Hemp

[ranger 3]

How do you use hemp for strings?

[Pat B]

I have not used hemp for strings but do use it for handle wraps. It is very strong. For me, the diameter isn't consistent enough for a string but others do use it with success. I prefer Dacron for all my strings.

[Don Stokes]

I read in an old book somewhere that the hemp plants were "retted", a controlled rotting process in which the fibers are released from the rest of the plant tissue. Nowadays it's done chemically. Hemp fibers are continuous from the growing tip (bud?) all the way into the roots. The fibers are full length, and only had to be twisted together to make a string.

I presume the fibers were waxed or treated in some fashion to repel water, but I don't remember reading anything about that.

Good luck convincing the authorities that you were only trying to grow some bow strings...

[Pat B]

I would not attempt to grow hemp for strings. Even though it, and it's counter part, are grown for two different reasons, the authorities can't or don't want to differentiate between them. Hemp is a very useful fiber and is made into everything that any other natural fiber can make. The US is one of the few countries in the world that don't allow it's cultivation.
   The US government grew lots of hemp in Kansas and other states during WWII for use as rope fibers. Some of these patches are still around.

[Pat B]

...you can buy ready made products of hemp in the US. I get my hemp string from the craft section in Wally World. I believe it was produced in Hungary.