Hair Bow String (video added)

[PrimitiveTim]

I hate haircuts.  I just don't like them.  I went a year a little over a year without a haircut.  I just couldn't stand to throw all those "fibers" away.  I decided if I'm going to cut it then I'll have to do something useful with it.  Mind you it wasn't long enough for locks of love and it had to come off during the summer. 

I read somewhere that people have made bow strings from hair.  I figured this would be a fun experiment.  So I grabbed some natural cordage and tied up a lock and grabbed a sharp stone and cut it off.  I had my first strands off my head.  Yeah, then I got a pretty redhead to tie up the rest with bands and cut them off with scissors.   

I videoed the whole thing so I'm hoping to get that edited soon.  Here are some pictures until then.

http://youtu.be/NNazMRnVF4Y














For a light poundage bow it's not bad at all.  I compared it with an agave string and it is a little heavier but no much and it does have a certain amount of stretch but that stretch isn't much and when it's braced you can hardly tell.  I may end up using it as a handle wrap or something like that or maybe I'll keep it on my bow!

http://youtu.be/NNazMRnVF4Y

[Parnell]

That's awesome!  We gotta get Bonepile and Pat B to contribute to a beard string!

[PrimitiveTim]

That's awesome!  We gotta get Bonepile and Pat B to contribute to a beard string!

The PA community beard string!

[Ed Brooks]

That's is too cool. I was wondering how that would work out. how heavy poundage bow do you think it will handle? Ed

[stickbender]

That's awesome!  We gotta get Bonepile and Pat B to contribute to a beard string!

  I wonder how long it would take to get the years of food particles, grease, beer, drool, nose cheese from sneezes and all the little critters out, before you could use it for a string.  ;D   Have you tried horse hair?  I would think it would only be good for a light poundage bow, as it would take a pretty thick string for a higher weight bow.  What weight is that bow, that it is on?  The Indians used horse hair for ropes and such.  Pretty cool, just trim it up a bit, and it is a beauty.   Nice job.   Ok, so where is the  Red Head video?

                                                                     Wayne

[PrimitiveTim]

This is bow is probably 30 pounds or a little less.  I think it could certainly handle something heavier though.  I haven't tried horse hair. 

[Marks]

I trimming my beard down after a year in October. Maybe I should put it in the trading post. Beard hair might be a little tougher than head hair. I have noticed my beard hairs are flat but I digress.

[stickbender]

I trimming my beard down after a year in October. Maybe I should put it in the trading post. Beard hair might be a little tougher than head hair. I have noticed my beard hairs are flat but I digress.

     Try sleeping on you back or side.

                                                              Wayne

[Joec123able]

Good idea Ive thought of this my self hair is incredibly strong and no doubt would hold up to heavier bows I think

[Bone pile]

Beard hairs for sale $1.00 apiece colors  are grey and not so grey
Bone

[crooketarrow]

  THATS PATIANCE'S

[PrimitiveTim]

Haha, I don't think hair is going to be a hot item in the trading past anytime soon.  It was weird enough working with my own hair but working with someone else's hair would just be kind of nasty, especially since use my mouth in the cordage making process.

Enjoy the video!  There are a few links here and there and it's all the same video

http://youtu.be/NNazMRnVF4Y

[PrimitiveTim]

Lol I never said anyone else should do it.  This was more of a "Hey look what I can do" kind of video.  Tell your wife you thought she loved you for your kind heart... not for you hair.     guilt trippin' is the way to go

[BowEd]

Very Cooool.Great investigative work.Horse hair I'm sure you know was used by Indians on their bridles and other harnessing too.I've seen hair used as a lanyard for a pocket watch too.Now I can say I've seen it used as a bow string.

[Parnell]

Good videos!  I watched your kayak trip video also.  Good stuff.