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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2009 7:26:05 GMT
For a while I've been toying with the idea of trying local flora as an alternative to tatami. Last week I finally found the time for some experiments. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is widely spread all over the Northern hemisphere. It can easily grow up to 6-7' tall, and the sap is fairly neutral so chemical damage to blades should not be an issue. The plant is actually edible, albeit only young shoots are tender enough to be palatable. Some people make tea out of the leaves and flowers. The base of the stalk is much denser than the tip, so alternating the orientation of the plants is a good idea in order to get a more homogenous target. After tying the bundle with string every eight inches, or so, and trimming the ends the target is ready. Simple, economical and readily available 50 stalks makes up a target that's similar in diameter, but not in density, as a single tatami roll. Naturally it could be bulked up just by adding more material. Overall, the fireweed target is fairly light to cut. Noticeably heavier than plastic bottles, though. Against my better judgement, I added a short video clip. Despite the somewhat forgiving material, it's still possible to mess things up. Very bad edge alignment in cut number five, lol.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2009 16:38:25 GMT
Interesting, I've been thinking of doing similar with cornstalks, and cattail reeds, which there are an abundance of locally.
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