Birch tar.

[Anders L]

I have recently tried for a second time to make a special kind of tar out of old bark of the birch.
Its a tar that can be used on leather, we have used it for a couple of hundred years in Sweden. The common name for it is "ryssolja", russian oil. The russian used to make a special kind of leather with it. If you mix it with animal fat it´s very usable.

You can see how i did it here: http://kurage.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/historiska-hantverk-pa-stadsmuseet-iv-ryssoljans-aterkomst/

The process is very simple in theory. It can be done in a ordinary metal container. If you want a simple english manual for it press here: http://www.jonsbushcraft.com/birchtar.htm

I wonder if this something you here at the forum have any experience with this liquid? I want your opinions about using birch tar. :grin:

 

[rabjr]

Pretty darn neat to see the process. :thumbsup:

 

[BillinOregon]

Anders, I have seen this process before over at PaleoPlanet, where the tar is highly esteemed for securing arrowheads to arrow and atlatl dart shafts. I've always wanted to make a batch, but the only birches in Oregon tend to be ornamentals.

 

[gmarc]

mixed with ashes, this makes "indian fiberglass" when allowed to harden.

 

[Anders L]

I have heard before that it could be used as a glue to attach the feathers to arrows, but this is new information for me. :thumbsup:

The indian fiber glass sounds very interesting, what kind of ashes should I use?

 

[Anders L]

A very good article on the subject: http://www.primitiveways.com/birch_bark_tar.html

 

[rafterob]

That is used to seal the seams on Birch bark canoes.

 

[mazo kid]

Well, now I know what to do with the dead Birch tree in my woods! Another new project.

 

[MSW]

Wicked cool!

Thanks for the post!

 

[paulvallandigham]

As well as other containers made from Birch Bark, such as mugs, bowls, cooking bowls, baskets, quivers( for arrows)--- anything that needs to be water proof. :thumbsup: