I have several pieces of raw backstrap sinew. I do not know how to prepare them for a bow. Can anyone let me know how?
Thanks
Backstrap will normally just pull apart lengthwise with your fingers if your having a hard time try pounding it with a rock to make it softer and then pull it apart until it looks like thread
Make sure that you get all of the meat& fat off. wash it and let it dry. keep it stretched during the drying process. For pounding make sure that you use a river stone that has no sharp edges whatsoever. I pound it on a 15" diameter stump. Make sure you keep your fingers from between the rock and hard place! :eek:
Good luck
pete
Do I need to wash it in bleach water? How do I dry it flat? Does it need to dry flat?
I lay fresh back sinew on wax paper for a few days to dry. Be sure your dog or cat can't get to it...or they will! Once dry I put a piece between my hands and rub them together back and forth until the sinew separares then pull apart the strands.
Do I need to clean off the meat that is still on it before drying or does it come off when rubbing with hands? Sorry for all the questions, I just dont want to screw it up and end up with nothing!
thanks
The meat comes of easier when fresh. Use a spoon or butter knife(not sharp) and scrape it a little and the meat and excess fat should come off. When I wet sinew I like to wash it is Dawn dish soap and warm water to remove any grease that might be present.
I have so many pieces to do...40, yes 20 deers worth... Can I freeze them as they are with meat on them and pull several out as I have time to do them? Will freezing them hurt the sinew's use?
Freezing won't hurt the sinew. It will clean up easier when fresh. It only takes a minute or so to clean off the meat and it will take most of what you have for a bow backing. Back sinews don't go as far as leg sinews so more are needed.
Save a few for wraps, either on bows or arrows. The longer back sinews work best for these.
Has anyone done a harvest along on this. I would love to see the process form retreiving from the animal to preparing for the bow. I have read about it but on here I get to ask if something is not clear and it get dummyfied for me.
Thanks,
Kelly
Check out youtube. use utilizing sinew as your search and also extract sinew. These 2 will show you some good stuff. I am a person who can do better if I can see it and do it myself as well.
Hope this works.
So how many backstrap sinews (about) will it take for a 68 inch hickory?? Lets say these pieces are average of 8 to 10 in length?
So how many backstrap sinews (about) will it take for a 68 inch hickory?? Lets say these pieces are average of 8 to 10 in length?
thanks
You could put a single layer on the whole bow with probably 6 or 8 back sinews. Figure at least 3 layers to complete the job.
Why are you wanting to use sinew for a bow that long ? I would save the sinew for a better time if you ever want to make a shorter bow
i might have to call my local deer station... i might give sinew a try...
why is leg better than back? just stronger or is there more of it?
-hov
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