Kyudo Equipment Care: Grip Leather (Nigiri-kawa) Replacement Guide & Reviews

Introduction

My Japanese bow is wider than standard, so store-bought grip underlays don't fit properly — they leave grooves when wrapped. I decided to properly rebuild the underlay and document the process.

Making the Underlay and Grip Leather

I ordered a cowhide underlay but it was too narrow, so I layered paper behind it for a smooth angle. Cut business cards as filler, attached the cowhide, trimmed the width, and sealed with masking tape.

Applied wood glue to the grip area, attached the underlay with tape to hold it. Wrapped Japanese tissue paper around everything to protect the underlay during future replacements.

Finally glued the grip leather on, pressed it with a doho tool following the wrap direction. Let it set for at least one hour before use.

Grip Leather Reviews

Inden (Printed Deerskin)

Made from deerskin with raised patterns that cause friction pain during the draw. Essentially a slippery yet painful grip leather.

Ibushi (Smoked Deerskin)

Premium smoked deerskin that leaves a barbecue scent on your hands. Not recommended for sweaty hands — it absorbs moisture but stays wet.

Wash Grip Leather

Synthetic leather with anti-sweat properties and many pattern options. Good for those wanting both style and sweat protection.

Mizuno Grip Leather (Cowhide)

Mizuno's specially treated cowhide with excellent anti-slip properties. Gets grippier with sweat rather than slippery — designed specifically for sweaty hands.

📺 参考影片