Main Discussion Area > Cave Men only "Oooga Booga"
two slings
jamie:
you are making some great stuff. keep it up.
Matt S.:
I made a few slings many years ago when I was getting frustrated with making bows. Mine were made out of scraps of leather, old show laces, or woven cotton string. My little brother and I got pretty good at flinging rocks across fields or into lakes. I was able to sling those stones about 100 yards. I have no idea if that's good or not, but I was impressed. Of course, accuracy was a different matter ;)
Lee Slikkers:
I've ran across numerous threads mentioning the use of Stinging Nettles as a source of cordage. How/when does one gather this plant and yet avoid the very real hassle of the stinging aspect?
swamp monkey:
Collecting stinging nettle needs to be done in September or October but before the second frost. Here is what I do. I touch the stalk with the palm of my hand and that is the ONLY part of my body I allow to touch the stalk. ANY other part of my body and those little trichomes will poke acid into my skin making me itch. The trick is our palms have thicker skin than any other part of our arms.
Once the stalks are cut I let them dry and then remove leaves. Once dry you can store until ready to remove the pithy center and work your cord. Stinging nettle does not do well with rot and will decompose quickly, so getting it before it goes bad is vital.
Lee Slikkers:
So once it's been cut, dried and de-leafed the acid/irritation is gone? Thanks
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