Different Flax (Tow) fibers

[Appalachian Harry]

Is there a difference between flax tow and flax fibers?

Can both be used to shoot and clean my flintlock Fowler or should I only use “tow”?

I am just confused on what is actually “tow” and which to use

 

[Black Powder Guy]

Tow is the fiber that is too short for making linen fabric. It is from the flax plant that makes linen.

 

[Grenadier1758]

When flax is processed into threads the rejected coarse fibers are tow and the fine fibers are spun into linen thread.

 

[George]

When flax is processed into threads the rejected coarse fibers are tow and the fine fibers are spun into linen thread.

The long flax fibers used for spinning and weaving:

The flax tow I use for wadding.

Spence

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

That gnarly stuff that Spence shows, above, is great for cleaning your bore. Scrubs well, and you can reuse it by simply washing it with a bit of soap. Lasts a long time.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I have found that sisal baler twine makes an excellent substitute for tow. And best of all it is free in farming areas. Used twine is always available.