What is your favourite cordage for practice?

[wysper]

Hi All,

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?

Cheers
Greg

[SS369]

Hey whisper.

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.

SS

[wysper]

Hi SS

Thanks for that. I can get that exact rope here in NZ.
Looks like climbing type rope.

I might get some as a stocking stuffer for myself from Santa 

Still happy to hear anyone elses thoughts.
The good thing about paracord is you can keep it in your pocket!

Cheers
Greg

[Dan_Lehman]

> its construction, medium stiffness and general hand

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!

--dl*
====

[GrandpaBig]

Hi All,

What is your favourite cordage for practice or messing about with different ties?

Greg,

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!

[wysper]

Update

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.

Greg