In a survival situation, lashing and cordage can be quite the things to have. This is because they can be integral in performing a wide range of survival-based functions and uses. In such ways you can use these are for when climbing, holding constructs together, and improvising gear.
Out there are plenty of materials that are strong enough to be fashioned into lashing and cordage. Plenty are the choices for those that are either natural or man-made.
Lashing refers to an arrangement of rope wire so as to fasten rigidly two or more things together. Cordage moreso refers to the, but not necessarily traditionally only is, “rope”. These of which are threads you twist or braid together so as to create rope or cordage; that and we have such cords in the vein of rubber surgical tubing.
Lashing and Cordage Survival Gear: Natural Cord Selection
You can perform a few simple tests to know how suitable a material is before making it into (a) cord/age.
You first have to pull on the material’s length to know its tensile strength. Then after that, you will need to twist it between your fingers. Following it up by rolling the fibers together. If it lasts, do tie an overhand knot with the material’s fibers and then just tighten gently. The material is suitable if it does not snap or break during the process.
Lashing and Cordage Survival Gear: Lashing Material
Sinew probably is the best natural lashing material for small objects. It is something you can make from the tendons of large game, such that of deer. To do so, first remove the tendons from the animal and then completely dry them. If you smash the dried tendons, you can separate them into fibers. Proceed then to moisten and twist the fibers into a continuous strand.
You can braid these strands, so you can make the material stronger. No knots you will need to make when you want but small lashings.
We also have plant fibers that you can shred and brain to make cords from the inner barks of a couple of particular trees. Examples of such are elm, white oak, chestnut, red and white cedar, mulberry, linden, and hickory trees. Once you make the cord, be sure to test it first. Additionaly, braiding several strands together can make the materials stronger.
Rawhide, you can use for bigger lashing purposes. These you can make from the skins of medium to large game. You will need to remove any excess fat and meat pieces after skinning the animal. The skin needs to be completely dry. Stretching is not necessary if no folds exist to trap any moisture. No hair also you need to remove from the skin. You cut the skin when dry. Cuts around 6 mm wide you must make. At the center of the hide, you will need to make a single straight and non-breaking cut which is circular, doing so clockwise to the outer edge of the hide. The rawhide you must soak then for 2 to 4 hours until it becomes soft. Use such wet while stretching it as far as capable. Once it dries, it will be strong and durable.
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