Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: CherokeeKC on January 22, 2011, 04:05:09 pm

Title: Sinew
Post by: CherokeeKC on January 22, 2011, 04:05:09 pm

I just read the chapter in TBB volume 1 about sinew backing.  It said that if you use backstrap sinew for backing a bow then let it dry out.  But if you were gonna use the backstrap sinew for hafting points on arrows or fletching then you should freeze the sinew.  Frozen sinew works like fresh sinew it says and has more elasticity.  Has anyone ever noticed a difference in workability or strength between dried sinew and frozen sinew?

Thanks in advance for any replies.
K.C.

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 22, 2011, 05:24:08 pm

I find fresh sinew very difficult to work with.  I think it's much easier to split out the finer threads I prefer for arrow work with a very carefully scraped and dried backstrap sinew.   I save all leg sinew, but only use it for making hide glue.

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: cowboy on January 22, 2011, 09:07:53 pm

I like to use the legs for backing and the backstraps for tieing cause their longer. Legs are great for twisting strings too, haven't tried it myself but jackcrafty is a pro  :). I've never frozen any sinew - but hey, I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination :).

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: mullet on January 22, 2011, 10:15:08 pm

 I have a ton frozen right now. But it's because I don't have time right now to scrape and clean it all. I like backstrap and ostrich sinew for arrows and leg sinew for bows. And I like splitting both after it's dried.

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: CherokeeKC on January 23, 2011, 12:00:00 pm

Thanks for the replies.  Yeah I have always used dried backstrap sinew for hafting and fletching also.

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: Hillbilly on January 26, 2011, 11:00:35 am

Always dry mine, I like it better dried than fresh or frozen.

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: Pappy on January 28, 2011, 07:51:21 am

Always dry mine also in whole strips, then strip and chew it when I need it. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Sinew
Post by: CherokeeKC on January 28, 2011, 12:40:59 pm

Thanks!