Page 102 - The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots

WEST COUNTRY WHIPPING

Purpose

A series of half-knots is a robust way to secure the cut end of a rope, especially a
hawser-laid one, to prevent it from fraying. It rarely comes adrift as, even if ends

come untied or one of the wrapping turns is accidentally severed by rough usage,

the remainder of the whipping remains intact until it can be replaced.

Tying

Tie a half-knot around the rope at the site where the whipping is to start and pull
it tight (figure 1). Turn the work over (or carry both ends around to the back) and

tightly tie a second half-knot of identical handedness (figure 2). Return to the
front and add a third similar knot (figure 3) and, turning the work over again, tie

a fourth (figure 4).
Continue (figure 5) until a series of half-knots, snugly embedded alongside

one another, has been constructed. Finish off with a reef knot (figure 6) and bury

the ends, by either poking them beneath the whipping or stitching them into the
rope with a stout needle. Note—for clarity this whipping is illustrated in thicker
stuff than actual whipping twine which is strong but thin.

Knot lore

Some ropework devotees consider this whipping a botched job, assuming that
whoever ties it knows no neater alternative. The fact is that it stays put when the

quicker, but less secure, so-called sailor’s method comes loose and falls off.