Original post: My son and I are creating a second generation of a 1932 knot board made by my father with 1/4" cotton sash cord. Does anyone have a recommendation for rope now? Everything at my local hardware store is poly and does not look or feel nice compared to the old stuff.
Follow up: In response to very helpful replies, I'm adding some more information to my original post:
First, the suggestion to make a true second generation instead of a replica is exactly what we are planning. Son Spencer (16) is a rock climber and will want to add some rock craft knots, and we are also sailors with a world of nautical knots to play with. Dad was a city boy in the depression with no such privileges. I'm including an image of Dad's old knot board. BTW, Dad is 89 and will have a hand in the new board the day after Thanksgiving (US Holiday, November 23).
Second, the new knot board will have between 50 - 75 knots. We may include some splices and siezings as well, and perhaps even examples of the different types of whipping. Some knots, like a sheet bend could use two sizes of rope in order to exhibit their true nature. How much rope is that? I would figure 18" to 24" each, allowing for handling ends to trim after the knot is presentable, that computes to a maximum of 150 feet (or 25 fathoms or 50 meters for you overseas friends).
Third, the cord or rope that we use doesn't need to be braided sash cord. It can be laid rope, braided, or a combination. In fact, it may look kind of cool if the different ropes are arranged nicely. The splices will have to be laid. I'm not proficient at splicing a four-strand, so I'll be looking for a three-strand which I can handle. Some of the whippings are designed to work with laid rope.
If you are interested, you can email me at waltskis@gci.net and I'll exchange photos, address, and other info to interested individuals.
Thanks for your replies, and I'll look forward to additional correspondence.