by a country mile, the best explanation and demonstration of this skill I have ever seen. I have tried this without much success, thank you for passing along an awesome bushcraft skill.
Thank you again Lonnie & Connie. I enjoy your videos& basic outlook on life. Videos are well done and very tutorial. Thanks again. You guys cheer me up, just watching and learning.
Thanks for the info. Your way is easier than another way I have seen. The twist and rotate method I have seen before, but rolling it on your knee is much faster and does the same thing. Very handy skill to have. Thanks again. you teach me something with every video.
What you doing up that tree Lonnie! Always something amazing to watch from you guys, thanks for sharing this interesting video. Nice recording Connie. 🇬🇧👍
'mornin,Lonnie-Connie & 'ole friend,Buck;Another great how 2 video as always. Really enjoy 'settin at the campfire having a cup with U & always learning as we go. Great 'lil spot U have there. Thanks again 4 sharing with us,Friends ! Happy Trails From The Maritimes ATB Terry & Melanie " GOD BLESS "
That is neat. Just like the original Americans did it. Very interesting video I hope you do lots more because I am learning lots of great stuff. Thanks a lot for the great videos.
Great video. Love the cordage tips. I also have a mora for a neck knife and the new Mora Bushcraft Pathfinder for my main go to knife. They make excellent knives.
Dijon Wall First of all I want to wish you a big hearty "welcome" to our channel. I also think having the knowledge to make cordage is a valuable skill. As a bonus it is also a fun project
Excellent tutorial! I've seen a similar technique using leather strips to make a stouter cordage, for times of the year when supple bark is unavailable.
Great tute on cordage Lonnie! Most vids don't take the time you do to show all the details of cord making with the reverse wrap. Thanks and keep em comin!
Am reviewing all your bark video's as I am planning on making a spruce bark basket and sew it with either spruce roots or the willow bark you have shown. Can't find a basket I like in town so here goes, will give it a try. Planning ahead for spring so I am ready when the trees are, all the best.
Thanks Lonnie, will certainly let you know how it turns out. I'm not a crafty person but do enjoy bushcraft when I get the chance and should have some semblance of a basket when I'm done. All the best. P.S. My apologies for answering Sam's question in another video.
No problem answering Sam's question. It was because of your answering that I was alerted to the question that I had missed earlier. Feel free to answer any questions you wish too. I try to answer all questions asked. Because of how RUclips is set up and also due to the number of comments and questions I receive, I quite often miss answering a question that I had every intention of answering. Other peoples answers are often an overall asset anyway.
Hi Lonnie, thank you, glad to know I'm not overstepping my boundaries the odd time I do answer a question. I know you do your best to answer them as I read them all:) Sure hope You Tube sets things up to help you with that in the future. Stay warm, the deepfreeze is hitting here tomorrow night reaching -32.
Great video, thank you! Not sure if he mentioned it or not, but for those getting into survival or even just working with hand tools, the trekker pocket knife is the "one handed trekker" model, can find them online for 40-50 USD. And his folding saw is a Bahco Laplander, best you can find at less than the pocket knife price by far. Great saw for those of us saving up for a Silky.
Actually MY trekker model was the standard model and not the one handed model. However it is a matter of personal choice for each individual as some may like the one handed variety and some may not. Either one would be a great knife.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks for the reply! Forgot they made it without the thumb hole. It is more of a left hander dream knife oddly enough, if you're right handed the liner lock will probably be a two handed close anyway.
Wow, very involved process! No wonder everyone tells you to bring cordage as it's hard to make a substitute. Love all your vids. You show stuff I've never seen before.
Druetty You are right. It is an involved process but really it is quite easy. Of course a person can use spruce roots for cordage also which can be used as is with very little prep.
Another great educational vid. Aren't willows the works? I've got a few on my property. I used the thin 2 year old(pencil thin)offshoots to make a couple of plains Indian back rests. It's quite easy but very time consuming. I wish I had known how to make cordage back then as there was piles of bark from stripping the shoots. It didn't go to waste as it was used on a bbq to smoke cook meat . And yes they did taste kinda sweet. Thanks for the demo.
Willow is a very useful tree for sure. Would love to have seen your indian back rest. Sounds like probably about like the "chair" I did in this video below but yours probably used finer diameter sticks. Make A Chair For A Lean-to Shelter
I'm working with stinging nettle, but haven't tried willow yet! I find it difficult to keep the rope or cord diameter consistent with the nettle fibers??? Thanks, Clark
Thanks Lonnie, I've tried most of your videos liked them all. I especially the tarp tent. I've always camped with a tarp. I can't wait to try cordage from willow. Keep up the great work...
I've never attempted this because it always seems overwhelmingly difficult to master. I'm planning on building another bow and arrows, and I want to make it authentically by hand, out of natural materials foraged locally. Willow bark is always suggested but I'm curious as to how strong the cordage will be compared to the draw weight of say: 35lbs-50lbs. Can anybody offer any advice?
That's excellent information and demonstration. I wasn't sure about the splicing until you showed it here. Would other tree types such as aspen work? Thanks for sharing Conny & Lonnie, great video
+Sasquatchlife Notrace No aspen will not work as cordage. The only other fiber that comes from trees here in the North where I live that would be useful as a cordage that I know of, is spruce roots. Of the two varieties we have here commonly, black and white spruce, the black spruce seems to have stronger roots when used as a cordage. I have used the black spruce roots as cordage for friction fire. When I was in Hawaii a few years ago for a vacation I found several different fibers from trees over there that would work as cordage.
Moin Lonnie (we say here in Northgermany), thanks for your instructions of bushcrafting skills, it is a pleasure to me. ☺👍 Can I cook every type of natural fibres with ash, like you did in this video, to make them durable/flexible? Greetings from Hamburg.
In the Sonoran Desert here in Arizona I believe they use Yucca cactus fibers for cording. One question for you Lonnie. What is happening when you boil the willow bark in the ash that makes the fibers less brittle?
As far as what physically causes the changes, I do not know, but I do know that when done right, The cordage remains much softer and more flexible after drying.
Interesting. Out of curiosity, would one be able to make tree bark soup with it first, then boil the fibers again with the ashes to get nutrients out of it before it's used for cordage? Tiny bit more of usefulness, in theory. ...or would that compromise the integrity of the cordage?
Hey Lonny - I hope you and Connie are doing well! I have a question. Great vid on willow bark cordage - I came across this while researching stinging nettle cordage. You mentioned that willow can be used this time of year but the process is different. Did you do another vid on using willows outside of spring and summer? I see you have a vid using fireweed as well but here in southern Ontario there isn't an abundance of it. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!!
I have never done a video on using the bark during the winter. However there is a quite informative video done on that by a fella from the UK I think. I'll see if I can round that video link up for you. Ahh I found it. You can view the link below. Bushcraft cordage from willow in winter. ruclips.net/video/aYV-GClIAYM/видео.html
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you so much Lonnie! I truly appreciate it! Hey - I just want to say I am so grateful for your videos - I love your down to earth way of living. Merry Christmas to you and Connie!
Yes. The willow bark is quite rigid and fairly durable and would make great sheaths and containers. In our area though, it is easier to find larger sheets of the birch bark than the willow since typically the willows are much smaller in diameter.
Most of the Birch near me is very knotty so, although there are big trees, the bark isnt as ideal. Would you need to follow the same process before using it? ie remove the outer and boil with lye?
If you peel the bark off in one go you can peel off the green outer bark by scoring across it and peeling it back. It's a lot quicker than trying to scrape it all off.
Thank you for your video. Can you tell me whether or not this is extremely strong cordage? If I had to make a bow with arrows would this cordage be strong enough if I doubled it or tripled it up? Would it be flexible enough to go around a large pulley wheel? Thanks again!
No this is not a very strong cordage if made thin. Roughly maybe 10 - 15 pound test at these diameters. When used at sufficient thickness it should be quite strong. It can be made to be fairly flexible if done correctly. It could probably be used for a short duration around a pulley but I would suspect it's longevity in that application due to abrasion on itself internally.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks for your reply. I was considering a scenario where one might have to build a bow with nothing buy natural materials. I would imagine a thick bowstring with a tethered loop to pick up the arrow would be the way to go. It would be an interesting project. Thanks for putting up these videos.
The braiding of individual strands to make a single stronger rope is AFAIK perfectly okay and has been used for thousands of years. I read years back that it was even possible to use long human hair, twist first into cords, then braid into rope.. But that was along time ago and I could have missed forgot or otherwise screwed something up. :)
What if you needed instant rope ? What if ya just peeled that interior layer, cut strips, then use it fresh ?....either individual strips or quickly twisted / braided together.
so, is that cordage strong enough to string a bow? /i have heard of tulip poplar inner bark being used; also hickory inner and outer bark being used; in fact huckory outer bark is used for leather; even small hinges that last a long time. thanks for letting me pester you about stuff;dont get out much!
I am not sure I understand your question. You can use all the inner bark of the whole stick. Some branches have several branches of it's own. Those branches will cause you to have to use shorter pieces of bark but they can still be used however.
The inner bark is basically only one layer and you use the whole layer. You can use the entire bark including both inner as well as outer all in one piece as a rough emergency cordage in some circumstances but It would have to be used as is and could not be twisted or braided into a stronger cordage without taking off the outer bark first.
I learned most of my cordage making skills from the web to tell you the truth. That info was added to my decades of other outdoor skills so was not difficult for me to pick up and learn. I do not "know it all" and just like perhaps you, i am continuing to learn and hone my skills. Learning about the outdoors has always been a desire of mine so I am continuing to learn and improve my skills.
Hello Lonnie. I think I found a cottonwood or poplar tree with a bunch of inner bark coming off the dead branches. I was just wondering if powdered charcoal in the same granules as campfire ash would be as good as ash? I collected the inner bark for later use and collected some dead branches for bow drill sets. I’ll have the video up in a couple of weeks. But I was really wondering if powdered charcoal has the same chemical compound as ash? Wishing you and Connie wonderful holidays. Stay safe and be well.
Charcoal is not the same as ash. There is quite a bit of difference in the makeup of each. However, charcoal is good to use for boiling the bark in and is perhaps better than the ash but it does not hurt to have some of each. The bark boiling is a technique that if done right helps willow bark to be limber even once it is dry. However I do not know if it works the same with poplar bark or if it is even needed with poplar bark as I have not worked with poplar bark much. We too also wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and New Year.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you Lonnie. I’ll try making some cordage with this bark just the way it is. Then when I burn more wood, I’ll wait till it becomes ash and collect it. Then I may do a video on boiling bark in both the charcoal and the ash to see if there is a difference.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you Lonnie. I will need to have some camp fires to collect some ash, but when I collect some I’ll boil some bark in both and see how they turn out. I’m looking for a new camp in some other woods where the atvs don’t go or where no one goes.
Great video as always Lonnie! I too live far up north (northern Sweden). Is it possible to make cordage out of say, spruce/pine/birch? Thanks for the video! - Sebbe
I know of no way to make cordage from the bark of those trees. The barks of those trees do not have the right sort of fibers. However spruce root makes a great cordage by itself plain. I have used spruce roots as a cordage to successfully perform bow and drill friction fire.
It’s winter and I’m trying to make this twine. Also I loved how you licked the branch I smell mine to see how fresh they are 😂 What additional steps do I have to take to make this in winter?
I did not do a video that addresses your question specifically but there is a video online from another source from 15 years ago that should help you quite a bit. Bushcraft cordage from willow in winter. ruclips.net/video/aYV-GClIAYM/видео.html
john kubus Well I am basically only familiar with the plants I grew up with here in South Central Alaska. Here the main plant fibers that are useful for cordage are Spruce roots, nettles, fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) and inner willow bark
great! is the winter method already available ?also would you use this cordage as a fishing line ?there is a lot of material out there on Gorge Hooks and other kind of improvised hooks but none on the actual fishing line. if you could kindly point me to some information on the fish line topic? thanks
Big game sinew would work very well as fishing line since it is so strong even when used as thin diameter pieces. without re-watching the video, I am not sure what you are referring to when you ask about the winter method. I did however do a video on using "fireweed" during the winter to make cordage if that is of interest to you. Easy Natural Cordage Using Fireweed ruclips.net/video/5tgUX1cTNBg/видео.html
We do not have cedar here so I am unfamiliar with how it might respond. The birch however would be poor and unsuitable for cordage with or without using the ash. Birch bark is somewhat flexible already and I believe that boiling it may actually reduce the flexibility due to loss of naturally occurring oils.
Since the splices are staggered by the offset (BEAUTIFUL technique btw...) I wonder instead of leaving the tag ends loose and trimming them later, why not twist them into the opposite strand and just keep on rolling?
A person who is good at rope making can make splices and a viewer of the finished rope will not be aware at all of any splices. It is all about smooth transitioning and carefully picking appropriately sized new material to splice in. If you fold the the tag end over and weave it back in, you will end up with lumps in the diameter of the rope every where there is a splice.
It makes for stronger cordage in my opinion if you twist the new add on pieces along with the expiring old ones. You need to twist the new with the old together to maintain the strength.
I have viewed a lot of your videos. I was wondering if you ever tried dog bane for cordage? You gather it in the fall, let it dry for a while, Then you take a piece and start breaking it about ever inch and get rid the wood and just the fiber is left . You will have your strands of fiber. Twist them together the same as you did in your video. NO boiling or other monkey work just make rope. I made a rope 3/8 by aprox 8 ft.it is really strong I usr it to drag my deer with.
It probably would work well I'm guessing. Some leathers though get a bit slippery when wet so the results may be dependent on the water resistance capabilities of each piece and type of leather..
If done correctly, the ash/charcoal will soften the fibers so that they are usable while dry as well as wet. They will no longer be brittle and break if used when dry.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks Lonnie! I'm planning to show a group of kids how to make cordage from grasses (I have some flax and milkweed so far) but wanted to show them how to use willow bark too so thought I'd show them the difference between cordage boiled with ash and just the green cordage. Thanks so much for all your videos! It's great to be able to search out information and find the perfect video from 6 years ago! Say 'Hello!' to Connie! TM
Great vid! That ash/water mixture is lye, isn't it? I hear it's pretty acidic. Well, actually more of a base than an acid, but none the less capable of burning flesh, if memory serves.
+NormanMatchem Yes it is a very weak lye solution. A strong lye can be nasty on skin. I have used it in the past though to make soap the way that our grandparents did that turned out wonderful. Need to make some more of that soap.
***** That's another thing on my bucket list; make home made soap some day. Knowing how to do such things, it's often considered things for 'survivalists', weird people who want to know how to live off the land, without modern civilization. To our grandparents or great grandparents, it wasn't 'survivalism', it was just a way of life. I don't mean anything offensive by saying survivalists are 'weird people' of course, but merely think that most people who ignore the ways of our ancestors would think them to be 'weird people'. Considering I love learning about things like this, of the ways of people who have come before us, I think I'd qualify as one of those 'weird people' lol Making rum, too. That's another thing that would be quite interesting, but I think you need sugar cane. Vodka would be easier; potatoes. Moonshine is often made with corn mash, I believe, while it seems whiskey can be made with a variety of different things. Or, you know, perhaps I'm completely wrong. That's a definite possibility. Ever try making your own booze, even just beer? I remember a friend's father back in Newfoundland made his own brew. Tried it once as well, made it with apples, quite tasty, though strong!
i have seen you doing the peeling after you cutted strings for the cordage , you just used an axe to remove the outer bark, what’s the best way, Lonnie?
What ever works best for you under the circumstances that exist at the time you are in need is what is best. One method may work great now but 3 or 4 months from now and in a different circumstance or location may not work as well as another method.
We do not have pine in my area of Alaska and indeed in most of Alaska so I have not tried pine. However, below is a website that may help you about what woods are good for friction fire. www.primitiveways.com/Fire%20Making%20Materials.html
Хобби
by a country mile, the best explanation and demonstration of this skill I have ever seen. I have tried this without much success, thank you for passing along an awesome bushcraft skill.
You never cease to amaze!
So many great videos on your channel and all delivered in the same humble honest manner. Thank you!
Great video Larnie, you're a great teacher and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Love your show. I learned a lot from watching you. Thanks. Jeff from West Virginia
Thanks, You are my favorite bushcrafter. I really enjoy your videos, keep it up.
Thank you again
Lonnie & Connie.
I enjoy your videos& basic outlook on life.
Videos are well done and very tutorial. Thanks again.
You guys cheer me up, just watching and learning.
Lonnie you are awesome!!! Been watching for awhile and keep up the good work! You are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Always great stuff,thanks for sharing and blessings to you and yours .
Thanks for the info. Your way is easier than another way I have seen. The twist and rotate method I have seen before, but rolling it on your knee is much faster and does the same thing. Very handy skill to have. Thanks again. you teach me something with every video.
Outstanding. I never miss a video. Ty so much.
Amazing video ! I often wondered how it was done . That cordage was really done nicely !
wow, very mellow and thorough video. I enjoyed. good job.
Awesome videos and information by the way !!!
best tutorial I've seen, thanks!
Great info Lonnie! Thanks for sharing!
What you doing up that tree Lonnie!
Always something amazing to watch from you guys, thanks for sharing this interesting video.
Nice recording Connie. 🇬🇧👍
'mornin,Lonnie-Connie & 'ole friend,Buck;Another great how 2 video as always. Really enjoy 'settin at the campfire having a cup with U & always learning as we go.
Great 'lil spot U have there. Thanks again 4 sharing with us,Friends !
Happy Trails From The Maritimes ATB Terry & Melanie
" GOD BLESS "
Im a new subscriber to your channel and i love the time and consideration you have put into your videos. Great channel for bush craft ideas
Hi Lonnie, another quality video! Rock On!
Great video and love how you explain everything in detail.
Keep up the good worK
Willy Will Thank you Willy. Glad you are enjoying the videos.
Thank you for your videos . Be well
Great demonstration!
Real Life Bushman. Very useful video as always.Cheers From New Zealand.
And Australia
Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.
That is neat. Just like the original Americans did it. Very interesting video I hope you do lots more because I am learning lots of great stuff. Thanks a lot for the great videos.
Great video as always. Thanks
Great video. Love the cordage tips. I also have a mora for a neck knife and the new Mora Bushcraft Pathfinder for my main go to knife. They make excellent knives.
I dig your mellow tone brother. If you ever need a hand give a holler. God go with you always.
Thanks Kirk
Thats Pretty Cool Lonnie, Thanks for the Video Sir :)
Lonnie, I make my own traditional bowstrings. Your hand twist demo is exactly the way I twist up a "Flemish Twist" bowstring. Cool to know...
Incredible video it's always fun to be in a tree
I was wondering why the cordage I made would dry out and break, had no clue about the boiling in ash part, very helpful!
Really good knowledge here thanks for passing it
Excellent video, really enjoyed it ...!!!
***** Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Excellent video, thanks for posting! Cordage making is such an interesting skill to master, I'll give it a real go.
Liked and Subbed!
Dijon Wall First of all I want to wish you a big hearty "welcome" to our channel. I also think having the knowledge to make cordage is a valuable skill. As a bonus it is also a fun project
***** Thank you! I'm making it my late summer project!
Great Video ! hope there's many more !
Awsome vid.
great video.
Excellent tutorial! I've seen a similar technique using leather strips to make a stouter cordage, for times of the year when supple bark is unavailable.
Thanks Lonnie and Connie!
Thanks for the lesson.
Keep up the good content
Great tute on cordage Lonnie! Most vids don't take the time you do to show all the details of cord making with the reverse wrap. Thanks and keep em comin!
Mark Coffman You are welcome. Glad you liked the video.
Medicine tree. Everything is used. Good video buddy
Thanks for the cordage tips. Want to try the boiling with hickory bark
Am reviewing all your bark video's as I am planning on making a spruce bark basket and sew it with either spruce roots or the willow bark you have shown. Can't find a basket I like in town so here goes, will give it a try. Planning ahead for spring so I am ready when the trees are, all the best.
Let me know how it goes for you. Sounds like a great project
Thanks Lonnie, will certainly let you know how it turns out. I'm not a crafty person but do enjoy bushcraft when I get the chance and should have some semblance of a basket when I'm done. All the best.
P.S. My apologies for answering Sam's question in another video.
No problem answering Sam's question. It was because of your answering that I was alerted to the question that I had missed earlier. Feel free to answer any questions you wish too. I try to answer all questions asked. Because of how RUclips is set up and also due to the number of comments and questions I receive, I quite often miss answering a question that I had every intention of answering. Other peoples answers are often an overall asset anyway.
Hi Lonnie, thank you, glad to know I'm not overstepping my boundaries the odd time I do answer a question. I know you do your best to answer them as I read them all:) Sure hope You Tube sets things up to help you with that in the future. Stay warm, the deepfreeze is hitting here tomorrow night reaching -32.
Looks like you've lost a bit of weight too.Great video by the way. Very nice to watch it with a nice hot cuppa.
Im watching at 30,000 subs. and I just subbed. I have some catching up to do. Great Instruction!
Really good video 👍
nice vids keep the goodwork
Interesting and informative video thanks!
Tod dy You are welcome. Thank you
Thank you!
Thanks Lonnie... I'll probably do another cordage/bow drill fire with Basswood bark this next time... Thanks!
Great video, thank you! Not sure if he mentioned it or not, but for those getting into survival or even just working with hand tools, the trekker pocket knife is the "one handed trekker" model, can find them online for 40-50 USD. And his folding saw is a Bahco Laplander, best you can find at less than the pocket knife price by far. Great saw for those of us saving up for a Silky.
Actually MY trekker model was the standard model and not the one handed model. However it is a matter of personal choice for each individual as some may like the one handed variety and some may not. Either one would be a great knife.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks for the reply! Forgot they made it without the thumb hole. It is more of a left hander dream knife oddly enough, if you're right handed the liner lock will probably be a two handed close anyway.
Wow, very involved process! No wonder everyone tells you to bring cordage as it's hard to make a substitute. Love all your vids. You show stuff I've never seen before.
Druetty You are right. It is an involved process but really it is quite easy. Of course a person can use spruce roots for cordage also which can be used as is with very little prep.
Congrats to 20 K subs.
Hey dude I'm a subcriber
Taylor Miller Hi, thanks.
Chris Bergen Hello.
Your the best at what u do
Taylor Miller Thanks a lot, fun to hear.
thanks for sharing.
Another great educational vid. Aren't willows the works? I've got a few on my property. I used the thin 2 year old(pencil thin)offshoots to make a couple of plains Indian back rests. It's quite easy but very time consuming. I wish I had known how to make cordage back then as there was piles of bark from stripping the shoots. It didn't go to waste as it was used on a bbq to smoke cook meat . And yes they did taste kinda sweet. Thanks for the demo.
Willow is a very useful tree for sure. Would love to have seen your indian back rest. Sounds like probably about like the "chair" I did in this video below but yours probably used finer diameter sticks. Make A Chair For A Lean-to Shelter
I'm working with stinging nettle, but haven't tried willow yet! I find it difficult to keep the rope or cord diameter consistent with the nettle fibers???
Thanks,
Clark
Thanks Lonnie, I've tried most of your videos liked them all. I especially the tarp tent. I've always camped with a tarp. I can't wait to try cordage from willow. Keep up the great work...
+Joe Ysaquirre You are welcome. Glad you are liking the videos. Many more videos planned for the future.
I've never attempted this because it always seems overwhelmingly difficult to master. I'm planning on building another bow and arrows, and I want to make it authentically by hand, out of natural materials foraged locally. Willow bark is always suggested but I'm curious as to how strong the cordage will be compared to the draw weight of say: 35lbs-50lbs. Can anybody offer any advice?
That's excellent information and demonstration. I wasn't sure about the splicing until you showed it here. Would other tree types such as aspen work? Thanks for sharing Conny & Lonnie, great video
+Sasquatchlife Notrace No aspen will not work as cordage. The only other fiber that comes from trees here in the North where I live that would be useful as a cordage that I know of, is spruce roots. Of the two varieties we have here commonly, black and white spruce, the black spruce seems to have stronger roots when used as a cordage. I have used the black spruce roots as cordage for friction fire. When I was in Hawaii a few years ago for a vacation I found several different fibers from trees over there that would work as cordage.
Very good to know. Thanks for the useful knowledge, there is to much disinformation out there. Have a great spring
Moin Lonnie (we say here in Northgermany),
thanks for your instructions of bushcrafting skills, it is a pleasure to me.
☺👍
Can I cook every type of natural fibres with ash, like you did in this video, to make them durable/flexible?
Greetings from Hamburg.
No not every fiber requires heating in ash water. Most fibers do not require that step.
got a new subscriber
Awesome. Welcome to the channel. Hope you will find many videos here that will interest you both from the past as well as ones yet to come.
Thanks for answering back I love your videos
In the Sonoran Desert here in Arizona I believe they use Yucca cactus fibers for cording. One question for you Lonnie. What is happening when you boil the willow bark in the ash that makes the fibers less brittle?
As far as what physically causes the changes, I do not know, but I do know that when done right, The cordage remains much softer and more flexible after drying.
Interesting. Out of curiosity, would one be able to make tree bark soup with it first, then boil the fibers again with the ashes to get nutrients out of it before it's used for cordage? Tiny bit more of usefulness, in theory. ...or would that compromise the integrity of the cordage?
Hey Lonny - I hope you and Connie are doing well! I have a question. Great vid on willow bark cordage - I came across this while researching stinging nettle cordage. You mentioned that willow can be used this time of year but the process is different. Did you do another vid on using willows outside of spring and summer? I see you have a vid using fireweed as well but here in southern Ontario there isn't an abundance of it. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!!
I have never done a video on using the bark during the winter. However there is a quite informative video done on that by a fella from the UK I think. I'll see if I can round that video link up for you. Ahh I found it. You can view the link below.
Bushcraft cordage from willow in winter.
ruclips.net/video/aYV-GClIAYM/видео.html
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you so much Lonnie! I truly appreciate it! Hey - I just want to say I am so grateful for your videos - I love your down to earth way of living. Merry Christmas to you and Connie!
@@EdibleWildFood-1 May you and your loved ones also have a blessed Christmas as well.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Merry Christmas Lonnie and Connie!!!
could you allow that inner bark sheet to dry to work with later?
Great video, thanks. Can the sheets of willow bark be used in a similar way to birch bark for making sheaths and containers etc?
Yes. The willow bark is quite rigid and fairly durable and would make great sheaths and containers. In our area though, it is easier to find larger sheets of the birch bark than the willow since typically the willows are much smaller in diameter.
Most of the Birch near me is very knotty so, although there are big trees, the bark isnt as ideal. Would you need to follow the same process before using it? ie remove the outer and boil with lye?
You would only need to boil the bark in ash water if your need required the bark to be flexible once it dried out.
Ok, so for a sheath or container it would probably benefit from the stiffness. Thanks for taking the time to reply and share your knowledge!
If you peel the bark off in one go you can peel off the green outer bark by scoring across it and peeling it back. It's a lot quicker than trying to scrape it all off.
Thank you for your video. Can you tell me whether or not this is extremely strong cordage?
If I had to make a bow with arrows would this cordage be strong enough if I doubled it or tripled it up? Would it be flexible enough to go around a large pulley wheel?
Thanks again!
No this is not a very strong cordage if made thin. Roughly maybe 10 - 15 pound test at these diameters. When used at sufficient thickness it should be quite strong. It can be made to be fairly flexible if done correctly. It could probably be used for a short duration around a pulley but I would suspect it's longevity in that application due to abrasion on itself internally.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks for your reply.
I was considering a scenario where one might have to build a bow with nothing buy natural materials. I would imagine a thick bowstring with a tethered loop to pick up the arrow would be the way to go. It would be an interesting project.
Thanks for putting up these videos.
Thank you!
Would it be ok to plait e.g. three cordages (like plaiting the hair) in order to make a stronger one?
The braiding of individual strands to make a single stronger rope is AFAIK perfectly okay and has been used for thousands of years. I read years back that it was even possible to use long human hair, twist first into cords, then braid into rope.. But that was along time ago and I could have missed forgot or otherwise screwed something up. :)
What if you needed instant rope ? What if ya just peeled that interior layer, cut strips, then use it fresh ?....either individual strips or quickly twisted / braided together.
so, is that cordage strong enough to string a bow? /i have heard of tulip poplar inner bark being used; also hickory inner and outer bark being used; in fact huckory outer bark is used for leather; even small hinges that last a long time. thanks for letting me pester you about stuff;dont get out much!
In order for the willow bark cordage to be strong enough for bow string, it would need to be fairly thick like maybe 1/4 inch thick I'm guessing.
Very informative video. Looks like its a delicate process. Can you only use the outer inside layer or can I keep going using the same stick?
I am not sure I understand your question. You can use all the inner bark of the whole stick. Some branches have several branches of it's own. Those branches will cause you to have to use shorter pieces of bark but they can still be used however.
Like the stick you used can I keep peeling off the inner bark to keep making rope or can you only use the one layer
The inner bark is basically only one layer and you use the whole layer. You can use the entire bark including both inner as well as outer all in one piece as a rough emergency cordage in some circumstances but It would have to be used as is and could not be twisted or braided into a stronger cordage without taking off the outer bark first.
I have that saw, just came in yesterday
Courious Lonnie where or how did you learn the cordage fire making arts. If you don't mind me asking your talents are well just blow me away lol
I learned most of my cordage making skills from the web to tell you the truth. That info was added to my decades of other outdoor skills so was not difficult for me to pick up and learn. I do not "know it all" and just like perhaps you, i am continuing to learn and hone my skills. Learning about the outdoors has always been a desire of mine so I am continuing to learn and improve my skills.
Hello Lonnie. I think I found a cottonwood or poplar tree with a bunch of inner bark coming off the dead branches. I was just wondering if powdered charcoal in the same granules as campfire ash would be as good as ash? I collected the inner bark for later use and collected some dead branches for bow drill sets. I’ll have the video up in a couple of weeks. But I was really wondering if powdered charcoal has the same chemical compound as ash? Wishing you and Connie wonderful holidays. Stay safe and be well.
Charcoal is not the same as ash. There is quite a bit of difference in the makeup of each. However, charcoal is good to use for boiling the bark in and is perhaps better than the ash but it does not hurt to have some of each. The bark boiling is a technique that if done right helps willow bark to be limber even once it is dry. However I do not know if it works the same with poplar bark or if it is even needed with poplar bark as I have not worked with poplar bark much.
We too also wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and New Year.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you Lonnie. I’ll try making some cordage with this bark just the way it is. Then when I burn more wood, I’ll wait till it becomes ash and collect it. Then I may do a video on boiling bark in both the charcoal and the ash to see if there is a difference.
@@bobswoodlandadventures5722 I would be interested to see what your conclusions are at the end of your testing.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thank you Lonnie. I will need to have some camp fires to collect some ash, but when I collect some I’ll boil some bark in both and see how they turn out. I’m looking for a new camp in some other woods where the atvs don’t go or where no one goes.
Great video as always Lonnie! I too live far up north (northern Sweden). Is it possible to make cordage out of say, spruce/pine/birch? Thanks for the video!
- Sebbe
I know of no way to make cordage from the bark of those trees. The barks of those trees do not have the right sort of fibers. However spruce root makes a great cordage by itself plain. I have used spruce roots as a cordage to successfully perform bow and drill friction fire.
Thanks! I'll try the spruce roots next! :)
Lonnie I do my corddege the same
Way but I also use cat tail young shoots
Do you have stinging nettles up there? They can be used to make cordage. It can also be spun and woven into cloth.
Yes we do have stinging nettles here in Alaska but not where I live.
It’s winter and I’m trying to make this twine. Also I loved how you licked the branch I smell mine to see how fresh they are 😂 What additional steps do I have to take to make this in winter?
I did not do a video that addresses your question specifically but there is a video online from another source from 15 years ago that should help you quite a bit.
Bushcraft cordage from willow in winter.
ruclips.net/video/aYV-GClIAYM/видео.html
Earned another sub, what other materials could I use to make cordage?
john kubus Well I am basically only familiar with the plants I grew up with here in South Central Alaska. Here the main plant fibers that are useful for cordage are Spruce roots, nettles, fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) and inner willow bark
john kubus I forgot to say a big welcome to our channel. Hope you find many past as well as future videos that interest you.
great! is the winter method already available ?also would you use this cordage as a fishing line ?there is a lot of material out there on Gorge Hooks and other kind of improvised hooks but none on the actual fishing line. if you could kindly point me to some information on the fish line topic? thanks
I would second that request.
Big game sinew would work very well as fishing line since it is so strong even when used as thin diameter pieces. without re-watching the video, I am not sure what you are referring to when you ask about the winter method. I did however do a video on using "fireweed" during the winter to make cordage if that is of interest to you.
Easy Natural Cordage Using Fireweed
ruclips.net/video/5tgUX1cTNBg/видео.html
Does that flex ash trick work with cedar or birch too?
We do not have cedar here so I am unfamiliar with how it might respond. The birch however would be poor and unsuitable for cordage with or without using the ash. Birch bark is somewhat flexible already and I believe that boiling it may actually reduce the flexibility due to loss of naturally occurring oils.
Since the splices are staggered by the offset (BEAUTIFUL technique btw...) I wonder instead of leaving the tag ends loose and trimming them later, why not twist them into the opposite strand and just keep on rolling?
A person who is good at rope making can make splices and a viewer of the finished rope will not be aware at all of any splices. It is all about smooth transitioning and carefully picking appropriately sized new material to splice in. If you fold the the tag end over and weave it back in, you will end up with lumps in the diameter of the rope every where there is a splice.
Good Program, if I may make a suggestion, you might want to twist the joining pieces prior to splicing them.
It makes for stronger cordage in my opinion if you twist the new add on pieces along with the expiring old ones. You need to twist the new with the old together to maintain the strength.
I’ve seen the reverse wrap used . This a bit different. What does the wood ash do for the cordage ? Have a great day
The boiling in ash softens the fibers and makes them more flexible when dry. Keeps the fibers from getting brittle when dry.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival thank you
Willow inner bark also, on top of tasting good. It also has painkilling effects
Yes. I discuss that fact in several of my videos.
I have viewed a lot of your videos. I was wondering if you ever tried dog bane for cordage? You gather it in the fall, let it dry for a while, Then you take a piece and start breaking it about ever inch and get rid the wood and just the fiber is left . You will have your strands of fiber. Twist them together the same as you did in your video. NO boiling or other monkey work just make rope. I made a rope 3/8 by aprox 8 ft.it is really strong I usr it to drag my deer with.
We do not have dogbane here so no I have not tried it. Awesome that you dragged a deer with the homemade bushcrafted cordage.
+1 subscriber
Thanks for subscribing and welcome to the channel. Glad to have you here.
love your videos
Would a patch of soft or rough leather work to roll the cordage?
It probably would work well I'm guessing. Some leathers though get a bit slippery when wet so the results may be dependent on the water resistance capabilities of each piece and type of leather..
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival, so something like summer wool or duck cloth pants or some type of rough cloth then.
Good tutorial, why do you add ash to the water?
If done correctly, the ash/charcoal will soften the fibers so that they are usable while dry as well as wet. They will no longer be brittle and break if used when dry.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks for your answer. Just recently made some boiled in ash too. Waiting for them to dry.
If you make the cordage green, and then boil it with ashes later, will that make it softer and not so brittle? Thanks!
I think it should work fine that way though I have not tried it myself yet.
@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Thanks Lonnie! I'm planning to show a group of kids how to make cordage from grasses (I have some flax and milkweed so far) but wanted to show them how to use willow bark too so thought I'd show them the difference between cordage boiled with ash and just the green cordage. Thanks so much for all your videos! It's great to be able to search out information and find the perfect video from 6 years ago! Say 'Hello!' to Connie! TM
I read your reply to Connie and she enjoyed "hearing" from you.
is that willow cordage strong enough for a bow string ?
No not as it is. It would have to be quite a bit larger diameter to be suitable for that kind of stress
Is there better material that doesn't need all this boiling treatment?
Spruce roots are quite good as a cordage and can be used straight out of the ground with no prep.
Great vid! That ash/water mixture is lye, isn't it? I hear it's pretty acidic. Well, actually more of a base than an acid, but none the less capable of burning flesh, if memory serves.
+NormanMatchem Yes it is a very weak lye solution. A strong lye can be nasty on skin. I have used it in the past though to make soap the way that our grandparents did that turned out wonderful. Need to make some more of that soap.
*****
That's another thing on my bucket list; make home made soap some day. Knowing how to do such things, it's often considered things for 'survivalists', weird people who want to know how to live off the land, without modern civilization. To our grandparents or great grandparents, it wasn't 'survivalism', it was just a way of life.
I don't mean anything offensive by saying survivalists are 'weird people' of course, but merely think that most people who ignore the ways of our ancestors would think them to be 'weird people'. Considering I love learning about things like this, of the ways of people who have come before us, I think I'd qualify as one of those 'weird people' lol Making rum, too. That's another thing that would be quite interesting, but I think you need sugar cane. Vodka would be easier; potatoes. Moonshine is often made with corn mash, I believe, while it seems whiskey can be made with a variety of different things.
Or, you know, perhaps I'm completely wrong. That's a definite possibility. Ever try making your own booze, even just beer? I remember a friend's father back in Newfoundland made his own brew. Tried it once as well, made it with apples, quite tasty, though strong!
i have seen you doing the peeling after you cutted strings for the cordage , you just used an axe to remove the outer bark, what’s the best way, Lonnie?
What ever works best for you under the circumstances that exist at the time you are in need is what is best. One method may work great now but 3 or 4 months from now and in a different circumstance or location may not work as well as another method.
absolutely, be healthy u2
HI CAN WE USE PINE FOR FRICTION FIRE ?
We do not have pine in my area of Alaska and indeed in most of Alaska so I have not tried pine. However, below is a website that may help you about what woods are good for friction fire.
www.primitiveways.com/Fire%20Making%20Materials.html