Celophane paper used over sinew wrapping on Korean arrows

Ashbow · Post by **Ashbow** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:12 pm

I was wondering if anyone could specify what exactly is the thin film protecting the sinew wrapping on the nocks of Korean arrows.
The only information I've came across says it's celophane paper, but I have to admit I'm not entairly sure what exactly it is, and for how long it have been used? Is it a realtively modern addition to Koran fletching art or is it something that have been around for a long time?
I also wonder if it's easy to get hold of, as so far it's the neatest solution for protecting sinew wraps on arrows I've seen.

cristian_iepure · Post by **cristian_iepure** » Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:15 am

I think it replaces the cherry bark used to wrap the nock end till the discovery of the cellophane paper. In Romania, our grandpas used the cellophane paper film to cover the pickle jars stored in the basement during the winter time. It is very thin, translucent as glass, an it becomes softer when moistened with water. I think that I can still find in the popular market stores this kind of material.

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:05 am

Oh, good question Ashbow. I've been wondering what was this cellophane paper since my first attempt at Korean style arrows. I certainly found that what is called cellophane here in the UK is not the same material. The cellophane I tried was awful and I even considered cling film. Considering the Korean fletchers lick and then coat the area with coffee solution suggests the kind of film that Christian has described; thanks Christian.
I think I know a similar (maybe same) product, don't laugh, cellulose cigarette papers!! A young French lady showed these to me a while ago, I couldn't believe they could be used to roll as there is no gum on them, never mind my doubts about smoking plastic. I'll have to see if I can find some of these at the stalls that sell dubious smoking products.

Thomas Duvernay · Post by **Thomas Duvernay** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:02 pm

When I first asked the Korean fletcher about it, sixteen years ago, he just said "cellophane paper", so that was all I found out at the time. When I get back to Korea, I'll try to find out a more specific answer.

Ashbow · Post by **Ashbow** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:53 pm

Oh, thank you so much, Thomas.

Cellophane is modified cellulose, which is a natural material found in plant cells' walls, paper is made of cellulose.

Orda Khan · Post by **Orda Khan** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 2:02 pm

Check out this product here :-
www.aleda.com.br
100% cellulose transparent cigarette papers. I experimented with these today and I'm convinced it is the correct material. After wrapping with hide glue and sinew, I allowed the shaft to dry and then brushed a thin coat of hide glue over the wrap. I cut one of these papers to length and applied it over the area before adding saliva and weak coffee.
It works

edit: Here is a picture showing sinew wrapped nocks; these are ready to be covered. The closest arrow, without a nock (an old broken one) has been sinew wrapped and covered with cellulose film.

jack farrell · Post by **jack farrell** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:13 pm

Koreans traditionally used peach bark collected in the spring from young branches to cover nock lashings.

Another technique used to smooth the sinew is to wait till it is just dry but not cured and roll over a smooth surface, like a wine bottle etc, pressing down with the heel of the hand.

Ashbow · Post by **Ashbow** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:56 pm

Splendid! Thanks for reporting on the usability of the rolling papers, I'm corious to give it a try. Looks like this is it, or something very much similar.

Good idea Jack, I'd also point out that lying/rolling the sinew strand as flat as possible and avoiding unnecessary overlapping is crucial to achive the final smoothness, when the wrap is dry I tend to sand lightly any proturding bits if the wrap didn't turn smooth enough.