with Toby. I sprayed it with a satin finish poly urethane, 3 or 4 coats I am thinking. I let each coat dry and then hit it lightly with 0000 steel wool, then I wiped it down with a tack cloth to take care of any runs or bubbles. Give Widow a call and good luck!

Buddy of mine did his and found a really nice Greybark . Said it was really tough to get off though.

Minwax spray satin poly in the can is a great finish that is easy to apply.

Desert Dude did one years ago now. He could not find a flaws. Either could any of us. Rumors were more than likely the wood pieces did not match? You might Black Widow and see what they say.

Thanks for all of your help! I have called BW and talked to Toby. He said it could be good or it could be a mismatched bow.  I won't know until I strip it.  He suggested sandpaper and good ol' fashioned elbow grease because a stripping agent may damage the glass. Now I have to decide whether to take the gamble.    

A friend did it to a pair of limbs he had and it came out fine.  Unfortunately, I can't remember what he used to accomplish it. I remember speaking with Bill Bonner when Widow still sold these and he said they were bows that had some flaw but nothing that undermined the integrity or functionality of the bow.  Actually, I think it really looks fine the way it is.

I would just hunt it........I had a SBS 60" [short black stick] with that finish, I liked it and wish I had never sold it.

I am leaning that way.  No reason to put that much work into it.  Just hunt it the way it is.  If in the future I want a pretty BW I can buy it that way.

I would leave it. If you make it all pretty then cry when you scratch it.

Yes Katman, that's the reason why all my coustom bows are ugly Ducklings.    
But there is some truth in it.
Every scratch stings like a needle.   :mad: