Odd sinew question...

[Lee Slikkers]

Sitting here this afternoon watching a program that we DVR'd off the Science Channel and they did a little detailed discussion on the Red Kangaroo.  Has anyone worked with Roo Sinew before and could it be potentially better than even Whitetail sinew?  Just was thinking out loud...


 

[toomanyknots]

I've looked for it online in the forum of unprocessed uncooked dog treats. I've found someone selling em but they were out at the time.

[IndianGuy]

Lee, I am going to chime in here.
I have sinew backed well over 100 bows closer to 150 probably.
I have used deer, back sinew, deer tendon sinew, cow back and leg sinews, buffalo sinews, moose sinews and a few others.
In all that sinew backing I have found no difference in the final outcome of overall bow performance.
Some sinew is much easier to process and work than others but if prepared properly it seems to all work the same.
Just my opinion.

Eric

[Lee Slikkers]

Eric, many thanks for your reply.  I have followed your contributions to the forum and really enjoyed your work.  I've never used sinew or done a sinew backed bow but I would like to in the very near future.  I had heard/read that for some reason cow or domestic animal sinew was inferior to that of wild game...I'm glad to hear that you have noticed no difference.  Given my inexperience I doubt I'd notice any deficiencies so I gather if I have a local source for cow leg sinew I should be grateful and happy for the chance to put it to good use?

Many thanks~

[LEGIONNAIRE]

Hi Lee
It was a while ago when I saw roo sinew, I beleive it was from the tail, it seemed very long which makes i a little easier to back a bow. I dont remember quite well, but like Erick said, no difference. I have used moose, elk, cow, antelope and deer and not a difference noticed either. now I use cow because its very accesible like you mentioned and I find it easier to process than most other sinews.

[Lee Slikkers]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the fed back.

[Marc St Louis]

I have used sinew from several different animals, Deer, Moose, Cow, Caribou to name a few and I've also used Ostrich sinew.  The only problem with Cow sinew is that it is oily and has to be degreased.  The only one that I have found to be somewhat different is the Ostrich sinew.  It seems to be able to take more heat than the others without shrivelling and it doesn't get quite as supple when wet.

[Lee Slikkers]

Thanks Marc...I assume (hate doing that) you can "degrease" the cow sinew with Dawn dish soap but washing/rinsing  it after pounding into strands?

I think what you noticed about the Ostrich being different makes sense, not being a hoofed animal I would expect some differences plus since the thin and hollow bone structure of avian animals is so different from other animals one would almost be surprised if their sinew/muscle properties weren't different as well.  Interesting stuff...thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Pat B]

I've used emu sinew also. Emu and ostrich, even though they are birds , probably don't have the same bone structure as flight birds and especially their legs.

[Marc St Louis]

Any dish washing soap will do to wash the sinew and yes after it has been pounded and shredded, make sure the soap is well rinsed off.  It can be done just before you apply it to the bow.

[johnston]

Lee, I think the NC 'Roo season is coming up. Put one of your beautiful birds on a Mountain Kangaroo and give the sinew a try

Lane

[Lee Slikkers]

Lee, I think the NC 'Roo season is coming up. Put one of your beautiful birds on a Mountain Kangaroo and give the sinew a try

Lane

LOL, hadn't thought of that option Lane...great idea!