Page 18 - The Knot Bible

THE BASICS

tow it behind the ship for a few If you’re cutting to length, always Tightening the knot
hours. Once one end was done, cut a bit more than you think you Just because you’ve got the rope in
you would turn it around and tow need. It’s generally easy to get rid the right position, doesn’t mean
it from the other end – making sure of any extra length, but awfully hard you’ve tied the knot. Tightening
both ends were properly whipped to add it on. And remember the old is an integral part of the process
beforehand. Modern ropes are much carpenter’s saying: measure twice, and can make or break a knot –
softer and easier to work with and cut once. particularly the more complicated
unlikely to need such treatment, varieties described in Chapters 4
but if you do try this, make sure Washing rope and 7. Work your way around the
you’re well away from other boats Working with salty or dirty rope isn’t knot methodically, never losing sight
and fishing pots – and beware of much fun. It also creates abrasion, of the intended shape. This can take
catching the line in the prop. which shortens the life of the fibre. as long or, in the case of the ocean
Keeping the ends of the ropes well Soak it and wash it in a bucket or plait mat, longer than tying the knot
sealed or ‘whipped’ pays dividends. bath of warm water, using a mild itself. If the knot is very tight, use a
An unsealed rope soon becomes detergent. Alternatively, most pair of pliers to work it, applying just
frayed and, even when twisted synthetic ropes can be put in a enough grip to pull the rope through
back into shape, never quite regains washing machine. Use the setting for without damaging it.
its true shape. Use the whipping wool (ie delicates) and don’t tumble
techniques described on pages dry. The best way to dry rope is to
246–253 to keep your ends tight. lay it out in a well-ventilated place,
Below It can be worth investing in a hot
Modern ropes usually come ‘ready- preferably away from direct sunlight,
knife, which automatically seals the end
sealed’ and can easily be resealed which degrades the material. of synthetic ropes while it cuts them.
using a small blow-torch or lighter –
although there’s something about an
old-fashioned whipping that looks
the part like nothing else.
The traditional way of cutting rope
was with a hatchet on a block of
wood. Nowadays, hot knives are
available quite cheaply and seal the
ends of the rope at the same time as
cutting it. For most of us, however,
a simple sailor’s knife will suffice.
Make sure it’s sharp and make sure
you cut onto a firm surface – such as
a chopping board or a block of wood.
Wrapping insulating tape or putting
a stopping (eg a constrictor knot,
page 38) on either side of the cut
before applying the knife will prevent
the rope unravelling.

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