Natural Cordage Material Thoughts

[jkyarcher]

Of all the cordage materials I have found and read about in books I have never seen this mentioned but I think may have possibilities.

I grow okra every year in my garden and when the stalks dry up and die in fall and winter the bark is very fibrous. I haven't spliced a bunch of it together and tried to make a rope but I think it could be done. I also don't think it would be strong enough for a bowstring or anything, but as a common string I think it would work good. It is strong and long fibers.

I just thought it was interesting when I noticed this and have never seen any books or online stuff talk about okra for cordage but I think it would work pretty well.

[YosemiteBen]

considering you can make "cordage" out of a paper napkin - why not okra stems. Give it whirl.

[PrimitiveTim]

Yeah, pretty much any plant with a long thin stalk will work.

[Mohawk13]

Nettle makes some great cordage. When twisted together it is very strong, and best of all free!!!!!

[iowabow]

If you have a garden grow milkweed and look up john bybee on youtube video that is me showing you how to harvest it, also I wrote an article in PA mag about it. Works great.

[caveman2533]

dogbane or indian hemp works very well. Its in the milkweed family.