Hemp string testing

First testing of the water retted hemp fibres.

Just a few lengths picked at random, twisted and waxed with no glue or resin.

2.5mm thick (when under load), broke at 175lb on a tiller. Technically, this only makes it suitable for a 45lb bow (draw weight X 4 is the general rule for string making) but I'm quietly optimistic as it broke inside the area wrapped around the scale hook, not the main body of the string. With proper glue and laid-in loops it may well take far more weight.

Also, for a flight string or occasional use going down to around 2x draw weight is often no problem.