Page 64 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Aside from their superior knot-holding qualities, the main advantages of natural
fibers tend to be in the areas of look and feel. They can be used to present a
rustic, natural appearance on traditional boats and as safety barriers and
handholds on trails and in camps and cabins. While some synthetic ropes mimic
this traditional look convincingly, it often comes at a higher price. Some find the
feel of natural rope more pleasing too, although some natural fibers are softer

than others, and some are quite coarse.

Manila

Manila comes from the abacá plant (Musa textillis), a species of banana. Along
with hemp, it is the strongest of the natural fiber ropes, but manila’s resistance to
rot and saltwater damage is superior. It was once commonly used for ships’
hawsers (anchor lines) and fishing nets. Manila holds knots well and shrinks
when wet, causing knots to tighten further: this can be advantageous in some
applications and undesirable in others.

Hemp
With a smooth texture much like linen, hemp is the equal to manila as the

strongest of the natural fibers used in ropemaking. Prior to the introduction of
synthetics, it was the most popular rope for heavy-duty applications. (Ships were
rigged largely with hemp rope, which was tarred to prevent rot.) It holds knots
well but is subject to fairly high stretch. It comes from Cannabis sativa, the same
plant that is the source of marijuana. But smoking a piece of hemp rope won’t
get you high; industrial farmers have bred the ropemaking variety for strength,
not psychoactive properties.

Sisal
The fiber of the sisal plant (Agave sisalana) is among the stronger of the natural
fibers, with good durability and medium to high stretch. Sisal twine is
inexpensive and is still in common use for baling hay and general package tying.
Heavier stuff exhibits the same good properties but is hard to find. The fiber
henequen, which comes from another species of the same plant genus (Agave
fourcroydes), was once a common cordage fiber. It is not as strong as sisal and is
almost never used in modern ropemaking. (A third member of the genus, Agave

tequilana or blue agave, is used to make tequila which, although it is not
cordage, can still be used to “tie one on.”)

Cotton

The world’s most popular fiber, cotton is smooth and soft. Cotton rope holds
knots well and is easy to work with, but it is rather lacking for serious outdoor

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