Page 12 - Cliff Jacobson - Outdoor Knots

Types of Rope

Nylon. The most popular rope fiber, nylon is strong, light, immune to rot, and
shock absorbent. The most popular weaves are three strand twisted and braided
or sheathed (figure 1). Twisted rope strands unravel when heated and are
therefore difficult to flame-whip when cut. They are best whipped with waxed

string, plastic whipping compound, or heat-shrunk plastic tubing.
Braided (sheathed) rope is actually two ropes, one inside the other. It’s
wonderfully pliable, and it resists twists and kinks when coiling. Braided rope
flame-whips easily, and its casing resists abrasion; however, its sheath may mask
flaws in the core.

Figure 1