Well, I'm getting ready to build my first bow.  It will be a laminated longbow with action wood riser and lams (glass belly and back).  I don't want to jinx myself by getting ahead here, but figured I'd get some of your opinions on a finish.

In the hopes that the bow turns out and I don't end up with a knot on my forehead, what would be a good, waterproof (and preferably not too shiny) finish?  Also, I do not have a spray gun....

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

A good $10-15 finish that is easy to apply and when your done you'll have enought for a couple more bows:  Get a small bottle of Tru-oil $5-6, use your fingers to rub it in the grain and fill in all the pores.  After the first coat dries, buff it with 0000 steel wool, and repeat 5-10 times.  Once you have a perfectly smooth, glass finish buff it the last time with the wool and apply 2 light coats of Helmanns Spar Urethane (Satin spray can) $6-7.  It will look great.

Thanks for the reply-I sure appreciate it.  Can't beat cheap and minimal equipment for a good finish   .