Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Rhinegold on October 12, 2009, 03:25:11 pm

Title: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Rhinegold on October 12, 2009, 03:25:11 pm

Hi all, first post here with an obscure question about the binding used on traditional Japanese arrows.

1. Did they always use silk?

2. Are the bindings coated with some water resistant adhesive?

I figure there must be at least ONE person here who knows!

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Pat B on October 12, 2009, 04:12:25 pm

I use super glue to seal silk bindings on arrows. Like Frank said the Japanese arrow bindings were probably silk and I believe they used a lacquer sealer.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Rhinegold on October 12, 2009, 09:35:45 pm

Quote from: Pat B on October 12, 2009, 04:12:25 pm

I use super glue to seal silk bindings on arrows. Like Frank said the Japanese arrow bindings were probably silk and I believe they used a lacquer sealer.

Ah, thanks...is the silk thread stretchy?

Is there some special weight or type?

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Pat B on October 12, 2009, 10:24:25 pm

Silk thread is not stretchy. I get it from 3Rivers. it comes in red, blue , green, yellow and black.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: medicinewheel on October 13, 2009, 02:18:21 am

The lacquer sealer originally used was Urushi; but to work Urushi is an art in itself! Very beautiful!

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: shikari on October 13, 2009, 08:54:07 pm

cherry bark was also used on the arrows behind the feathers in particularly ornate arrows as well.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: medicinewheel on October 14, 2009, 03:18:58 am

Pictures anyone??
Found some on the WWW

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Far East Archer on October 14, 2009, 10:18:22 am

^
looks like sambu-kyugu's work, they do nice job.

I use cherry bark before, but never seen it used before for Japanese arrow.
As he say, ornamental or gift arrow.

Now we just using lacquer or epoxy for coating. embroidery thread #9 or machine thread #50.
Just use a normal wood glue to stick thread to shaft.
Lance Xiao has many nice pictures on flickr you should see.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Rhinegold on October 14, 2009, 12:13:46 pm

Thanks for all the replies!

Ive already learned that its a mistake to use anything glossy as a coating...so I might end up with a waterproof marine satin varathane.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Pat B on October 14, 2009, 01:34:38 pm

The way Art Butner showed me was to make your wrap, add the super glue and even it out(I use my finger; found out if it stays liquid you won't get stuck!  ;D ) and let it set. Then with very fine sand paper smooth the cured glue/thread and add another coat, sand and so on. Usually 2 or 3 coats will give you a smooth finish and by sanding with the fine sand paper the wrap comes out smooth but with a dull finish. If you have to remove the wrap you have to cut if off and it will come off as a solid band.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Rhinegold on October 14, 2009, 02:09:13 pm

Quote from: Pat B on October 14, 2009, 01:34:38 pm

Usually 2 or 3 coats will give you a smooth finish and by sanding with the fine sand paper the wrap comes out smooth but with a dull finish.

I just tried that with 0000 steel wool instead for a duller low luster gloss...gives the wood a nice silky feel too!

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 20, 2009, 01:13:24 pm

I just recently found crazy glue in a new brush dispenser bottle. Even has purple dye in it that dries clear so you know when not to touch it. ;) I've been brushing it along the feather bases for insurance.

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: recurve shooter on October 21, 2009, 09:59:51 am

Quote from: Tom Leemans on October 20, 2009, 01:13:24 pm

I just recently found crazy glue in a new brush dispenser bottle. Even has purple dye in it that dries clear so you know when not to touch it. ;) I've been brushing it along the feather bases for insurance.

i gotta go find some of that!  ;D

Title: Re: Japanese Binding?
Post by: Rhinegold on October 22, 2009, 08:30:02 pm

Quote

i gotta go find some of that!  ;D

(http://content.etilize.com/Large/1010041426.jpg)