Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
yucca fiber string ??
Pat B:
JustinNC, it grows all over NC. We have the mountain variety, Yucca filimentosa (bear grass) and in coastal areas probably what we called Spanish bayonets, with a real sharp point on each leaf tip.
Alan(woodland roamer) had a yucca string on his latest Eastern Woodland style bow. I got to see it and talk to Alan at the camp-o-rama two weekends ago. He scrapes the yucca leaves green to expose the fibers and prefers a yucca bow string over rawhide or sinew because it isn't affected by moisture like the animal fibers are.
Justin Snyder:
I pound the yucca between two small logs, then just scrape the pulp off the fiber. There is a lot more fiber in there than you would think.
Hillbilly:
The best way to get good clean fiber is to wet pound and scrape it like Justin said, but it's a bit labor-intensive. I have a small deer scapula that I have scraped a lot of it with, works like a charm.
JustinNC:
Pat I used to see it a lot when I did wetland/stream locating. Used to see it around a lot of old home sites....a site out past you in Sylva comes to mind. Now I mostly just see it in yards.
jamie:
like said its a great fiber. also makes a great soap. dig up the root smash it , wet and rub between your hands. its loaded with saponins. love to use it when camping. flowers are edible too and delicious. my knowledge is with filimentosa so check variety before using. peace
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