Is this river cane?

[8up]

I have tons of this around here.

[TimBow2]

looks like "creek cane "to me

[Osagetree]

Maybe, maybe not!

It looks alot like what I use. I'm almost sure in a primitive or survival situation, peoples used what they had on hand.

Compare yours to these pics;


















Let us know if you decide to use what you have or not! It would be interesting to some,,, I'm almost sure!

[Ralph Renfro]

Looks like it to me. If you're still not sure, send me a couple of dozen and I'll determine if you can make arrows out of it!

[8up]

OsageTree It looks exactly Like that. I will have to find out more about harvesting it. I will need to know about the diameters needed. Then I will start cutting and stock piling It might be good trading material, and who knows maybe I will build a dz for me one day.

Osagetree did you make the bow and knapp the arrowhead yourself?

[Pat B]

8up, When you harvest, be sure it is at least 2nd year growth. First year growth is not mature enough for arrows and will wrinkle when dry. If the paper-like sheath at the nodes has started to deteriorate or is gone all together, then it is OK for arrows. Also the color sometimes changes to more of an olive green, rather than the bright green of the younger shoots. When you cut the canes, look at the thickness of the walls. Thin walls(comparitively speaking) is probably 1st year growth.
  Cane, like hardwood shoots, will shrink as it dries so collect canes that are slightly larger than you want your arrows...about 3/8" or slightly larger at the base.   Pat

[Jeff U]

Take a 3/8 wrench with you when you harvest.  Makes a great guide to select the right size.

I find it's amazingly difficult to judge the right size by look and feel.  I get home with a batch that's too large or too small.

[8up]

The piece I took the pic of was about 7' tall so I assume it was at least 2yrs old?

[Pat B]

River cane(Arundaneria sp.) usually grows to it's ultimate height it's first year. The second year it fills out(matures) and after the 3rd year it beging to die. So, you can't go by height to estimate age.    Pat

[Osagetree]

I find some cane around here that get's 20' tall and 5" across the base. That cane seems to fold in on itself when heat straightening the small arrow size shoots. I do'nt use it for arrows but have been thinking about trying it for bow backing.

The cane I use for the arrows, only gets around 10' tall and less than 3/4" at the base. When heat straightening it tends to bow and not fold in on itself.

Woody aka "Knife River" made the point. The bow, quiver and arrows are all mine. You must have missed this thread;  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=034787

[8up]

Osagetree Very cool

[Todd Weldon]

I'm with Ralph 8up. You better send us all out 4 or 5 dz each and let us check it out. You don't have to straighten any just send it on out! LOL!

Todd

[buck-tamer00]

straiting them loks hard, and looks like it takes a long time.

[ringo64]

straightening cane or reed is relaxing and therapeutic.... a little bit at a time and by next hunting season, you will have plenty.