Gathering Milkweed Fiber

[Ron Kelley]

This is a milkweed patch on the north end of my orchard. I cut a few of the bigger stalks today and separated out the fiber. I like to twist the fiber up while it's fresh. I gave it a double twist right there in the field. I will dry and oil the strands and then make a three strand braid.

[Kentucky point]

I used to have some of that, but our pond guy got rid of them. What will you use them for?

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Ethan, I want to wrap a knife handle with it.

[OnewiththewilD]

Very cool man! How’s that patch of dogbane you planted doing?

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Jay, I have seen none of it. I am leaving that area alone but I don't think it took.

[OnewiththewilD]

That’s a bummer bud. It’s gettin close to when I can harvest the stuff here. Ill let you know how I make out when I do.

[Scorpion68]

Looks like good lashing material for those hafted knives and stuff y'all make. Never thought of Milk Weed as a source for that material - too caught up on sinew. Is it fairly strong, Ron?

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Chuck, Yes milkweed fiber is a strong fiber.

[redrocks]

Interesting stuff Ron what do you normally use for your handle?

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Red, I try to do different things but most of my handles are some good hardwood. I used Eastern Red Cedar which was a gift from Jay, Black Walnut, Rosewood, Cherry Burl wood, Deer leg bone, Birch bark. See below for a few examples.

[Ron Kelley]

Hafted Knives:

[Kentucky point]

Wooooow! Those are awesome! How did you get the handle cone shaped? That is some beautiful material! I just love looking at your creations.

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Ethan, I cut slabs with a chainsaw, then cut handle blanks on my radial arm saw, Then shaped them on an aggressive sanding wheel. All ancient methods. lol

[redrocks]

Ron those are sweet impeccable craftsmanship...is any of the milkweed used for hafting? Thanks for the pics

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Red, I would rather use my deer sinew for hafting but the milkweed fiber would work. I would want to get the good fiber very clean to use it in that way. Milkweed fiber was probably used more for Cordage in ancient times. I know that milkweed floss is a good insolation and I wonder if the the ancient people used the floss too.

[redrocks]

Thanks Ron ...it does look like good insulation

[Ron Kelley]

Hey Red, Just in very recent years that floss has been used in some high-end winter coats.

[redrocks]

Well there you go ...you know the NA were probably utilizing it too

[Tam]

Ron it is the plant fiber in your hand ? Not the white stuff ?
gotta learn. Killer knives .

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Tamara and yes I am holding strands that are already twisted up.

[Kentucky point]

So all you do is twist it? It looks time consuming, but worth it if you are going for realism.

[Ron Kelley]

Hey Ethan, This part went by very quickly. It's the braiding that is time consuming. I pull the stalk apart into four pieces lengthwise. The inner pith is discarded as is the outer covering of the stalk. The good fiber lies between those two. Once I have the group of fiber seperated I pinch one end with my left hand and roll it between the meaty part of my right thumb and my knee. This will twist about three inches of the fiber. Continue along until the whole length is twisted up. It took me longer to type this than it takes to give it a double twist.

[Kentucky point]

Well, I have got to try it sometime. I'll keep my eye out for it.

[Tam]

Got it to thank you Ron

[Tam]

Ron did you tan that hide to? The fur .
That another lesson . Their is a meat pros hit that has a tanning and mounting store on the side . I really want to learn to do this .

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Tamara, Yes I did tan the hide.

[Scorpion68]

Some of those I've seen on here. That wood is awesome and quite a selection too. It really sets off those beautiful blades Ron.

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Chuck, I have a lot of Black Cherry and it has many burls.

[Tam]

I really loved that burl . Didn’t comment on that . All of them were nice but a table out of that .