Having a go at willow cordage

[spandit]

After it was mentioned in another thread I thought I'd give it a go, having plenty of willow that could do with cutting down.

Anyway, had a look at Uncle Ray's video, which seemed quite straightforward and peeling the bark off was very satisfying. However, trying to separate the inner and outer bark wasn't so easy. I managed to do a bit (which I then boiled for an hour in wood ash/charcoal):

The rest I've put in a water trough to see if it will rett and allow me to separate the inner and outer bits more easily

 

[Mesquite]

Nice one, I like using willow cordage

When I do it I scrape the outer bark off with the back of my knife whilst it's still on the branch.

Once that's been removed then I take the inner bark off the branch and process it.

Much easier way of doing it than trying to scrape it when it's all been taken off.

 

[Haggis]

Nice one, I like using willow cordage

When I do it I scrape the outer bark off with the back of my knife whilst it's still on the branch.

Once that's been removed then I take the inner bark off the branch and process it.

Much easier way of doing it than trying to scrape it when it's all been taken off.

I will second that.

 

[John Fenna]

And me!