Quick Answer
Good quality cordage in survival situations is made from strong, durable, and water-resistant materials such as plant fibers, animal sinew, or synthetic cordage, with a thickness of 1/8 inch or less, and an average tensile strength of 100 pounds or more. It should be also resistant to abrasion, decay, and weathering.
Choosing Materials for Cordage
When selecting materials for cordage, look for plant fibers such as bark from trees like cedar, cypress, or spruce, which can withstand high tensile strength and water resistance. For example, a 1/4 inch strip from a cedar tree can provide an average tensile strength of 500 pounds. Alternatively, you can use animal sinew, which can be obtained from deer or buffalo, and has a tensile strength of up to 1,000 pounds when properly prepared.
Preparing Bark and Plant Fibers for Cordage
To prepare bark and plant fibers for cordage, use a knife or a stone tool to strip the bark from the tree, and then soak the fibers in water to make them pliable and easier to work with. A good rule of thumb is to soak the fibers for 2-3 hours, then twist them into a rope using a bow drill or a hand spindle. To add strength and durability to the cordage, you can also use a technique called “twist-twist-twist”, where you twist the fibers in a clockwise direction for a few turns, then counterclockwise for a few turns, and repeat the process several times.
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