Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: Newindian on July 01, 2013, 02:37:07 am

Title: golden rod cordage?
Post by: Newindian on July 01, 2013, 02:37:07 am

When a friend found out I was making natural fiber strings, he recommended I look into golden rod the stuff is common here, so far I haven't found much on the internet. Any help is appreciated .

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: Olanigw (Pekane) on July 01, 2013, 09:35:05 am

I've never been able to.

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: stickbender on July 01, 2013, 11:59:54 pm

It is quite common down here in Fl.  Never knew it had any fibers worthwhile.
I know that Eddison, had made a synthetic rubber out of the sap, but it fizzled out as being viable, as the war was over by then. 

                                                       Wayne

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: Pat B on July 02, 2013, 12:13:25 am

Mature goldenrod stems make good survival arrows, similar to horseweed. I've never heard of it used for cordage.

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: Newindian on July 02, 2013, 12:44:23 am

Looks like I'll be the first to take a look at it

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: Pat B on July 03, 2013, 12:16:10 am

I'd wait until late summer, after it has bloomed but before frost.

Title: Re: golden rod cordage?
Post by: madcrow on July 04, 2013, 06:45:16 pm

It will make cordage.  You will probably have better luck retting it, instead of the usual dry and breaking apart.  Leave a few arrow shaft sized stalks and cut them after a couple of frosts.  Fairly easy to straighten and very light.