Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: blindarcher on December 17, 2022, 12:01:09 pm

Title: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: blindarcher on December 17, 2022, 12:01:09 pm
Can anyone direct me to a source to get rawhide bow strings?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: Pat B on December 17, 2022, 04:38:08 pm
You'll probably have to make one yourself. I've never made one but I doubt it's very difficult. Maybe someone will come on and help with how to do it.
Title: Re: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: chamookman on December 18, 2022, 03:44:39 am
Don't know how to do it, but remember reading that Woodchuck Hides were prized here in the Great Lakes area. Was considered the "Primo" Material. Bob
Title: Re: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: Pappy on December 21, 2022, 08:11:51 am
I have heard the same thing Bob and have a couple in rawhide just in case I decide to do one some day.
 Pappy
Title: Re: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: Muleman on February 22, 2023, 10:45:16 am
Squirrel rawhide is tough as can be,easy to find purty much everywhere  I made a 3 strand squirrel rawhide string put it on a little hackberry bow,I bet I've put 10,000 shots thru it with no issues,I admit I live where it's low humidity so that's not a issue either,it's about a 45lb bow at my draw,hope this helps,Mule
Title: Re: Source for Rawhide Bow Strings
Post by: paulsemp on February 22, 2023, 12:58:01 pm
Done it a few times. Only used deer rawhide. Not a big fan honestly. Sinew is a better natural option. Made a handful of sinew strings but they're for nostalgia only. Hard to beat man-made materials. I highly doubt you'll find many guys that make them for sale. It would be a nightmare for warranty and explain to people how to properly use them. Very easy to make. Cut a 12-in round circle of rawhide. Then start cutting it in a spiral pattern  1/4 to 3/8 wide all the way around. Soaking and stretch all the strands and twist together while wet. Hang a weight off it to dry. Do not over twist the plies as that will cause wicked stretch and  vibration