Hemp or jute rope sling care

[RDGAC]

Howdy chaps. As some of you may be aware, I've acquired myself another jezail (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14002), which came with (among other things) a rope sling. I'm not sure what sort of rope it is, but my guess is either hemp or jute. It's not in terribly good shape (though it will, in fact, support the weight of the gun quite happily); it's fraying readily, shedding small bits of fibre whenever it's rubbed, and its ends have been oiled or tarred at some point in its life.

I really don't know how to care for this thing. Obviously I think its load-bearing days are over (though it still seems able to bear it just fine), but my main concern is the dryness and the ease with which it's disintegrating. Ideally I want to keep it with the gun, obviously, but if this comes down to environmental control then I'm a bit stuffed.

[Rick]

There is always hemp oil, but the material would possibly feel a bit greasy after treatment and smell a bit .
Might help with the fraying problem and keep it more supple though . :shrug:

Just a guess .

Rick

[Robert]

My wife used to do macramé years ago using hemp and jute and when I ask her she said that she used something called Jojoba oil to preserve it. I know nothing about it or even where it might be found. You might check into it and see if it might work for your sling. I hope that this might be of some help.

Robert

[VANDOO]

I USE CLEAR UNSENTED MINERAL OIL ON MY FIBER HATS AND SOME BASKETS THE TRICK IS NOT TO USE TOO MUCH. A LITTLE ON A RAG APPLIED LIGHTLY ONCE AND THEN WAIT A FEW DAYS AND TAKE A LOOK AND IF DRY ADD ANOTHER COAT AND REPEAT AS NEEDED. THE RIGHT AMOUNT WILL NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ATTRACTING LINT AND DUST. TOO MUCH WILL ATTRACT DUST AND MAY EVEN BE STICKY. DON'T TRY AND COVER EVERY RECESS THE OIL WILL WICK ITS WAY IN WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. GOOD LUCK :)

[kronckew]

here in the UK i've had trouble finding unscented mineral oil, so i use 'baby oil', hence my sharp pointy stuff smells of baby. one should check the ingredients on the baby oil as some brands contain extra ingredients other than just mineral oil (parafinum liquidum) and scent. (tesco house brand baby moisturising oil is one that is just oil & scent)

[RDGAC]

Thanks all, will go have a rummage down the shops and see what I can turn up. Jojoba oil seems to be reasonably cheap so I think we'll begin there. Priorities set correctly! :D

[RDGAC]

Just a quick note of thanks - jojoba worked brilliantly and the sling is now much happier. Thank you all!