Yucca Leaf Fiber Bow Drill String

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I tried using another proven material for making a bow drill string, yucca leaf fibers. I've seen these leaves used with no more processing than just twisting a couple of whole leaves together a few times. I decided to rip the leaves into smaller fibers and make a two strand twisted cord, thinking that this would probably increase my chance of success. The time I spent processing and making this cord was less than 1 hour!

I used three yucca leaves. Here's what they looked like before I processed them:
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I folded the leaves along their length to put lengthwise cracks in them, then I spun them between my palms to further loosen the fibers. Then I pulled them apart into smaller pieces. Here's what the smaller pieces looked like:
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Then I took the groups of strands and twisted them into a cord. After twisting the cord, I stored it in a small zip lock bag for about an hour until I had the opportunity to go into my back yard and test it:
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The cord was a bit thicker than my previous cords and it felt much stronger. It was also green, so it stretched a slight bit. But since I only tied one end, I was able to relatively quickly adjust the tension and continue bowing.

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And here's the video of the cord being used to make fire:

[video=youtube;D6JoHurUuB8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6JoHurUuB8[/video]
 

Stringmaker

Native
Sep 6, 2010
1,891
1
UK
Thanks for that.

I have loads of dried yucca leaves waiting for me to do just what you did.

I like the technique of only tying one end too; good information.
 

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