Possible sinew source?

[Sweet Potato]

Dear all:

Its been a long time since looking at PA. I searched the site for relevant info but didn't find anything.
Thanks in advance for any answers to the following question:

I recently rendered a few pounds of leaf lard for the first time. And in the process found and cut off a long strip of connective tissue.
I wondered if it could be used like sinew for backing bows, if anyone has any experience with this stuff?

I scraped and washed it in soapy water, rinsed well to remove fat traces and it came out quite clean and stretchy.
It dried clear and hard, and shrinks a lot when dry. It presently sits in my freezer waiting to get some more if in fact it can be used.

Can it be used?

Thanks,
Sam

[rileyconcrete]

Well I am not to sure exactly what you have.  But if is is not sinew I am not sure what would happen if you used it.   Did it dry amber in color?  can you make threads out of it?

I guess you could try it.  Let us all know if it works.

Tell

[Sweet Potato]

Yes it is amber in color.
It tears but not easily, and doesn't seem to have a straight grain.
My pieces are small, so its hard to tell.

[rileyconcrete]

Use it and see if it works I guess.  Dont really know what you have there, but only one way to find out if it will work eh?

Tell

[Sweet Potato]

Tell:

You're right, will have to just  experiment.
I'll see how it shreds and post results.
Its interesting stuff.

Cheers,
Sam

[Sweet Potato]

Okay finally got to my pig leaf lard "sinew".
I tried to shred it and once it started to break apart it just fell apart.
The fibers seemed very criss crossy, not long like proper sinew.

I think I'll try beef tendon next.