Bowstring
![Japanese bowstring (tsuru) and woven bowstring holder (tsurumaki).](/Images/godic/202501/01/Tsurumaki_string_holder_11342.JPG")
![A Turkish bow string knot](/Images/godic/202501/01/Turkish_bow_knot_by_Tirion_Keatinge1342.PNG")
A bow string joins the two ends of the bow stave and launches the arrow. Desirable properties include light weight, strength, resistance to abrasion, and resistance to water. Mass has most effect at the center of the string; 1 gram (0.035 oz) of extra mass in the middle of the string slows the arrow about as much as 3.5 grams (0.12 oz) at the ends.