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which rope to use? - 9/5/2006 8:32:17 AM

bondageangel22

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Hi all. I'm just ordering some toys and they have cheap cheap COTTON rope for bondage/japanese bondage.

Is this a good material, or is it likely to cause burns?
Thanks

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/5/2006 10:43:40 AM

QuietDom

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Cotton rope is generally considered the best rope for bondage, with nylon being second and more readily found. You can also find some polypropelene rope that's suitable, but most polypro is junk.

The traditionalists, especially those into Shibari, prefer hemp rope, with jute as the second choice. Sisal and manila rope looks similar but is not suitable.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/5/2006 10:54:44 AM

bondageangel22

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Thanks for that. I'm just worried about burns

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/5/2006 12:23:14 PM

Viper001

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quote:

ORIGINAL: bondageangel22

Thanks for that. I'm just worried about burns

Any rope can/will cause friction burns, regardless of material (from the school of hard knocks and many hours of peer-to-peer bondage seminars).
I will respectfully disagree with Mr QuietDom, in that hemp is the first choice. With proper preparation it is very soft, it doesn't stretch, and it tenaciously holds knots unlike any other material. *Static* braided nylon runs a close second because of it's strength. Cotton is seldom used, and never for suspension. Polypro is too stiff/hard for decent bondage scenes, sisal is taboo because none of us want to spend hours picking splinters out of our partners after a scene.

Personal opinion, this is a case of cheap not always being best.

Just my two cents.
Respectfully,
RFJM
aka Viper Leatherworks

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/5/2006 8:06:58 PM

QuietDom

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You're quite right in saying that cotton is seldom used, but from everything I've heard, that's simply because it's very hard to come by in appropriate widths. Those who have some treasure it jealously. For its other properties, it's exceptionally soft, dyes nicely, and holds knots well. Yes, I wouldn't use it for suspensions, but (contrary to the hemp afficionados) I wouldn't use any natural-fibre rope for suspensions because you can't be guaranteed that its breaking-strength is consistent throughout its length. The rope is only as strong as the weakest point, after all.

As for polypro, most is too stiff and hard (doesn't knot well, isn't well made, etc.) but I personally have a nice hank of polypro that looks and acts in every way just like nylon. Everyone thinks it is nylon unless I tell them. So there are some exceptions.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/6/2006 9:43:37 AM

popeye1250

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Quiet Dom, yes, I wouldn't use rope for suspensions either
Only chain and only chain rated at far above the weight of the sub.
If she weighs 125 lbs I'd use chain that is rated at 600 lbs for example.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/6/2006 9:57:54 AM

QuietDom

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If you're using a winch (I spotted a 600 lb hand winch today on special for $17, but my ceilings aren't suitable for suspension) then steel cable would be my choice. Heavy-duty web strap -- the kind used for hauling trucks around, which can have breaking strengths well over 10,000 lbs -- is another option. Some forms of suspension, though, really give you no option but to use rope, in which event, I'd favour a good-quality, tightly braided nylon with a weight rating, as you say, many times over the weight of the sub. Climbers' rope is ideal, as it's intended to be shock-loaded by a falling human body, but it only comes in annoyingly large hanks.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/7/2006 8:36:44 PM

MistressSassy66

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quote:

ORIGINAL: bondageangel22

Hi all. I'm just ordering some toys and they have cheap cheap COTTON rope for bondage/japanese bondage.

Is this a good material, or is it likely to cause burns?
Thanks

I buy rope at Home Depot (its way cheaper than even the cheap rope on most sites) I use all kinds of different types,sometimes the burn is the best part of untieing someone.I like to use diferent sizes of rope,small diameter and bright colors for cock bondage.Larger rope for hands and feet and even larger diameter for tieing to the benches/tables I have.Even wal-mart carries rope that can be used for bondage,look in the Camping section or sometimes they have it in the Automotive section.The rachet type tie downs are cool for securing someone to a table also.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/8/2006 6:21:33 AM

QuietDom

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Yes! Thanks for mentioning those ratcheting straps. They're cheap and plentiful, and quite effective for situations where you only want a simple large loop that lies flat, such as when securing someone to a bondage table. You can do the same thing with ordinary nylon web strap with a friction buckle, but there's something special about the click-click-click sound of the ratchet as the strap tightens. I saw a House of Gord scene that used a bunch of those straps to good effect. One caveat; since part of the thrill of these straps lies in making them tight, they shouldn't be used where they could cut off circulation. Across the chest or midriff, though, is perfect.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/8/2006 7:02:41 AM

GddssBella

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G'morning all:

Despite all the bargain suggestions, which have the virtue of saving you some change, you can never go wrong with Rainbow Rope. (see link provided) I personally use their 3/8" MFP Solid Braid. I have 350' of it in varying lengths. It begins stiff but softens nicely over time and washings. It becomes almost satiny. It holds knots nicely, not much effort to untie.

Hint - use a lingerie bag to wash it in. Saves you trouble later untangling it from the rest of the load. Storing it, I use a daisy chain, which I then coil. By the way, you can determine "burn factor" by running the rope through your hand. Use the same speed and pressure with each type you try out. Hence why fetish events where a rope vendor is selling their wares is a good place to get started. You can sample all the products available and if you purchase some, many will heat seal the ends for you. Keep a pair of safety shears handy for quick releases in case your subject goes into severe distress. Like the paramedics use. Happy tying!

http://rainbowrope.com/all.html

A good book on knots . Got my copy in the bargain bin at Barnes and Noble.
http://http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1859679110?v=glance

Also in my collection, given as a gift. By shibari diva Midori.
http://www.amazon.com/Seductive-Art-Japanese-Bondage/dp/1890159387/sr=1-1/qid=1157723775/ref=sr_1_1/104-9055321-1198302?ie=UTF8&s=books

Stay safe, play nice, & share your toys w/ others...

Bella

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/9/2006 11:26:07 AM

BD123

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Hemp rope is best once it has been conditioned. New rope is unrolled and wraped around 4 inch steel pole, move rope like shininf your shoes. This breaks any loose fibers off and opens the materials substructure.. Next I soke it in fabric softner for 12 hours than wash it and let it dry. Comes out very nice and soft, feels comfortable and holds knots well.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/9/2006 11:28:43 AM

BD123

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Forgot to mention hemp can be died into various colors. Also best to use larger diameters 1/2 and 5/8 to spread the load over larger area. Thiner ropes have tendency to bight in too deep.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/9/2006 10:11:42 PM

TheHungryTiger

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[SHAMELESS PLUG]I would suggest flax. http://kinkyropes.com/main/content/view/53/52/ All the same great handling properties of good quality hemp but it is as soft as cotton.[/SHAMELESS PLUG]

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/11/2006 5:24:09 PM

MsGlimmer

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Twisted Monk has some great selections of hemp rope. He dyes and conditions the rope by hand. And he sells it for the same price as rainbow rope. He also has Midori kits that has all the rope she suggest for her rope demo classes she teaches. He has this awesome "color of the month" the goes so fast you have be quick to get it! The colors are beautiful! His shipping is fast.

http://www.twistedmonk.com/

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/11/2006 8:52:46 PM

MistressSassy66

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quote:

ORIGINAL: QuietDom

Yes! Thanks for mentioning those ratcheting straps. They're cheap and plentiful, and quite effective for situations where you only want a simple large loop that lies flat, such as when securing someone to a bondage table. You can do the same thing with ordinary nylon web strap with a friction buckle, but there's something special about the click-click-click sound of the ratchet as the strap tightens. I saw a House of Gord scene that used a bunch of those straps to good effect. One caveat; since part of the thrill of these straps lies in making them tight, they shouldn't be used where they could cut off circulation. Across the chest or midriff, though, is perfect.

I have to agree with the click-click-click sound and you can get a variety of colors from red to yellow to bright orange,have seen some blue ones also.These also come in different widths and lengths.Just plain fun to play with

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"I love you not only for what you are,But for what I am when I'm with you."- Opening line from a poem by Roy Croft

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/16/2006 10:17:01 PM

MasterJanus01

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I use the simple but efective rope that can be bought in a Wal-Mart as well. Before making the purchase I look at the diameter to be sure its not too small. My prefence has been the thicker rope but I test it against my skin prior to buying it. If it seems to harsh against the skin, then I will bypass that rope and move on to another kind. The preference in my case at least is a soft easy to use rope that looks much like those you would see in different pics and or vids. It would seem this is working well as none of the women I have tied ever left with ropeburns. Another item I prefer to use in many cases in opposition to the rope is a sturdy set of leather cuffs or swimmers cuffs both of which I feel are better choices for a scene.

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/18/2006 10:58:14 AM

PONYSEEKER

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I use two different types. The most common that I use is poly braid from Lowes which is dirt cheap and I have never had a problem with it after its been in use for a while and I get it in
two different widths. Another type of rope I have been using for about 14 years and I have no
idea what it is but I purchased it from Hinkley yahts. Its original design is for tying sail boats up
to the morings and is made soft enough so that it dosnt scrape paint off from stuff. This kind of
rope is a tease as its so soft and feels so good its just simply erotic holding it in hand. Sadly I could never find it in any lengths over 20' but the four good pieces I have. I have had several woman actually beg for the soft rope ... LOL

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/18/2006 11:08:42 AM

wild1cfl

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GddssBella,
I agree with you , I love Rainbow ropes, they are the best. Lots of colors and combinations to choose from. I always save their rope for special ties for my special submissive. If I am tying someone else I just buy the poly braided from Home (or shoud I say Dungeon) Depot. It works well and is inexpensive and if it gets soiled from the submissive getting a little too excited for some reason<WEG> then I do not mind throwing it away.

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My Falcon now is sharp, and passing empty; And, till she stoop, she shall not be full gorg'd, For then she never looks upon her lure. Another way i have to man my haggard, to make her come and know her keeper's call. Wm. Shakespeare

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RE: which rope to use? - 9/19/2006 7:15:17 AM

mnottertail

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The quick way is to go to a farm store or the industrial building supply store and go to the cordage/rope section and zip it on your arm real quick (use a little caution here) it will give you some idea of the burn that can be created........you will find out that yellow braided poly is for shit in a jiffy, I can assure you. Notice what burns and what doesn't...and dont repeatedly use the same patch of skin.

if metric the 6 or 8mm size is what you are looking at for 5/16 and 3/8s range.

LOL,
Ron

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