cat-tail cordage pic heavy

Foilist said:
Is there some kind of step-by-step around here for reverse twisting natural cordage? I need to learn that!

The only cordage I can make involves twisting up strips cut from trash bags - quick and effective, but not natural.
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I think it helps to watch the process. The best way to make cordage by far IMO is to roll it on the thigh. This takes a lot of practice to get good at. I'm not there yet.

RAY MEARS THIGH ROLLING CORDAGE

I make cordage by rolling it in my fingers a little different than most people. This method works for me very well with a wide variety of materials.

MAKING CORDAGE FROM IMBIRA BARK

DOGBANE CORDAGE

The most common way I've seen cordage making taught is to use the reverse twist method. This is probably the easiest method to learn quickly but I find it slower than the way I make it and certainly slower than thigh rolling. This video is from BushcraftJon.

BUSHCRAFT CORDAGE MAKING

The very best way to learn is to start doing it. It really is a great skill to have enabling you to make anything from fishing line and nets to traps and bowstrings. Mac
 
Reverse twist is the only way I know how to do it at this point..although I plan to learn more methods in the future...I plan on getting a step by step vid for cattail cordage up withing the next week
 
That's awesome :thumbup: Definitely a skill to pick up, and make you more confident outdoors. I can't wait to see your video Riley.
 
Looks good, John. Just one critique, if I may, that will help improve your cordage's breaking strength. In some of the close up shots I noticed one strand wrapping around the other. Usually this happens for one of two(a combination sometimes) reasons; uneven twist, or different sized strands.

If you can keep the strands symmetrical, and twist them roughly the same amount it will help prevent that sort of candy cane phenomenon that sometimes happens.
Another thing you might want to keep an eye on is twisting wet fibers. They're a lot easier to work when wet, but once your cordage dries, I've noticed it has a tendancy to shrink and cause gaps in the twist, or again, the candy cane phenomenon. I know you said "damp", not wet, just thought I'd throw the tip out there.

Making cordage is a great skill, and once you get the knack for it, and understand the principles and rule(s) of thumb, you can make cordage out of just about anything. :thumbup:
I tend to do about three basic tests on plants to see if I think it would make passable cordage.

1) A quick strength test by tugging between my hands, fibers held lengthwise. If it's tough to break, it's a good start.

2) Tie an overhand knot in the material, and if it grips without sliding, but doesn't cut into itself that's another good sign.

3) Roll the material between my fingers against itself to see if it will kink and take a set on it's own.

If it meets all these criteria, it's usually a good candidate for cordage. Provided the fibers are long enough ofcourse. I look forward to seeing your video, been enjoying the ones you've got up on YouTube so far. Keep up the good work.:)


Gautier
 
pict said:
I think it helps to watch the process. The best way to make cordage by far IMO is to roll it on the thigh. This takes a lot of practice to get good at. I'm not there yet.

RAY MEARS THIGH ROLLING CORDAGE

I make cordage by rolling it in my fingers a little different than most people. This method works for me very well with a wide variety of materials.

MAKING CORDAGE FROM IMBIRA BARK

DOGBANE CORDAGE

The most common way I've seen cordage making taught is to use the reverse twist method. This is probably the easiest method to learn quickly but I find it slower than the way I make it and certainly slower than thigh rolling. This video is from BushcraftJon.

BUSHCRAFT CORDAGE MAKING

The very best way to learn is to start doing it. It really is a great skill to have enabling you to make anything from fishing line and nets to traps and bowstrings. Mac
Click to expand...

Thanks - this'll keep me busy for awhile.
 
Luckily I remember learning how to make cordage from you guys about a year or so ago :D

I never would have thought of it but always wanted to learn how. I've been making stuff for a while now and I find that it's a useful skill to know, especially since we always talk about the "what if" situations here.

We're all human, and sometimes we forget to pack things. A simple foot or two of cordage could make things a lot easier. If you boil water in a steel cup, it's gonna be a little hot to the touch, make a bit of cord and tie it up as a handle. Good stuff to know and great links in this thread, J.
 
Great cordage, this is something I am going to have to try!!!

Dont forget that the fluffy part of the cat tail is great tinder and very flammable. If it is fresh you might have to let it dry out a little bit. But be careful, the first time I used it to start a fire I used the whole cat tail and almost lost my eyebrows!!:D
 
Very nice! Add Evening primrose to your list of fibrous plants to try. I have a lot around and it makes a quick cord for piute deadfalls. I really like it.
 
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