Cordage For Ethan's Jan Challenge

[Md 25v]

Now that I have a number and can participate I wanna join in on the Becker challenges. Not to mention, I'm really stoked that January has a trapping challenge! I know the challenge thread has a limit of 12 pics for the entries so I'm gonna make a few How-To threads related to the challenge so I don't waste my few entry pics.
For this challenge I will use only my Eskabar.
This thread is about the cordage I will be using for the paiute trap. I noticed that there was a new Yucca Ssp that I had not used before planted in a shopping center near by.

Here is the plant. No pics of cutting the leaves (had to be quick with the Esky to not draw attention).

Here are the three leaves I cut. They were near the bottom and would have died soon.

Step-1
Pull the leaves across a coarse branch for several minutes to break up the pulp.

Here is a before and after. Not how the top (after) leaf is smashed up and the pulp is separating from the threads.

Step-2
Roll in hands and separate the threads. Then reverse wrap the threads into basic cordage. Note the splices where different pieces were twined together. Rinse and repeat until cordage is as long as you need.

Step-3
Trim all the splices and allow to dry over night. The cordage will turn brown and shrink, making the cordage much tighter.

 

[Flexxx]

Thats really cool, I think my wife has some kind of plant like that.....HEHE
If I don't post for a while, you know what happened.

 

[Moosez45]

Thanks, MD, it saves me from having to do it in the tutorials in the conteste. I hate making cordage ever since the hand break. Its painful and very time consuming.

Moose

 

[Md 25v]

No problem. I actually make cordage almost every night while watching TV. I have a weird callus on the side of my index finger from it. Right now I have over 12 ft made up for this. I ran out of leaves but will get more tomorrow. My goal is to use natural cordage for the snare as well.

 

[formtight]

I'm not really sure of your 'Step 2' technique but seeing this has piqued my interest. I've never really given thought to making this stuff. To the YouTube I will go after work!

 

[PropThePolecat]

I knew you'd enter as soon as you found out it was a trapping related contest. Ill be looking forward to your entry.

 

[Md 25v]

formtight- Here you go. This is some cordage I made out of squirrel intestine.

[youtube]8tLJRNZDTXI[/youtube]

 

[Flexxx]

Excellent video, never thought about using squirrel intestine, very interesting...

 

[formtight]

formtight- Here you go. This is some cordage I made out of squirrel intestine.

Thank you sir! Work frowns on the 'ole YouTube but I'll be sure to catch it at home. Do you have to do anything to 'prepare' the intestine...? Or will I see it in the video?

Thanks again!

 

[Md 25v]

formtight- Do you have to do anything to 'prepare' the intestine...?
Thanks again!

To prepare- Pull intestine out of squirrel. Using thin knife or scissors, split the intestine along its length. Wash intestine with cold water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER OR INTESTINE WILL ROT IMMEDIATELY. Once split and cleaned, hang the intestine to dry in the shade. Make sure to keep away from animals or you will find your future cordage missing. From that point the video picks up.

 

[formtight]

To prepare- Pull intestine out of squirrel. Using thin knife or scissors, split the intestine along its length. Wash intestine with cold water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER OR INTESTINE WILL ROT IMMEDIATELY. Once split and cleaned, hang the intestine to dry in the shade. Make sure to keep away from animals or you will find your future cordage missing. From that point the video picks up.

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[Bladite]

squirrel intestine blue jean smell never comes out...

zombie squirrels. brains...

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

MD, why you don't have a school yet is beyond me.. I'm sure its restraints of time, but you should get a hold of Jeff Randall and teach him and his classes a few tricks:thumbup:

Your work is far superior then most I've seen, and I'm sure I speak for everyone here, its great to see your posts in the BeckerForum.. Not kissing up, just keeping it real

Good work man..

 

[Md 25v]

Wow Thanks, that's a huge compliment!
I do teach locally. Used to be at all the Maps gatherings.
http://www.mapsgroup.org/
Now I teach at outdoors events for the scouts and a smaller primitive skills group.
Your words are very kind and I'm glad you have liked my projects but there is no way in hell that I could even sit at the same table as guys like Jeff Randall (unless I was taking one of his classes). Hopefully one day, I will have the knowledge and experience to be at that level. Until then I'll just keep learning and posting about whatever I try.

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

Wow Thanks, that's a huge compliment!
I do teach locally. Used to be at all the Maps gatherings.
http://www.mapsgroup.org/
Now I teach at outdoors events for the scouts and a smaller primitive skills group.
Your words are very kind and I'm glad you have liked my projects but there is no way in hell that I could even sit at the same table as guys like Jeff Randall (unless I was taking one of his classes). Hopefully one day, I will have the knowledge and experience to be at that level. Until then I'll just keep learning and posting about whatever I try.

that's very humble of you.. but isn't true, most guys that know don't talk,guys that don't know talk all kinds of trash.. ESPECIALLY on the internet.. I'm a musician and if I started ranting about all the big acts I've done and all chances I've had etc.. I'd be another poser, of course you can call people out on it, musician boards have them all the time...

put up or shut up....

you obviously are a shower, actions louder then words etc.. Jeff has guys that know hardly anything or are versed in one arena help from time and again it seems, but to me you seem very well versed at 'bushcraft' in general.. kinda like Mac.. no talk.. I like it that's all..

Kinda reminds me of the scout daze