quick cord from grass

[Cliff Stamp]

Gathering some grass with an opinel :



I realized I had about a mile to walk before I reached the shelter I wanted that material for the floor. I could just braid grass into cord but that takes a decent amont of time as I needed several feet and would also need to split the shoots at the end as they don't bend well. Instead I just layed the stalks side by side and used the side leaves to wrap around and then tie. These are fairly weak individually but since you can wrap them ever 6" or so and I only needed a low strength wrap it worked well.



No problems adding other pieces to make the cold longer, just lay the addition next to the shorter piece and keep going. I produced about six feet in about two minutes. Easily tied up the bundle of grass which was then just carried on the shoulder just like a small log. It is also then easier to put down and pick up and no problems making another piece of cord and just wearing it around the shoulder and freeing both hands.




-Cliff

 

[pict]

I usually just carry it with a piece of paracord laid onthe ground like a long narrow "U" and pass the free ends back through the loop.

I'm a big fan of sleeping on grass. I only carry my closed cell foam pad when I hike up into the mountains.

Up high like that there is lots of grass but nothing for cordage. I'll have to give your idea a try. Mac

 

[Kevin the grey]

Bringing in the sheeves , bringing in the sheeves .We will be rejoicing bringing in the sheeves . L:O:L

I always thought they were singing "Bringing in the sheep ". .

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Modern cords tend to be far more efficient if available. Most roots and barks can be much faster than braiding grasses. There was none immediately local to that area, and I wanted to figure out a way to get cord from grass quickly anyway. The general idea should be able to be expanded readily to other types of vegetation. If they don't have shoots/leaves, then just make small slits and use other leaves. It is still really fast.

-Cliff