Cordage

[MikeWilkinson]

Stumbled across some interesting sites for the creation of cordage, I usually use willow or nettles but thought I'd investigate other materials - thistle, bramble, rosebay willow herb, etc...

I not only found what I was looking for but also some useful info that other cordage makers might find useful


http://www.woodcraftwanderings.org/cordage.html


And This fairly useful video for willow in winter:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYV-GClIAYM



Also this useful link for lime bark cordage

http://www.bushcraft.ridgeonnet.com/lime%20bark%20tutorial.htm

I even read somewhere that the following inner barks are also good - Sweet Chestnut, Oak & Elm and of course the usual Lime and Willow.

Anybody have any other suggestions, I like the idea of having as many resources for what I consider a pretty important skill and tool.

[Matt]

Thanks Mike, great link :)

Matt.

[luresalive]

Cordage is one of my favourite things to make, good link.

[MikeWilkinson]

Made some fine cord over the weekend out of a Yucca leaf was very impressed at its strength and how pliable it was - might have to strip some more of them.

[beechnut mick]

i tried it back in october after seeing the vid and had no luck.

[OKBushcraft]

Not sure if you have much of the following in the UK, I usually use yucca leaves, milk weed is ok, Dog bane makes supurb cordage but is a bit hard to process, Cat tail leaves make a low strength cord as do the leaves off of phragmitis reed-just peel leaves off stock and tear into about 3 strips each and then start double reverse twist like the cattails. Corn husks will work for low strength also.

[Ashley Cawley]

Great video & links, thanks for sharing Mike.

[MikeWilkinson]

You know me Ash, resource junkie!! :p If I think it is useful you all get it.