Page 22 - The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots

Getting Started

o tool of any kind is needed to learn and then try out the knots in this book.
NAll that is required is a couple of lengths of round, soft, flexible cord or

thin rope, each around 6ft (2m) long, preferably differentiated by shade or hue,
and no more than 0.39in (1cm) in diameter. Suitable cordage can be bought from

many hardware stores, most camping and outdoor pursuits specialists, boat and
yacht chandlers. Wholesalers may be listed under Rope, Cord & Twine, and from

them you can generally receive details of a nearby retail outlet for their products.

CORDAGE MATERIALS

What little any knot tyer needs to know about cordage can generally be elicited

from a reputable supplier. Those who plan to use knots in potentially hazardous
activities, from hang-gliding to scuba diving, may wish to delve deeper into

chemical composition, performance criteria and test data, all of which are
obtainable from the publications of manufacturers’ technical and sales

departments. For the average user, a general knowledge of the main types of
cordage construction, and the characteristics of the commonly encountered

materials is all that is necessary to buy shrewdly and economically.

Natural (vegetable) fiber
All rope and other cordage was once made from the fibers of plants which were

soaked, shredded, combed and graded prior to processing into yarns, strands and
rope. Flax and jute came from plant stems; abaca (known as hemp) was obtained

from leaves; cotton strands grew on seeds; with other natural sources as diverse
as coir (from fibrous coconut shells) and esparto grass. Hunter-gatherers 100,000

years ago grew just one crop—flax for ropemaking. Fibers of animal origin
came from horse, camel (and even human) hair, also wool and silk. Some of

these products can still be obtained, at a premium price that reflects their