Page 79 - Barbara Merry - The Splicing Handbook

Over the four groups, place a tight “cover” whipping just as close as possible
down from the first anchor whipping on the standing part of the rope. Similarly,
butt another cover whipping against the lower edge of the second anchor
whipping. Untie the constrictor knots, and reduce the volume of the four strand-
group ends by half.

Pick up the reduced strands and wrap them barber-pole fashion as mentioned
previously. Fasten the ends a short distance down from the second whipping,
first with a temporary constrictor knot and then a whipping. Cut and remove half
the remaining strands from each group. Now you have a tapered splice, and you
can end it here by trimming all the strand ends close to the last whipping.
Alternatively, if you want an even gentler taper, you can halve the volume of the
remaining strand groups yet again, and repeat the last step. Then trim the
remaining ends close.
If you like, coat the piece with a light coating of clear spray lacquer or acrylic.
After all, a four-strand, plaited, Single-Braid Splice is a true example of

marlinspike art.