Trad linen/hemp strings

[RobertofGwent]

I'd like to know where to source linen or hemp for making traditional bowstrings and which is more suitable for warbows? And finally can anyone recommend a good reference/guide for making strings out of such material?
R

[toomanyknots]

I go to pyrosupplies.com, and buy the 70# a strand imported hungarian stuff. Good stuff. I make my strings about 6 times the draw weight. I also only use loops, hitch knots will crush the fibers easy on heavy weights. I do 3 ply too, just because I like how it is rounded. I don't know if there is any advantage though.

[Yeomanbowman]

Barbour's Irish Linen tread is a good place to start but don't buy a light colour as it quite likely to have been bleached and it's ruined.  Ebay has loads. 
That's what the 120lb at 30" elm bow had at the recent shoot.  I reinforce the timber hitch end and don't twist it too much as it makes the string weaker as it stresses the outer fibres more than the centre.

That Hungarian stuff looks interesting.

Jeremy

[RobertofGwent]

Thanks guys. I'm looking for a UK outlet for the Hungarian stuff. There's only one Irish linen reel on ebay at present. How can I tell if it's light/bleached - the roll is covered in paper. It's 3 cord No. 60. Is that the right stuff?

[Yeomanbowman]

Rob

 I'll send you a link to the good stuff but as a general rule the thinner the strands, the better as it spreads any weakness and  bleached stuff is worthless for all but servings.  So avoid like the plague!

Jeremy