RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (Full Version)

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TaoInDominance -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 1:43:38 PM)

While I am not an expert I use a number of different types of rope.   In considering rope for my bag I look at the characteristics of the rope and the application/s I may be interested in facilitating.  In general my favorites are natural fiber ropes such as hemp and jute, though I also enjoy some exotics such as silk, flax, and bamboo depending on the application.  In some instances I have also used cotton and nylon rope though this is really not a significant part of my bondage practices pat this time.     My rope comes for various sources.  To have a connection with the rope I do both spin and process my own rope. It s a really fun experience, though a lot of work, and some of it is quite nice.   However, I also by a lot from Twisted Monk and recently have come to favor silk and bamboo rope from a good friend, Madame Butterfly at www.butterflyrope.com.  Some of my rope is also from Jack Elfrink at Kinky Ropes.com (flax) and I still have some from japanrope.com.  I am also looking at some rope from Boss Bondage that looks pretty nice.  Lets face it; the rope itself is a fetish for me though I know people who make my affinity look like disinterest. 

For most of my floor applications I use hemp or silk rope and really have enjoyed my new bamboo rope. For zuri I prefer hemp or really good jute for primary support lines or harnesses.  It is a lot harder to get good jute. (While I never used it for zuri I was terribly disappointed by the jute I bought from Twisted Monk, which has since been discontinued by Monk.  A few hanks unwound within the first three uses.).  The reason I prefer these materials is with a good quality there is little stretch.

Someone mentioned Bavarian Blonde from Twisted Monk.  I am in many ways a fan of this rope.  For speed and durability it is the best rope I have used.   However the 4-strand twist and consistency of the rope is much denser than other hemp in my experience.  In the 4 strands the rope will by nature stay more round.  It is my perception though (there may be dissenting opinion) that this density can have a down side in some applications.  While it was hyperbole, I had one bondage bunny say it felt like tied electrical cord; others loved it.    The rope does not spread out and get that flattened look of looser weave you see in many classical Kinbaku pictures. This is a matter of preference and mine leans to this look.   Perhaps more important than the visual aspect is how the rope distributes weight.  I know some will take issue with this, but it seems to bite into the skin more under load, as it stays dense and round...a little hard.  In contrast the rope from Japan Rope has a looser weave, which applies beautifully and has a gorgeous look.   However it wears a lot faster and does not retain the weaving as well.

Silk also does this and I suspect this will be true for the bamboo I have which is also a loose weave.  My ropes are from Madame Butterfly and are hand woven so this may be an aspect because it is an apples and oranges comparison to the hemp I have, which is machine wound.  Most of the exotics I have some into contact with were hand weaves. I would be very interested in hearing others experiences.  They have a really nice feel for floor work and some corseting, but if you want to install a lot of decorative knot work I feel you reduce the life of the rope and it is not as aesthetically pleasing.  Knots weaken rope and the loose weave can be problematic there.

As to the comments of John Warren and others on the board about "sterility” I can see where both points of view come from.  Yes time and exposure to sunlight can do a lot.  Basically the idea is that sunlight has UV rays, which can aid in sterilization and sunlight does play a huge role in environmental cleaning of viruses particularly in the ocean.    It is not a perfect idea, or a predictable one.   Remember there are nasties that can hang on darned well.   W could be talking about significant time to accomplish minimal protection.  For instance I recall that Hep C can live for 14 hours to 4 days in a room temperature environment.  One of the things I believe is at the top of the list for a BDSM/bondage practitioner is they are responsible.  So I prefer to be a little more proactive in my rope maintenance.    While I prefer not to over wash rope it should be washed and if it is contaminated I use products like Sporicidin® Disinfectant to wipe and surface clean and/or add a Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant to the wash water.  It is a little tough on ropes if used over concentrated.   I condition rope either way by running it through my hands though I sometimes will use baby oil then.  Even when using rope exclusively on one person I believe it important to air it out and wash periodically or when you get slimy stuff on it.  Or for that matter just micro debris found on the floor etc or the basic staff found on your hands and all surfaces.  Note: IMO it is important to dry most natural fiber ropes under load. 

As far as rope length I used to use many lengths of rope when my focus was almost exclusively Western Bondage.  My focus has swung the other way to Japanese influenced rope and I first got used to 7-meter lengths though I am migrating to 8 meter now.  I use 6mm and 8 mm ropes most.  One thing I did not hear mentioned is the finish other than a mention to Monks whipping.  It is nice but not well suited to many Japanese influenced styles.  I prefer a small button to finish my ends.   Well I seem to have rattled on…hope this contributes positively to the discussion.



christine1 -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 1:55:11 PM)

i'm always on the recieving end of ropes and i prefer the most scratchy, rough rope possible used on me...it makes for wondeful marks that can last for days.



DesFIP -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 2:08:06 PM)

I'd like to try hemp but having strong hay fever I have a nasty suspicion that we'd have to stop long before he finished tying me. I can just see it, uncontrollable sneezing!



ImpGrrl -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 3:43:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren

quote:

ORIGINAL: petitespitfire64


If you can't WASH the rope in bleach..then buy SEPERATE rope for each play partner. Sheesh



Evidently, that's too expensive for some folks


At approximately $1 per foot for treated hemp (and that's average for any supplier I've seen), damned right it's too expensive.




Leatherist -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 8:17:08 PM)

I use soft twisted nylon. Undied,but I mark the center with a sharpie for speed. It will hold knots if you use the right ones. And I can throw it in a lingere bag and wash it. There's no worry about body fluids after a good hot water wash, though I don't use bleach-it turns the rope green. I shrink wrap the ends and keep the wrap there with a little super glue.

For heavy duty stuff like suspension, I would tend to just make a girl a reenforced leather harness. I trust well built and padded leather gear and welded chain with shackles MUCH more than I do rope for that. And I can release someone much faster as well.



Leatherist -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 8:19:04 PM)

That's pretty much how I feel as well. I can get raw hemp from the hemp emporium cheaper. It's a bitch to wash and work-but hell-I'd rather do it myself and spend the cash on hardware.

Here's my source-it's not that hard to do.

http://www.hempemporium.com/page/1108740

The 8mm is roughly .53 cents a foot with shipping. Thinner stuff is cheaper.



Leatherist -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/12/2008 8:33:32 PM)

And here is how to treat it, very detailed site.

http://www.shibari-nation.com/freecontent/main.php?page=ropeprep



ImpGrrl -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/13/2008 8:35:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Leatherist

That's pretty much how I feel as well. I can get raw hemp from the hemp emporium cheaper. It's a bitch to wash and work-but hell-I'd rather do it myself and spend the cash on hardware.

Here's my source-it's not that hard to do.

http://www.hempemporium.com/page/1108740

The 8mm is roughly .53 cents a foot with shipping. Thinner stuff is cheaper.


No, you're right - it's not *difficult*.  But it's time-consuming, it makes a mess, and the burning smells.  :)  I'd rather spend the money, and just not put the good rope on the naughty bits - at least, not without good barriers.



TaoInDominance -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/15/2008 1:33:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ImpGrrl

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren


Evidently, that's too expensive for some folks


At approximately $1 per foot for treated hemp (and that's average for any supplier I've seen), damned right it's too expensive.




It all depends on what it is worth to you.  For me it is an art and fetish and one  worth the investment, both in dollars and in time learning and practicing.  Of course you can treat hemp yourself and with practice you can get good at that.  It is still a heck of an investment.  Some things are woth a little intestment and bondage beyond a simple tie is one of those things.  Not everyone will do it.  A cane is cheaper and can do a olot of wonderful things.  Hell you can use a wooden spoon.  Many BDSM arts can be done on a budget and with little effort in learning how.  IMO bondage is not really one of them.



TaoInDominance -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/15/2008 1:37:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Leatherist

I use soft twisted nylon. Undied,but I mark the center with a sharpie for speed. It will hold knots if you use the right ones. And I can throw it in a lingere bag and wash it. There's no worry about body fluids after a good hot water wash, though I don't use bleach-it turns the rope green. I shrink wrap the ends and keep the wrap there with a little super glue.

For heavy duty stuff like suspension, I would tend to just make a girl a reenforced leather harness. I trust well built and padded leather gear and welded chain with shackles MUCH more than I do rope for that. And I can release someone much faster as well.


Doesn't the super glue give you a rough edge?

I can see why you might prefer leather to rope but honestly if you take the time to learn bondage and then suspension skills the idea leather is more secure is really a fallacy.   Good Hemp or say MFP or a climbing rope is rated and the gear you can find is rated to 30kn or better.  That is pretty darn secure.  If you rig correctly that is...

There are times I use leaher restraints and even leather harnesses, but it is because of what I am doing, not a misperception about the strength or safetly.   Also if you have a problem releasing your bottom quickly  you might want to re-think your up-rig and use a back tie fo rope that can be released quickly.

As to to washing your nylon you can also wash hemp the same way.  Add the advantage you do not have to tie a knot but can use the tooth of the natural fiber and certainly not some of the large tie over tie ones you have to do with nylon. I do like the colors you can get in nylon and see some advantages, such as being more  hypos allergenic, so each has it's own merit.

Of course leather is easier to learn or buy.  For me that is what makes rope bondage so attractive, it is an art, and you have to learn it.



Dreammster -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/16/2008 8:25:05 PM)

tight ones,  because loose ones are a waste.



Leatherist -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/16/2008 8:44:43 PM)

Any form of bondae is only as good as the physical understanding and technique behind it. I know how to bind effectively with shibari. I also understand that most leather bondage gear out there is innefective-especially if used without the proper additional restraints needed to prevent slipping it-from being able to bend elbows and knees.

Most of my leather gear is stuff I make myself-I design and build my own patterns. It is unique and you cannot find it's like anywhere else.

I've never bought a single peice of leather fetish gear from another maker-in over 16 years.



Domin81 -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/16/2008 11:34:01 PM)

I use hemp rope. It has very little stretch, holds a knot well and has low friction when sliding over skin. It's the best.

To clean it, I put it in a mesh laundry bag, then run it through the washer/dryer. Putting it through the laundry softens it. If it becomes too dry, I pull it through a cloth with a bit of mink oil on it.



indianslave37 -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/17/2008 6:52:22 AM)

I am a slave with special fetish for bondage. I always like ropes which do not bite and do not leave tell-tale marks.



PrettyPaddles -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/17/2008 7:59:43 AM)

Currently all our rope is a soft non poly nylon from the depot.  An ex of mine had mostly poly and a few small lengths of hemp.  the hemp was for special play only, and damn was it nice.

JohnWarren, on the sanitizing, i dont know about jute, but since its a full fiber, id expect the same, but full fiber hemp rope, like wooden cutting boards, are naturally bacteria killers.  Bacteria get sucked into the fibers through small breaks, and pressures during capillary tranport snap the membrane like a bubble.  A lot of laboratorys are moving away from plastic meshes for everything from sink lays to floor carpeting and getting hemp rope and hemp fiber weaves for this reason. give it a quick wash down, lay it out to dry in the sun, and its not autoclaved, but its pretty damn close to sterile.  About the only thing that you have to worry about is mold if it stays wet too long.   And yes, i've run the experiment in class, we used several 2 inch squares of hemp mesh floor pads, soaked them in a liquid culture of e. coli that we had made glow in the dark in a plasmid transfer experiement over night, rinsed, let sit for a day.  cultured in agar agar, bone ash, artificial blood, and a couple other media.  no growth after 5 days, either in colony count or light.



TaoInDominance -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/17/2008 4:40:41 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrettyPaddles

Currently all our rope is a soft non poly nylon from the depot.  An ex of mine had mostly poly and a few small lengths of hemp.  the hemp was for special play only, and damn was it nice.

JohnWarren, on the sanitizing, i dont know about jute, but since its a full fiber, id expect the same, but full fiber hemp rope, like wooden cutting boards, are naturally bacteria killers.  Bacteria get sucked into the fibers through small breaks, and pressures during capillary tranport snap the membrane like a bubble.  A lot of laboratorys are moving away from plastic meshes for everything from sink lays to floor carpeting and getting hemp rope and hemp fiber weaves for this reason. give it a quick wash down, lay it out to dry in the sun, and its not autoclaved, but its pretty damn close to sterile.  About the only thing that you have to worry about is mold if it stays wet too long.   And yes, i've run the experiment in class, we used several 2 inch squares of hemp mesh floor pads, soaked them in a liquid culture of e. coli that we had made glow in the dark in a plasmid transfer experiement over night, rinsed, let sit for a day.  cultured in agar agar, bone ash, artificial blood, and a couple other media.  no growth after 5 days, either in colony count or light.



That is pretty cool information and I appreciate your sharing.  Would you have any primary source material that supports it?  Please know this is not a challenge but sincere interest.   I know I have read about those properties in Bamboo rope.  I am particularly interested in where you got your information about what the laboratories are doing  and which ones you are referring to?



Kinbakudayo -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/18/2008 5:01:03 PM)

This is not a post to anyone in particular but I think when it comes to picking rope one must consider intent.   If I am doing very simple western bondage then good quality cotton works well.   If one does some of the "Japanese Inspired" then the rope like Monks or Madam Butterfly work well.   If you are doing speed hojo, presentation hojo, (Master K  covers what that means hojowise in the Graydancer interview he did) or kinbaku  with the proper techniques then it would probally be a benefit to use Japanese Hemp\Jute with the buttons (knots) on the end.   The worry for rope in what I have seen is the more slippery the rope, the more exact the technique that most be done to avoid knots becoming over tight or applying pressure to the body in an unintended way.

Now where its gets sticky for me and admittedly where I a very prejudiced is to recomend  rope is suspension. Japanese hemp\jute or BDSM Hemp Artisan Vendors (like Monk but of course there are others)  is designed for human bondage and has this well in mind on how it should behave when used for those puposes.  I could not in good conscience recomend a home depot rope when that comes into play. Again everyone do what they want and I dont look down on it I just am saying what I would do.

The techniques done in the pictures on my profile cant be done very well with just any rope... The Japanese Hemp\Jute rope used there is made by Denki Ackechi (no longer available), Hiruku Yukimora (Rope Rick Sauves sells)  and Mirua Takumi (the red rope, its from Japan and he doesnt export)   Now I or Master K could of done it with rope made by Osada Steve or Monk. But the Monk rope need the buttons on the ends and would have to be cut to exact lenth or 7 to 8 meters  to make the tie work correctly. 

I hope this helps...



Lynnxz -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/18/2008 5:13:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrettyPaddles

Currently all our rope is a soft non poly nylon from the depot.  An ex of mine had mostly poly and a few small lengths of hemp.  the hemp was for special play only, and damn was it nice.

JohnWarren, on the sanitizing, i dont know about jute, but since its a full fiber, id expect the same, but full fiber hemp rope, like wooden cutting boards, are naturally bacteria killers.  Bacteria get sucked into the fibers through small breaks, and pressures during capillary tranport snap the membrane like a bubble.  A lot of laboratorys are moving away from plastic meshes for everything from sink lays to floor carpeting and getting hemp rope and hemp fiber weaves for this reason. give it a quick wash down, lay it out to dry in the sun, and its not autoclaved, but its pretty damn close to sterile.  About the only thing that you have to worry about is mold if it stays wet too long.   And yes, i've run the experiment in class, we used several 2 inch squares of hemp mesh floor pads, soaked them in a liquid culture of e. coli that we had made glow in the dark in a plasmid transfer experiement over night, rinsed, let sit for a day.  cultured in agar agar, bone ash, artificial blood, and a couple other media.  no growth after 5 days, either in colony count or light.



Haha.. .I knew I wasn't crazy. >.>



DominaSmartass -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/18/2008 6:00:18 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: SNoB

As far as buying a new rope for each bottom, lets say you use a 30 foot length for a crotch rope, for each bottom.  All other ropes being used on each one, thats still an additional 30 bucks per rope bottom you play with, adds up fast.



I'm coming into this conversation sort of late so it may have already been said...but how about having the bottom by his/her own rope? Even if it's just the strand that will be used in potentially fluid exposed places. Is $30 too much for any person to spend on their own piece of special rope that they can then keep for whenever they bottom in the future? As a top, I love my own toys, but I really appreciate a bottom with his/her own too. It shows initiative.

As for the main topic, hemp and jute seem to be the most common for people who are really "into" rope but I know at least 2 people who are serious rope tops who use something like polypropylene unmanila. It's 10 times cheaper than hemp and after enough washes in the machine it looks a lot like hemp. It also has a good feel to most bottoms who are picky hemp users and can be sterilized with bleach in the washer.



UncleNasty -> RE: What kind of ropes do you like to use? (4/18/2008 6:13:10 PM)

I ussed to make african style drums professionally and used ropes to fasten and tune the heads. The last order I placed for my custom ropes was 20,000 feet. I still have about 11,000 feet. They are a polypropylene sheath with a non stretch polyester core. Black, black and red, black and blue. 1/4" diameter. Very strong, soft and holds the right knots well.

Uncle Nasty



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