Make Cordage from Blackberry Brambles

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  • Опубліковано 27 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @lydiahilles31
    @lydiahilles31 Рік тому +7

    I like your quirky awkwardness. You present yourself as personable and provide invaluable information. Great stuff!

  • @lisascenic
    @lisascenic Рік тому +1

    I love that you’re carrying a potato peeler and dog comb when you’re foraging!

  • @jacobpannell2563
    @jacobpannell2563 2 роки тому +1

    I love your bushcraft item's

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks! I really enjoy utilizing materials that most people think of as a nuisance. There's so much out there!

  • @phyllisjeanfulton
    @phyllisjeanfulton 3 роки тому +4

    Good to know difference between late season and early season bramble fir corsage. I was struggling. Now I thank you so much for this. Great tutorial.

  • @juliaheadrick4776
    @juliaheadrick4776 Рік тому +1

    That was fantastic! Thank you!

  • @K.F.L
    @K.F.L 4 роки тому +1

    This video has just popped up on my feed after 6 years lol. Awesome, detailed info ! Subbed

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +3

      I still occasionally add new wildcrafting instructional videos, but I also do whatever else I feel like on my channel, so it might be another six years before you see another video that interests you. You've been warned . . .

    • @K.F.L
      @K.F.L 4 роки тому +2

      @@PacoWarabi Hahahaha no worries man 😄

  • @joshuaprescott2729
    @joshuaprescott2729 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome video man !!

  • @Javaman92
    @Javaman92 8 років тому +7

    You made me smile. Its good to see people experimenting and doing things off of the beaten path. I am overrun with blackberries so I just may have to try this. It may be a bit late for this year, right now they are full of berries. :-)
    Good job. Keep it up.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  8 років тому +3

      As I've discovered this year by following the growth cycle, the primacanes (first-year canes) are the ones that grow fast and long, and they're the ones that work for making cordage. The floracanes (second-year canes) are the ones that have the flowers and berries. You can still pick the berries from the floracane AND make cordage from the primacane, probably for the next couple of weeks! At least, I made some cordage this past Sunday, and it still worked fine.

    • @Javaman92
      @Javaman92 8 років тому +1

      Thanks, I will have to get out there and find out. :-) I'm in Kentucky. I am also overrun with bamboo. Crazy stuff. I'm about ready to call in an air strike to get rid of it. Anyway thanks for the fast response and encouragement and pointing out that the two season canes and that their may be the first year canes out there and good to go.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  8 років тому +2

      Of course, your results may vary. I'm in the Pacific Northwest, so it may be different where you're at. I'm expecting the canes to stop being useful for cordage any day now.
      There's plenty of things you can do with bamboo as well. I've even seen a bamboo unicycle!

    • @melissajarvis4829
      @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому +1

      @@Javaman92 Oh my! Are you sure you aren't talking about my flood irrigated yard? We also have blackberries and bamboo. The other plants that are volunteers/out of control are lantana, orchid trees, and baby Mexican fan palms. I'm looking for at least some way to gain from them other than compost.
      - Phoenix AZ

  • @denverkirk7722
    @denverkirk7722 5 років тому +5

    Love the video, I've been making mine by cutting the vine off then removing the thorns with my knife. taking the dethorned vine i then lightly tap it with a stick (no more than 2 foot in length) against a flat rock to separate both the inner and outer barks(lightly on the younger side genitally harder and more on the thicker side) they sometimes peel easily from each other. Your method with the stick is a smart one i like it and will have to try it, looks faster and less likely to get stabbed by a thorn. Taking off the outer skin before removing the inner bark is also one i will have to try. Same with the dog comb for finer fibers. Truly loads of useful information.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  5 років тому +3

      Yours is definitely simpler though. If you're out and need to make cordage without all the tools, you can do your technique with just a pocket knife and sticks you find around the area.

    • @denverkirk7722
      @denverkirk7722 5 років тому +5

      @@PacoWarabi True I normally make 2-3 foot cordage just for entertainment as I'm walking in nature, i really do love the stick for removing thorns i feel a bit daft that i never thought of using one. This is what makes watching others so nice, learning things that are obvious to others.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  5 років тому +2

      @@denverkirk7722 I didn't come up with that one initially. I started by using a potato peeler, but then over time I realized that the thorns were brittle enough to just come off with pretty much anything. That's when I made the switch to a much simpler tool.

  • @trspriyadarshini2468
    @trspriyadarshini2468 Рік тому

    Very well made video

  • @aliciakristen2263
    @aliciakristen2263 6 років тому

    This video was PERFECT for sending to a Facebook acquaintance. All the details. Clear, brief, pleasant. Worth watching until the end too, made me laugh. :)

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому

      I'm very glad! Although you may have missed your window for blackberry cordage by about a month. You might have to wait another 9 months or so until they're ready again . . .

  • @jamie7378
    @jamie7378 10 років тому +1

    Welcome back. Thanks for sharing and the information is interesting to know.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  10 років тому

      Thanks for the welcome back! I've missed my community on here. Can't guarantee that I'll be putting up videos on a regular basis, but I make them when I can!

    • @jamie7378
      @jamie7378 10 років тому

      PacoWarabi
      Aww shucks. That's fine. I get your sense of humor.

  • @RallohE
    @RallohE 10 років тому +1

    PACO!!! Two things ... good stuff and mighty fine to see another Paco Video! Hope you and yours are doing well! Really nice to see another video from ya!

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  10 років тому +2

      Thanks Ralloh. I've missed making videos, but my old computer crashed, and the hand-me-down I got to replace it couldn't handle the video editing. Just got a new one the other day and it felt so good to jump back in!

  • @JoeLercio
    @JoeLercio 3 роки тому +1

    It's nice you chose a environment friendly alternative, very useful video. I'll try again with brambles, even if hate those thorns, the hard ones are pretty dangerous

  • @JafoolyPorchers
    @JafoolyPorchers 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing!

  • @SmoothGefixt
    @SmoothGefixt 6 років тому +1

    Informative, enjoyable and very clear! Great video!:)

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому +2

      Thank you! This video doesn't get as many views as my blackberry basketry video, but I think it's very useful. We're about a month away from bramble cordage season . . .

    • @SmoothGefixt
      @SmoothGefixt 6 років тому +1

      Will check out some of your other video's. Tried it out yesterday, bit early indeed;) Cheers!

  • @dawna8695
    @dawna8695 6 років тому +1

    Paco, you're so awesome:-) Thanks for the informative upload

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому +2

      You're very welcome! I just uploaded a video on how to make baskets from Himalayan Blackberry bark as well. 4 years later, but still a lot of the same techniques.

    • @dawna8695
      @dawna8695 6 років тому +2

      PacoWarabi awesome, I'll check it out. Still have the basket from watching your last bramble basket video. Thanks for sharing!

  • @5035551212
    @5035551212 7 років тому +2

    Good job. Thanks for the video.

  • @neonspraypaint.
    @neonspraypaint. 5 років тому +2

    Love these vids!

  • @Ohsage1111
    @Ohsage1111 5 років тому

    I find your voice incredibly soothing

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  5 років тому

      I'm kind've like an ASMR artist, just with more goofing around.

  • @samditto
    @samditto Рік тому

    I love how the very last part of this video, he sprints at the camera so quickly that it destroys all the light before the lens can capture it

  • @quercus4730
    @quercus4730 7 років тому +4

    If you split the stick and use the sharp edge it will take care of the thorns easier.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  7 років тому

      Thanks for the suggestion. That's an excellent method with Himalayan Blackberries; running the Pacific Blackberries through canvas seems to get a better result since the prickles are so small.

  • @joshg8222
    @joshg8222 8 років тому +1

    great video. I love in Washington and we have these over growing in my area.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  8 років тому +1

      I visited Vancouver, BC, and I found them all the way up there as well.

  • @shaunwild8797
    @shaunwild8797 4 роки тому

    Great stuff Sir.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I don't get many views on this video in particular, but I'm still happy with the way it turned out.

  • @whippetgirl123
    @whippetgirl123 5 років тому +1

    Oh hell yeah! Been looking for something like this! :D

  • @ruthdoyle9085
    @ruthdoyle9085 3 роки тому +2

    Have you tried rolling it with a rolling pin or small log 🪵, and then process the strands...

  • @paperwork1125
    @paperwork1125 6 років тому +1

    Looks beautiful while green. After drying out the blackberry branches in Arkansas shrivel and break easily. How did the cordage hold up when dried,

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому +2

      When I spend time splitting the fibers pretty thin, it's not bad. But when I make coarse cordage (which is a much faster process), the thick fibers don't hold up as well. But I've got some five-year-old cordage that is still holding together some old projects, and it still looks beautiful.

  • @Iquey
    @Iquey 2 роки тому

    Damn these videos are so cool 😎

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому

      When I saw your comment pop up on my notifications, I thought you must be talking about my air conditioner installation video. That one is DEFINITELY cool . . .

  • @origamihouse21
    @origamihouse21 7 років тому

    looks good! will try this next time i'm out!

  • @sikkat80
    @sikkat80 2 роки тому +1

    So dorky but so cute!

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому

      Dorky but cute is kinda my M.O.

  • @AnimeShinigami13
    @AnimeShinigami13 6 років тому +1

    i've heard it called 'plying' in spinning.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому +1

      Yeah, I've toyed with the idea of spinning blackberry cordage for a little while now. I actually made a DIY spindle to try with the cordage, but haven't really spent the time learning it. It's fascinating how the same technique is used in many different disciplines with many different names.

  • @melissajarvis4829
    @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому

    Huh. I left a comment on another one of your videos today, asking if you had any info about this topic - getting fibers from blackberries! I also asked what season you recommended harvesting them. Then, UA-cam threw this in my recommended feed! 🤣 I should have known!

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому +1

      The algorithms are watching . . .
      Actually though, I linked to this video in my reply to you, so they may have just turned that into a recommendation.

    • @melissajarvis4829
      @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому +1

      @@PacoWarabi Thank you!

  • @bozzskaggs112
    @bozzskaggs112 4 роки тому +2

    To separate the bark you twist the pith out of it.

  • @cameronpain1422
    @cameronpain1422 4 роки тому +1

    Wow I feel like a fool I actually used the outer bark to make a bundle of cordage. Still held up strong though. Next time I’ll be sure to use the inner bark instead.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +1

      I think you probably used a combination of outer bark and inner bark. There's no way the outer bark itself is strong enough (maybe the strength of toilet paper). It's perfectly acceptable to use a combination of outer and inner bark. It just means more bulk, and more shrinkage when it dries.

  • @RandomKlallamGuy
    @RandomKlallamGuy 3 роки тому +1

    Early spring and i can’t really find any young ones and when I tried using a older one it was super stiff and didn’t work

    • @nikolaimeriadoc696
      @nikolaimeriadoc696 3 роки тому +1

      it's too early in spring! wait another few weeks until the brambles start putting out vines

  • @sweetybabeism
    @sweetybabeism 6 років тому

    Great video! Thank u!

  • @ExploringCabinsandMines
    @ExploringCabinsandMines 5 років тому +1

    how long will it last without becoming brittle ?

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  5 років тому +1

      That's one of the issues I've encountered. Within a few hours, it gets somewhat brittle, and within a few days, it won't take repeated sharp bends without breaking. I need to figure out how to condition it.
      However, I have lashed art projects together with this cordage, and it has lasted for years, because I'm not constantly bending it. I've also made a rope that hangs in my office, and without putting constant stress on it (tying it in knots, yanking on it), it has stayed in one piece with occasional handling for over five years.

    • @ExploringCabinsandMines
      @ExploringCabinsandMines 5 років тому +1

      @@PacoWarabi ya I was looking for a natural fiber to lash a structure together.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  5 років тому +2

      @@ExploringCabinsandMines If I ever get into working with the fiber again, that's one of the qualities I plan on experimenting with. I know rope conditioning is a thing; I just haven't learned much about it yet.
      An alternative to blackberries is nettle. I've heard of people making very strong, very flexible cordage out of it. It also grows in similar environments, and is very unmistakable after touching it for the first time.

  • @darkvoidboy3940
    @darkvoidboy3940 4 роки тому

    Neat idea, had to try it out. Is it also possible for it to not be woody enough? We have had a wet, cool summer so far this year in WA state, and for my first try, the inner core didn't hold together. It split with and stuck to the inner bark instead, with a texture somewhat like stale popcorn. I tried drying it out a bit to make scraping it easier, but the fibers of the inner bark became pretty brittle. I'll try wetting it next.

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +2

      There are two layers in the core, and there are two layers of bark (these aren't the technical terms, but I think this should make sense). The very center of the core is very spongy, or texture like stale popcorn. Earlier in the season, this is very wet (you'll still get that in the tips of the vine). The next layer of the core is the "wood," which is similar to pieces of kindling.
      Next you get the bark. The inner bark is the fibrous layer, and the outer bark is somewhat like tissue paper, but even more fragile.
      The popcorn and the wood should be removed. If the bark isn't coming away from the wood, then it's too late in the season.
      You can tell it's too early when the vine has the consistency of asparagus, and the bark doesn't really have any fibers to extract. If you can snap the vine and there are no fibers holding it together, it's too early.

  • @SPQRIUS
    @SPQRIUS 4 роки тому +1

    lol
    how long will it last?
    can you treat it with something that won't poison anything and last forever?

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +2

      It really depends on what you're doing with it. I've got some cordage that's at least five years old that's still holding up beautifully. But it's decorative cordage that doesn't get used. It just hangs on the wall.
      I haven't figured out how to condition the rope yet. Mainly because I haven't really looked into it. You might be able to use mineral oil, or mineral oil mixed with beeswax. I've got a wood finish made from this, and it might work on the cordage as well. But again, I haven't done the research and experimentation yet.

    • @SPQRIUS
      @SPQRIUS 4 роки тому +1

      @@PacoWarabi thanks
      but not sure I would use mineral oil, my understanding is it suck the vitamins out of the skin, which is probably good for a mineral oil salesmen. I think beeswax might be a good alternative, worked into a warm cloth. There are a couple of guys on youtube who make leather goods and have a concoction of beeswax, cocoa butter and almond oil, works nicely on leather. I made a small batch. pretty easy to do, but leather is tougher than plant matter and I wonder if the oil would turn rancid combined with plant matter. [thinking emoji here]
      Some suggested murphy's oil soap, which I think is some sort of chemical fat. Ammonia came up too, which I thought might dry things out, but I guess if it was a light wash followed by a warm spray of cocoa oil mixed with lemon, that could bring back some of the darks.
      I've seen people use this cordage for building huts, which, who knew it was that strong? but I think we'd use if for more decorative and natural elements. Doll making, thinking about belts and shoe stings, capes, handles, etc... I want to incorporate this as part of our traditional Folk Arts - when it comes to cordage there are no idle hands and sky's the limit!
      BTW, I'm very impressed by your juggling abilities and unicycle skills. Wondering... and with your permission, I'd like to incorporate you and your talents into our Roman Circus and Folk Arts Club.
      What do you think?

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +2

      @@SPQRIUS I used mineral oil as makeup remover back in my clowning days. Probably not something I'd want to do on a daily basis, but soap also removes minerals from your skin. I just used a little oil in my beeswax paste as a wood preserver; just to make it pliable. Plus, it will never go rancid.
      Thanks for the research; I haven't really looked into this in a while (my latest cordage was made from grass, which has a different set of properties).

  • @eveannekelly6832
    @eveannekelly6832 6 років тому

    Great video, thanks! Can you wax the cordage to preserve it?

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  6 років тому +3

      That is an excellent question. I should go try that. The cordage gets brittle when it dries out, but waxing it might be the thing that makes it stay pliable.

  • @ginabea
    @ginabea 10 років тому +1

    In the sewing world - I have seen this type of cord with thread referred to as "Monk's cord". When it is done with hair, I think they just refer to it as a "twist".

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  10 років тому +1

      Huh, never heard of a Monk's Cord before. Then again, I'm not privy to the sewing world jargon. Looks like a good place to start a Google search. Thanks!

  • @kevinalexander5408
    @kevinalexander5408 4 роки тому +3

    Or if the black berry is too dry … how about soaking it in a river held down by rocks. one may not have the luxury of waiting until "next year"...

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +2

      You know, I don't think I've tried soaking the drier vines. I have a feeling it wouldn't work because it's not necessarily about the moisture content, but more about how the bark has attached itself to the woody part. On younger vines, they aren't so attached. But I'll have to experiment later this year.
      I get frustrated when the short window closes, because I have to wait another nine months before I can make cordage again.

    • @JoeLercio
      @JoeLercio 3 роки тому +1

      I tried with dried ones, I get some fibers from it after soaking, but if the brambles broke like a stick they are more rotten than dry. Anyway they are harder to separate and long dry thorns are much more dangerous (after soaking becames softer)

  • @andywilson8698
    @andywilson8698 4 роки тому +2

    I used ur survival spinning technique during a bear attack, made it out alive .

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +1

      Nice! That's why I always carry blackberry vines with me whenever in in bear country.
      Glad I saved your life, and I'm glad the bear gave you time to watch this video.

    • @andywilson8698
      @andywilson8698 4 роки тому +1

      @@PacoWarabi I was talking about the end of the video that sweet spin move into the camera view . But the vine cordage was a useful tip to .

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  4 роки тому +2

      @@andywilson8698 Ah, that makes sense. Turning fibers into cordage can be called spinning, which is what I thought you were referring to. But the other is a funnier joke.

    • @andywilson8698
      @andywilson8698 4 роки тому +1

      @@PacoWarabi 😂

  • @garyb8645
    @garyb8645 Рік тому

    Why would you want to ruin the vines that will produce usable fruit?

  • @AzraelChiaroscuro
    @AzraelChiaroscuro 9 років тому +3

    for the older brambles, do you think retting would have any effect? I have a lot of large older brambles around where I am and am thinking of trying to ret them, but if thought I'd ask before hand since maybe you already tried. Thank you!

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  9 років тому +6

      +AzraelChiaroscuro From my perspective, it seems like the inner bark that I use for cordage would dissolve faster than the woody core, so the retting process might not work. However, please experiment with the retting process and tell me how it works. I've only read about retting; I have no firsthand experience, so my view on it may be completely off-base.
      My method only works for about 2 months out of the year, and I would love to see if there is a way to continue making cordage through the other ten months!

    • @melissajarvis4829
      @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому

      @@PacoWarabi I live much farther south. I see new growth throughout the summer, though they likely are not from the primary canes. I hope to experiment a bit this week, to see if it is still possible to get cordage from them. I need to try to cut back/ clear out a few areas. Would you mind sharing what peeler you use, or a link to one that seems similar?

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому

      @@melissajarvis4829 I've actually switched over to an old butter knife. I just use the back of it, or the back of my pocket knife. When the brambles are ready, the outer bark just comes right off.

    • @melissajarvis4829
      @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому

      @@PacoWarabi Thank you so much! That makes perfect sense. And, I've got an old table/ butter knife that doesn't match anything else. 😁
      You don't want to know how many peelers I looked at on store websites and on Amazon! I got to the point where I was tying to remember if I knew where some small pieces of scrap metal were. I feel silly that I didn't think of a knife! )

    • @PacoWarabi
      @PacoWarabi  2 роки тому

      @@melissajarvis4829 The trick is just experiment until you find what works for you, and second-hand stores can be your best friend while experimenting. I've actually upgraded from a stick to a headless golf club as well. It knocks the thorns off like anything!

  • @melissajarvis4829
    @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому

    Please, please, please could you pin a comment detailing either the name/ brand of the peeler or a link to it or a similar one?

    • @melissajarvis4829
      @melissajarvis4829 2 роки тому

      He replied on another comment of mine that he now uses either the back of an old butter knife or the back of his pocket knife! Hope this helps someone else out!

  • @LoveoftheDarkFiberArts
    @LoveoftheDarkFiberArts Рік тому

    Hackling. Not Heckling. ;)

  • @caleche8655
    @caleche8655 2 роки тому

    Make this video translatable please.