Author Topic: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]  (Read 36790 times)

Frayed Knot Arts

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REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« on: September 16, 2011, 02:12:52 PM »
Some time ago  :o  I was asked by the Webmistress (I think) to condense the following once-stickied posting on sources.   

Finally: all things come to (s)he who waits...    ::)

[quote http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=977.0.]Link to the original posting.[/quote]

I'm positive I've forgotten to include something really, really important from the OP, but it had gotten far too long at 5 pages to be really useful any longer.  Please feel free to berate me by email and let me know what it was I forgot, INCLUDING A CURRENT URL!  I'll add it forthwith.

PLEASE:  if you wanna do a "me-too!" post,  put it on it's own thread or send a PM to the poster:  let's keep this thread as clean and easy to use as possible.

ATTENTION ALL KNOTTERS!  If you have a website and have tutorials or useful instructions/information on it, why not reference this Forum, as well as sending me a link to your site/tutorials and I'll do up a second collective post!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sources and thoughts on materials for knotting:  US version

Please don't post actual pricing and please don't post if you have an interest in the concern.  Let's keep this as a neutral informational post, not an advertisers jumble.

To start: Cyanoacrylate Glue in bulk.

As many of you know from my past drivels, I am a proponent of using cyanoacrylate glue for many purposes (*) in doing small fancywork, but getting some at a decent cost has been rather difficult.

Finally I found a good US source for this stuff and thought I'd share...

ExoticBlanks took over from WoodenWonders when Mannie retired: (see below) they are a master distributor for EZ Bond CA glues, and you can really get some nice pricing on 16oz bottles of the stuff. They also have smaller bottles into which you can decant the glue for convenient working sizes, caps and "wicking tips" which are just a super idea, as well as 2oz bottles of the glue if you don't need a big bottle.

I use the THIN *(5 CP) formula to "tip" my lines for weaving turksheads, to prevent the end of a line from "fagging out" while being tucked or braided (especially in squareknotting) and for a dozen other little things. (**)

They also sell "De-bonder" (GET SOME! It's really helps to be able to get this stuff OFF a surface if you have an 'oopsie'!) as well as accelerator to speed up drying, and while - nine times out of ten - you won't need it with the thin formula and cotton/linen lines. its nice to have some for working on real nylon or dacron blend lines, which are a bit slow to "set up".  Polyester blends set up just fine... use a bit of patience.


A lot of people like varnish. (I like the look) The way it coats the work and makes the surface smooth is very traditional, while CA penetrates the fabric of the line and does not give a 'smooth" surface finish. But the CA surface gives a far superior 'grip' to the handle, so it's really (as Daedalus said to Icarus) a matter of 'a pinion' as to which is better.  It also dries in a very brief time by comparison.

{(added DEC 2012):  ExoticBlanks is in Michigan (or Minnesota, or one of those Northern Places in the USA... which does (censored)-all good for the Brits and other international-type knotters.  PLEASE feel free to send me YOUR favourite  (local-by-country) supplier of this wond'rous liquid!}
...

Generally (and I am absolutely open to correction on this), very fine knot work requires a 8 ga. hard cotton line (codline) which is about 3/32" in diameter.  This may sound small, but the size, combined with the hard lay of the line will produce superior square-knot and fine braiding work.   This is about .9 mm in diameter.  This would produce (for example) about a 32-line square-knot belt (8 knots wide) at 1-1/2" across. .

Finding a really good line is probably the toughest thing about doing knotwork and it's why I started this thread.

The "creme da la creme" of knotting line was the "Dreadnaught" cord sold by PC Herwig from appx. 1927 thru 1970 or so when the company went out of business.  It was an 8 ga. hard cotton cord, sized (starched) and polished and came in six colours from white thru a truly awful yellow, but it was by far the absolute best thing for doing half-hitch belts, fine squareknot work and especially for making up fine braids for picture frames.  (Some of the "old salts" from the USN will remember this as "Belfast Cord" sold (jobbed off) by GEMSCO at Naval Exchanges the world over.  It was Herwig's Dreadnaught cord in disguise!)  I've searched for five years now for a manufacturer who could replicate this cordage and have come up empty.

As for the rest of it:

"550" or Paracord makes some VERY nice stuff if you're into larger sized work!

Cotton lines are superb, and Polyester cords are just great... both have their place and both produce completely different results.

Jimalax is loved by many (but NOT me!) for the vibrant colour and larger size... I prefer a much smaller size and a different layup to the line, but that's MY thuktun, innit?

I heartily recommend a reading (or purchase!) of Raoul Graumont and John Hensel's "Encyclopaedia of Knots and Fancy Ropework" (Cornell Maritime 1944) if for nothing else than their section and photos of square-knot work, most of the photos for which were originally taken for use in Herwig's "Square-Knotting Books", #1, #2 and #3.   If you have the Encyclopaedia, there no need of the Herwig pamphlets as it is all contained in the Encyclopaedia.  (Incidentally,  get a post-1952 edition of this if possible... the earlier ones have sections of the index missing!)

Tools are essential and good tools are always preferred!    "A Fine Tool Does Not Cost Money: It MAKES Money"  True in woodworking as well as knottying
 and any other trade where the right tool makes all the difference.   Spend it.  It WILL pay for itself!


OK:  The following have been gleaned from over 200 emails.  One assumes they're good contacts.  Feel free to correct me.


CA Glues: 
http://www.exoticblanks.com/Wooden-Wonders-CA-Glues/

Paracord ("550" cord):
http://paracordgalaxy.com/  (added 7/28/2014)-: Thanks to AKNOTTER!)
www.rwrope.com   (Bob Dollar!)
http://www.supplycaptain.com/
www.lapolicegear.com/trpa100fole.html
www.vtarmynavy.com/parachute_cord.htm
www.ubraidit.com
www.cordsandropes.com/index.html

Miniblind cords: ("Handy Hundred" and salvaged spools)  (ALSO ASK ABOUT 'SOLUTION DYED' MATERIALS)
www.rwrope.com  (Bob Dollar!)

Cross-lace cord (As in LaCrosse)

www.jimalax.com
www.gpjrope.com/blind.htm
www.comlax.com

Cotton cords for fancywork: 
Marty Combs www.knotstuff.com   (RECOMMENDED!)

Rattail Satin lines:
www.satincord.com
www.crafta.com/a5-250rd.html
http://fabricbarn.com/catalog/?_s=5

Leather Lace:  (UK):
http://bfnt.co.uk

Interesting tools and books for turk's heads and globe knots

www.donb.com 

Grip-fids and spikes:  SWEDEN Lasse Carvenal  Pieces of  bloody art they are!
lasse.carenvall (at) gmail (dot) com

Spikes, Clamps and Monkey Fist Jigs:
http://khww.net/emall/vendors/pjs-custom-tools/products/   (Peter Nelson-RECOMMENDED! I have one of his spikes, he has one of my lanyards: everybody's happy!)

Charts and discussion of line sizes - very useful!  Explore the internal posts!
http://www.khww.net/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=791&pid=7612#post_7612

Small pieces for knot boards: pulleys, anchors, deck hardware, etc.  added June 01 2012
http://www.naturecoast.com/hobby/catalog.htm

Vince


« Last Edit: December 05, 2021, 02:40:28 PM by Frayed Knot Arts »

WebAdmin

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations (version1.3g)
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2011, 10:12:58 PM »
Anyone who is looking for the original thread can find it at http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=977.0.
Lesley
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squarerigger

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations (version1.3g)
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2011, 06:18:29 AM »
Thanks so much Vince - you have done all knot-tyers a great service!

SR

dewildeman

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations (version1.3g)
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2011, 07:52:03 AM »
For people looking for side release buckles for paracord buckles, check out www.bucklerunner.com.  They carry different sizes and colors, they offer bulk prices and also carry bracelet kits and safety buckles.  I've ordered from them twice and have had great service.

SlipJig

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2014, 03:41:53 AM »
For Australian members:

At last, an Australian supplier of paracord, micro paracord, buckles, lanyard breakaway clips, beads, etc:

http://www.camscords.com.au/

Paracord 550 is readily obtainable here in "camping lengths" in limited colours, but buying colours and/or micro cord means buying from overseas. I've had excellent service from a number of US sellers but the postage usually more than doubles the cost. My first order from Cam's arrived very promptly and included a few extras of bits and pieces I'd ordered in other colours plus a few paracord colour samples. Excellent service so far!
« Last Edit: March 21, 2014, 03:43:13 AM by SlipJig »

capellagroup

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2014, 04:30:52 AM »
I have also had excellent service from Cam.  He has really expanded his range this year.  Oz practitioners would do well to try for a quote.

Ed

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2015, 12:19:32 PM »
Hello Vince
It's Ed. Hatherley
I'm back after 9 years but can't figure out this forum on my iPhone, nor can I find my old posts on this forum. Can you help buddy? Thanks
Ed.

Frayed Knot Arts

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #7 on: March 27, 2015, 03:09:42 AM »
Ed had sent me a tutorial for the Matthew Walker as well as some whisk brooms, all of which are on my tutorial site. 

Lasse_C

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2015, 11:41:20 AM »
Yes, I am still making and selling my gripfids!
I now sell them via my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeatherandCordage At the moment (October 31, 2015) I am sold out on gripfids, but I am working on a new batch, which I expect to be listed soon.

I also sell lacing needles (a k a Paracord Needles) in 9 different sizes. The threads are standard M sizes, ranging from M2 (2 mm) up to M10 (10 mm). Also listed on Etsy.





Sweeney

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2015, 12:59:21 PM »
These look really nice Lasse - I have just sent you an order!

Barry

Lasse_C

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2015, 06:01:29 PM »
Yep, I noticed!
Will pack it as soon as I can! ;)

Lasse C

miss_stringsmith

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #11 on: May 07, 2017, 08:21:23 AM »
Is there anywhere in the UK to get hard laid cotton?
I have been tying with some really soft cotton and my knots are really lacking definition..
I have been looking for quite small stuff probably 4-6mm..

Thanks :)

Sweeney

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #12 on: May 07, 2017, 04:47:21 PM »
I have bought cotton from Rope Services UK - prices include p&p usually. Only last week I bought a coil of 8mm for a Turk's Head on a rudder stock (a real pain as it turned out!) and the rope was nice though I have to say not very hard laid - that seems to be a DIY job in the UK unfortunately. There is now 8mm artificial cotton available but that was the only size advertised last time I looked (probably rayon which looks and feels very like cotton - commonly used for butcher's or cook's string - strong and far better than ordinary cotton string).

Sweeney

snellu

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2017, 07:59:55 PM »
Hello I am the owner of M Snellman Ropeworks and I do make and sell hard laid cotton and linen (flax) cords in sizes from 1,5mm to 4,5mm
Shipping worldwide.

Please visit:
http://snellman.ax
https://www.facebook.com/pg/MSnellmanRopeworks2/shop/?ref=page_internal

Keep on knotting,
Mikko
« Last Edit: October 17, 2017, 07:15:01 PM by snellu »

Frayed Knot Arts

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Re: REVISED: Fancywork Supplies and Recommendations [29-12-2012]
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2018, 05:12:53 AM »
Most assuredly there HAVE to be more recommendations since 2016!

'Fess Oop, lads!

 

anything