Topic: Birch bark cracking

Has anyone else had problems with the birch bark cracking? My bow's cracking where the limb bends the most.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12212152/2014-04-15%2022.06.11.jpg
I know the birch bark is nothing more than decoration on these laminate bows, but I don't like the way the cracks look.
Is this just a reality with these covers? Has something gone wrong with my bow? Is there anything you can do to prevent it?

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Re: Birch bark cracking

It's very common and all bows (even horn bows) eventually have it.  Try shoe wax (recommended to me by a horn bowyer years ago) or similar.

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Re: Birch bark cracking

Is this why there's quite often a silk/fabric wrap on this area of the limbs?

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Re: Birch bark cracking

Mule wrote:

Is this why there's quite often a silk/fabric wrap on this area of the limbs?

Wrapping is usually to shore up core wear in a horn bow; it's a way to stretch out the service life of the bow.

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5

Re: Birch bark cracking

Hi Guys

Orginal post by Mule had image missing.

There is horizontal cracks running across the top limb image attached - http://imgur.com/a/1b4ct 
Is this normal for more cracks to appear?

Also there is a side crack along the eye of the birch bark - http://imgur.com/a/13FyM

Bluelake mentioned use of shoe wax. Do we apply it to fill the cracks with wax or just a polish over the birch bark? Any advice on the care and maintence of birch bark?

Kind Regards

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6

Re: Birch bark cracking

Hi Guys

I got some additional information from Freddie replied to my email about birch bark cracking.

"Yes, I checked it with mater of Song Mu Gung.
He told me it is possible to do like this because it is natural material.
If you have any olive oil, it is better to touch it on the face.
And keep it clean and not cold and not hot."

Kind Regards

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Re: Birch bark cracking

The bark on my 5- year old Hwarang was quite faded, though not cracked. A very light coat of olive oil worked like a charm - just like it would on dry skin. You can see it working so it's easy to not use too much. The next day wipe it again with a dry towel and it will probably be good for a few years

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