Does anyboby know how to cure fish skin. Do you just let it dry like snake skin . I seen some arrows wrapped with snake skin but since we dont have cool snakes here like rattlers or copperheads I thought mabey fish skin might work.

I don't see why they wouldn't work. Many kinds of fish skins are used to back bows. I would think something like a Chain Pickrel or very small pike would be really neat. I would avoid any species that are oily and or fatty. I think I would first scale the fish then skin it and pin it out to air dry...don't use any curing agents. Just my thoughts ...

There is a bow for sale backed with carpskins. I think it is a Legend made by Jim Johnson? The seller did them himself.

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of using rainbow trout skins but I like the chain pickrel  idea too.

I'm not sure how a trout skin will work out ...with the tiny hard to remove scales. Give it a try. Imagine how neat a brookie would look if it works !!!

Be sure to post pics when you finish.

Will Do

anyone thought of using catfish skins? they have no scales and that skin is practically indestrutable. I bet when it dries it shrinks alot too. Might be good to go over sinew. Like he said above it might be too  oily though.

You ever peel the skin off a catfish with pliers? While its dead of course. I'm not a whacko.

There used to be a build a long on fish skin backing here, I looked but can't find it. Tim Ott from Missouri (if I can say his name), used to use carp and other fish, if it's oily you just wash it well with Dawn dish soap, and I believe you can dry it just like snake skins.

Good idea on the cat fish, bet eel skin would be pretty good too. That stuff is boot leather tough.

Dano, not sure what you are implying with the "(if I can say his name)" but Timo is still a member of Tradgang, not sure why he hasn't been here in a while but it has been by his choice, not admin's.

And yes, he does the absolute prettiest fish backings there is. I still think his carp backed selfbow I shot at TSII is the prettiest selfbow I've ever seen.

I've got some carp skins in my freezer that Whip and I took at TSIV and hope to make something with them someday. Beautiful golden pattern after the scales are removed.

Pygmy, I would think catfish skin would be interesting. They have a subtle beauty about them and as you said, tougher than a railroad tie.

Yep, Tim Ott was the first person I ever saw use fish skin for a bow and like Joe said, Tim's bows are some of the prettiest anywhere.

Don't know what Tim's doing now but I miss seeing his work.

Last I heard he had a new business and that can sure take up a man's time.

I POsted this question on the Primitive Archer forum and got some info on curing fish skins. Rinse the skin in a mild bleach and water solution ( 1/4 cup bleach to 5 gals water ) to kill bacteria and prevent smell. Scape off any remaining flesh/fat. Strectch and staple to a flat board and let dry.

That's good info, thanks for passing it along.

To use the skin like snake skin. trim the skin,soak it to soften and use titebond ,hide glue etc and apply. I assume you can use the same finishes as per snake skin.Pretty much the same stuff at this point.

Tim gave me some skins so I put them on this bow.  Just like snakeskins:    MOJam Commemorative Bow

thats awesome John!