What is your favourite cordage for practice or messing about with different ties?
I almost always have a 6ft length of paracord on me for trying things I see that interest me.
But I was wondering if anyone had better ideas. As paracord isn’t always the best to use.
I know there will be no perfect cord and also your application plays a major role in what you are trying to achieve.
I am not suggesting that there will be suitable cord for all, fishing, climbing, camping, gardening etc.
But of an evening, when you are absently watching tv, what would be a cordage type you would pick up?
I have a slew of different ropes, cords string, cables, webbing, etc.
What I gravitate to most times, for fiddling, is some BlueWater 6mm accessory cord. Could be any brand of course. 6mm is a good size, but not necessarily pocket size.
I find that it mimics larger rope with its construction, medium stiffness and general hand. I can try out my own ideas and the Forum?s offerings with it.
When I find, or devise something interesting I will then move to other appropriate types to see how it performs.
What he said. Some yachting double braids
can be nice, though I have some that seem
quite sensitive to torsion. It’s nice to have
moderate firmness/roundness, good flexibility,
and braided surface smooths things out, too.
However, one should have the relevant cordage
of any application for which one is tying knots.
E.g., many kernmantle ropes of climbing, caving,
SAR, & canyoneering (presumably) can be more
than moderately stiff, not liking 1-diameter bending!
I prefer nylon rope for its cost effectiveness and durability. I can get 1/4" nylon cord/rope from almost any hardware or big box store. I also get bigger sizes in shorter lengths in colorful tints. The nylon is very smooth and pliable.
“The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework” by Geoffrey Budworth is a beautiful coffee table book - my primary supplement to ABoK - has good information on new synthetic cordage. I highly recommend it!
I got some of the bluewater accessory cord that SS369 suggested.
I have similar diameter rope around the place but this is a bit stiffer.
I really like how I can easily see the shape of the knot I have tied, even if it isn’t the type of cordage I would use for the job.
GrandpaBig, I have that book too. It does have some good info in it.
I do like asking people what they think too, the different opinions are almost always interesting.
So all told, I am pretty happy with the recommendation for the accessory cord as practice and noodling cordage.