Emmy Loohoo wrote:
My (adult) daughter mentioned that she's interested in rope play with her sub. I would like to buy her some rope, shears & educational material to get her going. I'd love to hear any suggestions for supplies & resources. Also, what lengths are best to start someone's set?
This is a pretty neat gift idea. I will make some suggestions here but if you have any other questions feel free to PM me!
I typed three pages of stuff up about rope types and sections before my kitten looked over at me and rolled her eyes. So I will just make a few recommendations heh.
Natural Fiber - (my preference)
I recommend 3-4 sections (hanks) of 8 - 10 meter (26-32 ft) of jute rope from MyNawashi (listed below). I prefer the 2 ply untreated rope but it requires a bit of work to break in (condition) but will be great afterwards. You really shouldn't wash jute though so if that is something you'll need then I might do hemp, cotton, or a synthetic. I tie with the same partner and just replace rope as necessary so it's not an issue.
You can Nylon (synthetic) as well as preconditioned Natural Fiber (Hemp and jute) from RopesByEDK for a decent price. I believe their hemp starts at $18 per 30 foot section for unconditioned and goes up from there. Broken and singed is typically how I use my rope and that's $21 dollars per hank of hemp from them and a bit less for jute.
Natural Fiber and Synthetic ropes tie a bit differently so you can look that up if you're interested or PM me and i'm happy to talk about it.
MyNawashi -
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyNawashi?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=213461080&ga_search_query=mynawashi
RopesbyEDK -
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RopesByEDK?ref=shop_sugg
Safety -
Really any sheers will work. I have a very nice pair of RAPTOR sheers im fond of but they're not any better at cutting than the $12 pair with 2,000+ reviews from amazon.
Education -
I recommend videos for starting
Twisted monk -
https://www.youtube.com/user/twistedmonkstudios
The Duchy -
https://www.theduchy.com
Esinem -
http://www.esinem-rope.com
Twisted Monk and Eminem sell DVDs as well I believe, Douglas Kent has neat little books too. The videos and then pictures on fet have been what have kept me going for the most part. I really would highly recommend trying to work in a work shop but if that's not feasible it's alright. Being a part of even an online supportive community will help though.
for books I like Better Bondage For Everybody but the Midori books here are great references too as she's an incredible rigger. She's featured in quite a few of the twisted monk videos I believe.
I hope that helps some!
-JB