sinew question

[Justin Falon]

Does it matter whether I use backstrap sinew or leg sinew for bow backing?  Advantages of either?

justin

[Pat B]

Justin, sinew is sinew. Either will work as a backing. I like to use back sinew for wrapping and hafting but will be using some on an upcoming project.  The back sinew is easier to process into strands but most folks use leg sinew for backings.

[daver1984]

Justin,
I have done about 13 sinew bows and agree with Pat B that backstap is easier to process.  but I like to use leg sinew, buffalo if available.

I usually use the leg also since its cheaper for me to obtain overall.

After processing leg sinew, I like to soak it in water, squeeze out excess water and lay it out prior to sinewing a bow.

This seems to give a more uniform layer with the coarser leg sinew, especially deer sinew.

Dave