Silk Flemish Twist String

[Deb]

ttt. Up for just a little longer for the string gurus. I think we've got enough info to order some linen and get started. Need some ideas on serving, string nocks ect....share if ya know something.

[Ol Man]

Deb,

I would venture to say it would take the follwoig to figure it out.

35 lb. bow = 12 strand - 348 lbs. tensile strength
40 lb. bow = 14 strand - 406 lbs. tensile strength
45 lb. bow = 16 strand - 463 lbs. tensile strength.

The strength of 1 single - 4 ply linen strand is 29 lbs., keeping the formula of 10X's the tensile strength/the bow draw weight is a safe bet for re-enactment style bows - hunting bows would be 15x's to be safe! You will need to serve it - the linen can be used for this purpose as well! Although the Brits did not serve their strings. They made them slightly thicker than necessary.

[Deb]

I figured we'd have to serve it. Thanks to all!!

[fletcherfor2]

You will need to serve it - the linen can be used for this purpose as well! Although the Brits did not serve their strings. They made them slightly thicker than necessary.

Interesting stuff Doug.

In Bernard Cornwell's "Archer Trilogy" the archer always kept extra strings under his hat because they would stretch when they got wet (when it rained before or during a battle). If I remember correctly, he used linen strings and didn't use a nock-set on his strings because they stretched so much and he was always having to twist them to adjust his brace height.

Good reading by the way about archery during the 100 Years War. Peanut turned us on to this series.

[Deb]

Interesting stuff Doug.

In Bernard Cornwell's "Archer Trilogy" the archer always kept extra strings under his hat because they would stretch when they got wet (when it rained before or during a battle). If I remember correctly, he used linen strings and didn't use a nock-set on his strings because they stretched so much and he was always having to twist them to adjust his brace height.

Good reading by the way about archery during the 100 Years War. Peanut turned us on to this series.

What a huge and constant pain....I'd bet my bank account that if that archer would have had some B50 he would used it and been happy about it.

[Ol Man]

I have several friends up in Canada that have used English longbows and made linen string for oh... maybe 25 years. One in particular is so enamored by this he even has a Holstein cowhide tunic that he wears! And yes it has a built in hood. He has made his arrows from river cane and does use modern field points but, uses handmade - broadheads. I was into English longbows for a bit years ago - fun to shoot but, I love to hunt and I hunt in places this weapon was extremely difficult to maneuver in. So I came back to the modern longbow!

[Deb]

I have several friends up in Canada that have used English longbows and made linen string for oh... maybe 25 years. One in particular is so enamored by this he even has a Holstein cowhide tunic that he wears! And yes it has a built in hood. He has made his arrows from river cane and does use modern field points but, uses handmade - broadheads. I was into English longbows for a bit years ago - fun to shoot but, I love to hunt and I hunt in places this weapon was extremely difficult to maneuver in. So I came back to the modern longbow!

You think your Canadian friends would sell us some bowstrings? What would your enamored friend tell us about gloves, tabs and so forth? This has been a huge challenge for me, folks, I really appreciate y'all's help.

[Ol Man]

From what I know - they wore bracers (armguards/gauntlets) no use of gloves or tabs as this would cause concern among the ranks if they lost them in battle! They had to build up callous and eventually bone (calcium) would build up on the fingers. Many today use a two hole tab to prevent problems. I would strongly suggest they use a tab or glove of some sort. Also a bow glove is essential as the true English longbow has no arrow rest and is shot off of the hand. A bow glove is used to prevent cuts and nicks.

[Deb]

What does a two-hole tab look like? They do have some nice gloves.

[Ol Man]

3 rivers has some - Look under SCA gear.