Page 635 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify, Tie, and Untie Over 80 Essential Knots for Outdoor Pursuits"

Materials and General Methods

Few tools and materials are required for the whippings and seizing that follow.
Here’s what you’ll need:

Whipping Thread

Also known as whipping twine, this heavy thread is sold by boat chandlers and
rigging supply vendors. It is waxed, which helps it stay in position while you’re
winding it around the rope. For needle-and-thread whipping methods, the wax
also helps it pass smoothly through the rope’s fibers.

Traditionally (or as far back as synthetic ropes go), one used natural fiber twine
for natural fiber rope, and synthetic twine for synthetic rope. Nowadays, most of
the thread that is sold for whipping is nylon, and it works well for ropes of either
natural or synthetic fiber. It is immensely strong for its diameter so it can be
pulled very tight. Nylon also stretches, and if it is pulled tight around the rope
while whipping, it will grip tenaciously.

If proper whipping thread is not available, carpet thread or other very heavy
synthetic threads will do. These substitutes, however, will not be waxed, and
even for the non-needle whipping methods shown here, it is helpful to wax the
thread first by drawing it across a block of beeswax or canning wax.

Seizing Twine

Whipping thread is often used for seizing, but tarred marline, which is heavier, is
recommended. Seizings are subjected to greater stress than whipping, and when
pulled tight enough for a seizing, narrower thread might bite into and cut some
of the rope’s fibers. Marline is expensive and hard to come by, but braided nylon
mason’s twine is a good alternative. Available at any builder’s supply store, it is
very strong and quite inexpensive. Make sure you get the braided stuff, not

twisted.

Knife
Any type will do, as long as it’s sharp and straight-bladed, not serrated.

Marlinespike

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