sinew string question

Sam McMichael · February 25, 2011, 10:03:00 PM

What kind of string do most of you guys use on primitive bows? I contacted a friend about making a sinew string for a primitive bow I have, and he was concerned about his strings not being strong enough to work well. The bow is @ 53 # draw weight and is 70 " nock to nock.

I am new to primitive equipment but sure do want to give it a try. Also, what kind of price should I expect to pay for cane arrows? The one person I checked with quoted $40.00 per arrow.

Bill Skinner · February 25, 2011, 10:18:00 PM

The first problem you are going to have is humidity. Your string will stretch. Gut is better in this part of the world and nettle is much better than gut.

The price sounds about right for a well crafted cane arrow with a stone point. Most people I know who do the primitive thing make their own arrows. It is a lot simpler than you would think. Bill

Sam McMichael · February 25, 2011, 10:34:00 PM

Bill, can you recommend somebody who makes strings like you describe?

Bill Skinner · February 25, 2011, 10:39:00 PM

This time of year is going to be difficult, the nettles have rotted down and deer season is over. You will have to find someone who stockpiled some nettle back in the fall. Or, you can make your string from silk or linen. 3-Rivers used to sell gut, I don't know how much or how long the pieces were. Bill

Pat B · February 26, 2011, 12:09:00 AM

Check out primalneedarchery for cane arrows or bare shafts.

sweeney3 · February 26, 2011, 07:15:00 AM

You might check out the primitive archery guys. There is a fellow over there who has a lot of sinew stockpiled. He may have some left. A lot of guys over there make strings. A well made sinew string will handle your bow fine. Your problem will be, as mentioned, humidity and stretch, esp in GA. Price sounds about right for cane arrows. That's okay cause you'll only pay for a few. Once you get bitten by the primitive bug you'll start making all your own stuff anyway. :D

Sam McMichael · February 27, 2011, 08:44:00 PM

Thanks for the info.

bondo · February 28, 2011, 08:13:00 PM

Sinew strings are fairly easy to learn how to build with a little practice. Usually they are made with a loop on one end. A timber hitch on the lower end allows you to take up slack, so stretch is really not a problem. I killed a deer a few years ago in a light rain using a sinew string. While I hadn't planned on it raining on me, the string did hold together with little problem. A little pine pitch rubbed on the string can help out as well.

Gordon Jabben · February 28, 2011, 08:24:00 PM

I have an osage bow that I made a sinew string for many years ago. It has been very durable, lasting much longer than dacron B-50 that I use on my other bows. I can't remember if I made it out of deer or elk sinew. It probably is a combination of both. It does stretch quite a bit.