Hey! I am currently making an ash self bow. I bought the piece of ash from a hardwood dealer and i had them rip an inch off both sides for me so i didn't have so much wood to take off with a draw knife. The pieces that were cut off are about two inches wide and looked like they could be used for backing strips(if they have good tensile strength that is) The grain on these pieces runs at a fourty five degree angle. I appreciate any input!

Probably not a backing strip because of the run offs on the strips you have. Ash , with the right grain, would probably make a good backing for some of the lighter whitewoods.

Thank you I was thinkin the same but just thought I would get a second opinion

It is said theres a bow in every tree.
 So take your time and you will be find.