Silk or linen?

[PeteC]

I've just finished tillering a 60",50# @ 26" snakey osage flatbow.There is a strange grain pattern(appears to be woven),on its back.I don't believe it to be a ring violation,because there is no early wood showing ,but just to be safe I'm going to back it.Is there an advantage of silk over linen ,or,vice versa? Any comments would be appreciated.Thanks and God Bless, Pete C

[Pat B]

Pete, For what you are talking about, both would do the job and I can't see any difference in either. I guess whatever you have available or which ever has the best pattern for you is what you should use. Pat

[Lost Arra]

Around here the decision can be based on availability.
Most of the linen is actually a cotton-linen blend.

I like rawhide.

[PeteC]

I was wanting to keep it as thin as possible,as the bow is a good performer,and I intend on a snakeskin backing on top of it.Thanks for the advice.   God Bless

[snedeker]

I've heard a few suggest that linen slowed down a bow a bit compared to silk but I don't know if thats true.

Dave

[Pat B]

The silk would probably be thinner.    Pat

[PeteC]

That's kinda what I figured.I'll try to find some real silk.Thanks a bunch y'all.God Bless

[Pat B]

Go to Good Will and look for silk neck ties. You might get a nice pattern and save your snake skins for another project. You might also find a silk blouse or shirt that you can cut up for the backing.     Pat

[George Tsoukalas]

Depends on how strong  a backing you need. Linen is stronger than silk. Jawge

[PeteC]

I found some 100% silk at a fabric store for 30% off.I got 2 yards in "cloth yards" thats a 6'x5' piece,enough to get 30 , 2" strips,6' long ,for a cost of 1 dollar a bow.Thats cheap enough for me.Thanks again for the speedy answers. God Bless           Now I've got a bow to back!