Page 12 - Maria Constantino "The Knot Handbook"

any knots tied in them become impossible to As strong as hemp, but more durable, is
untie. In icy conditions, these ropes wilJ Manila rope, whose fibres are obtained from
freeze, and the brittle fibres are damaged and the leaves of the plant j\IJ11sa tex tilis. Manila was
broken, reducing the strength of the rope. widely used until the Second World War, but
Natural-fibre ropes are also unable to stand today it is only available from specialist z
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great amounts of abrasion, and are furth er- sources and at a premium price. A good :u
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more prone to mildew, rot and decay caused general-purpose rope is sisal. This is an inex- c
c
by insects and vermin. pensive fibre made from the leaves of the plant n
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Coir rope, made from th e fibres of Agai;e sisalana. Pale in colour and hairy to the
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coconut shells is the weakest of the natural- touch, sisal ropes can also be purchased water- z
fibre ropes, and to compensate it is made in proofed for use in damp or wet environments.
very large sizes. It floats on water, but also Now mainly used for decorative rope, cotton
stretches, and today it is rarely used outside was once one of the most popular natural-
the Pacific and India, except for boat fenders. fibre ropes for making fishing nets. The
For centuries, hemp was the predominant smooth, soft fibres did, however, require treat-
rope-making material. Its historical and eco- ing to prevent rot. The cordage made from
nomic importance can still be seen today, these vegetable sources is known as natural
reflected in many place names in England, fibre, and ropes made from th em are usua!Jy
such as Heme! H empstead, once a thriving made as a laid rope.
centre for the trade in hemp. Hemp fibres are
produced from the stalk of the plant Ca1111abis
sati1;a and make the strongest of all the natural Sisal Laid
natural-fibre ropes, although it does have a
low durability as it is subject to decay. --
red/white spot Cotton Rope

pink Nylon Hollow Braid