Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
Nettle fiber bow string ??
Joec123able:
Well i made the string .... As I let the weight of the bow down on the string TEAR it went so it broke basically before it was even braced but I probably made the string to thin because I made about the thickness of a modern string ... So I guess my fault either way it didn't take long to make the string so I'm not that angry
Stringman:
In my humble opinion nettle makes an extremely strong bow string and rivals any natural cordage string out there. Preparation, processing, manufacture, and use all play a factor in the durability as well as usability of the finished product.
While nettle and flax are similar there are huge differences in processing that bear mentioning. With nettle, I prefer to harvest as close to the frost as possible. The fibers can be used before or after that time but at least in my area the frost seems to be the dividing line. After harvest, the stalks can be stripped of leaves and stored till dry or used as is. I don't go through any retting with nettle as this seems counter-productive, and unlike flax, the usable fiber is on the outside of the stalk. Processing can be described simply as breaking the stalk and stripping the usable fiber off (keeping them as long as possible.)
Another tip I have found is to double the size of the string at the loop to increase abrasion resistance. This will take some practice to get it right, but like you said "making string is fun!"
swamp monkey:
Amen Scott!
crooketarrow:
When I first met CROOKETARROW he used nettles and milk weed for strings.
He boiled tree roots and another he just let seep out. He's coat the peices with this. This dried really slow. When he finished he's hang a weight on the end let it dry a week. Then he's coat the whole thing let it dry do it again. Then he's coat it a second time let it dry.
This not only water proffed it but harden the fibers and prolonged it life.
At the time all I was into was killing bucks and after he dieded the the sceart went with him.
Stringman:
It's heartbreaking to think of all the primitive knowledge we have lost through our elders. It's up to us to gain as much of that back and strive to pass it on. Thanks for doing you part, crooked.
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