Pounding or soaking sinew

[Danzn Bar]

I'm going to let it set until I get done caulking the kitchen counter, but all I can promise I'll report back on my findings by this time tomorrow....
DBar

[Badger]

  I have never tried it wet. Might be worth a try.

[Hawkdancer]

Soaking sounds easier and safer, if you keep your fingers out of the path of the awl!  I'll be trying it that way!  There could be a lot of sinew available next fall.
Hawkdancer

[simson]

I started with pounding and shredding. Nowadays I soak over night and tear apart with two tools (a grip with a curved hooks mounted) while the sinew is piked on a big nail which is clamped in the vice.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Back sinew, so neither I guess

[Eric Krewson]

That is a new one on me Pat, I will have to give it a try. I actually traded off or gave away all my collection of sinew because with my arthritic hands it was too much of a chore to process it. I had 26 back strap pieces and untold pieces of leg sinew.

I have a few pieces of leg sinew from last year and will give the soaking method a try.

[PaSteve]

Very interested in the results of soaking. I have some elk sinew that I've been neglecting because it is so hard to work. I usually resort to 2 small vice grips to pull it apart after pounding. So after soaking it and pulling apart do you just lay it out on towels to let it dry? Or is there a better way to dry it?

[simson]

Back sinew, so neither I guess

Don't know if you mean me, Chris.
I never had and used back strap sinew, I always use leg sinew (from diff. animals).
The advantage of the soaking method is (as Pat mentioned already) you get a very homogenous length and quality of the fibers with no waste (as like from the shredding method). This was a really giant step for better sinew quality.

[Danzn Bar]

Hey Guys, I won't do any pounding anymore!
Working it wet is much easier, better quality, very little waste, and less damaging to the sinew than pounding.
I can see where a little longer fingernails would help.
Thanks PatM  for the suggestion.
DBar

[BowEd]

  Good news D Bar.Can a person use his pocket knife it get it started to being pulled in half length wise?I'll be sure to try it too on my next sinew job.The sinew guru strikes again!!!! 

[Danzn Bar]

Sure a pocket knife would work.  But most of it I was able to pull it apart with what little fingernails I have.

[DC]

I'm thinkin' a couple of small hooks might be the ticket.

[Danzn Bar]

A pair of small needle nose pliers work for me on a couple of tougher pieces.

[DC]

Is there a difference between fresh and soaked as far as this is concerned?

[Danzn Bar]

Never tried fresh.............