Silk vs cotton thread for self nocks

[lebhuntfish]

Lots of great info here! Not to jump in the middle but, Pat could you elaborate some on the pitch varnish? I've heard of pine pitch for halfting but no the varnish. I've just recently collected a bunch of fresh pine pitch and would like to try to make the varnish. Thanks, Patrick

[Pat B]

Patrick, it pretty simple. I guess it actually isn't a varnish but it works well for sealing. I take hard, brittle pitch and dissolve it in alcohol then strain the impurities out and seal it in an air tight jar. I use hard brittle pitch to get a hard finish. If the pitch is sticky or gooey the finish will be.
 I use it for sinew wraps and to seal primitive arrows.

[lebhuntfish]

Thanks Pat! That sounds simple and awesome!  I will have to try that for sure. Thanks again,
Patrick