bowstrings

[audax]

What were period bowstrings made of and what are good modern materials? A friend is making a longbow and he'd like to know if silk or linen were used in period and how to make one if so.

Thanks for any help.

audax

[justus]

Linen cord, waxed.

Making a string is moderatly complex, look on line for tutorials, you will need a stringing jig (easy to make) to do it.

-Justus

[Clinker]

Hemp cord is also period, and is obtainable in craft/hobby shops. Cheap too.

[earnest carruthers]

linen, hemp and depending where in the world, sinew and other materials.


I would say that making bow strings is not that complicated, I say that because string and I not good friends, so if I can make a bow string most people can.

I would recommend using the single loop bowstring with the other end twisted to form an adjustable tie.

I know stringing jigs make things easier by looping the string round but unless you add extra line to the loops they are weaker, ie have fewer lines than a single laid in string.

Make sure your line is well waxed, I suggest a beeswax and linseed or turps mix, quite stiff, just enbough to penetrate.

I would also add in a few strands of dacron for added security, linen/hemp strings are massy and the knocks will need to be quite wide, you can minimise this by adding some synth strands to take up some weight.

String making is quite therapeutic once you get going, which reminds me I have to make a new one.