horn nocks vs. self nocks

[alanesq]

I built all my ELBīs with horn nocks.           
For my replicas of the Mary Rose bows I used bowstrings from hemp.

What draw weight are your bows which use hemp string?
are they sidenocks on your Mary Rose replicas?

I have had a half hearted try at using linen strings but I was unable to find any of good enough qualty (my string aking skills are not very good either)

[Bernhard Langbogen]

The draw weight are 90 - 135 lbs.
I buy the hemp in Hungary, I think the had the best quality for heavy draw weight.

I had make 3 bows with sidenocks but I was always terrified that the string could slip. This is never happened but the concern is existent.

Bernhard

[alanesq]

Excellent :-)

Do you use a loop on the sidenocks (or a noose of some kind) ?

if you have some photos, info, comments etc. I would be very happy to include any info you have on my sidenock page (www.alanesq.com/sidenock.htm)
as it would be great to see hemp string on a sidenock on a 135lb bow

[Bernhard Langbogen]

I'm not sure if my method of sidenocks is authentic. All my information comes from museum visits and the Internet.
At my next bow I build sidenocks with a hemp string and make pictures.   

Bernhard

[alanesq]

I'm not sure if my method of sidenocks is authentic. All my information comes from museum visits and the Internet.
At my next bow I build sidenocks with a hemp string and make pictures.   

There are very few of us using them and very little solid info to go on so we need to pool all the info. we have to try and learn all we can about them (this is why I created the sidenock web page)
btw - the picture on my web page of the nock (http://www.alanesq.com/longbow/sidenock/diagram.jpg) is direct from the Mary Rose trust and it took me a good while to manage to get hold of it - this is the official archaeological diagram of the recovered nock and so it should be very accurate

BTW - Sorry, I am taking the thread off subject

[Rod]

To be honest Alan, some of those strings look too slackly made, more like a common commercial laid in string.
Not like a tightly made in the hand laid in string.
Rod.

[Del the cat]

are horn nocks necessary as opposed to self nocks(no horn nocks)?  why would one use side nocks? 

No...