Is There a Recommended Thickness for Sinew Cordage?

Choosing the Right Sinew Thickness

To create effective sinew cordage, it’s essential to select rawhide strips of suitable thickness. Generally, a strip that is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) thick works well for most applications. This thickness allows for the best balance between strength and ease of working with the material.

Preparing and Thinning Sinew Strips

Once you have your rawhide strips, you’ll need to thin them down to the desired thickness for cordage. This can be done using a sharp knife or a stone tool. To do this efficiently, try to remove as much of the excess material as possible from the center of the strip, leaving a thinner, more even edge. For sinew cordage, this process typically needs to be repeated multiple times until the desired thickness is achieved, usually around 1-2 mm.

Working with Thin Sinew Strips

When working with thin sinew strips, it’s crucial to handle them gently to avoid damaging or breaking the cordage. If you find that your strips are breaking too easily, try applying a small amount of moisture to the area, which can help to strengthen the fibers. When twisting or braiding the cordage, apply gentle pressure and avoid over-tightening, as this can cause the fibers to break or the cord to become misshapen.