Tapering Double-Braid

Samson Ropes (TM) and New England Ropes (TM) have two different approaches to tapering the cover braid on eye-slices.

Braided rope can be made from either one, two, or four sets of parallel strands in each braid.  Each set of crossing-over strands, which forms a "V" is called a "pic".  Thus a pic will be made of a single pair of strand in light line, a double pair in heavier line, and four pair in very heavy line.  The pictures depict double-strand pics, which are typically found in line from 3/8-inch to 5/8-inch.

Sampson Ropes From the third mark on the cover (closest to the bitter end) count down 5 sets of crossed strands and mark them. Continue marking each fifth pair of crossed strands down to the taped end. Remove the masking tape from the end. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut each of the marked pair of strands. Pull out the cut strands to create the gradual taper.  It is easiest if you start from the end and work toward the mark.

New England Ropes From the mark closest to the end on the cover, count 5 sets of crossed strands down toward the end and place a mark there. Remove the tape from the end and use a needle or marlinspike to unbraid the line from the end to this latest mark. Fan out the unbraided stands into a 20 to 20-degree arc on a flat surface. From one edge of the fan cut the strands at a 45-degree angle.  45 degrees would be to the middle of the other edge of the "fan". Done.

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