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Guide to buying bondage rope

Rope bondage is its own distinct discipline within the world of BDSM. Shibari / Kinbaku masters teach techniques originating from Japan, while Western riggers and teachers have borrowed from these to develop unique new styles. Rope bondage can be a fulfilling activity unto itself (for both top and bottom), or it can be incorporated into a broader BDSM scene, sex, or public performances. Everyone who ties has an opinion about the material and thickness of rope to use. Much ends up being individual preference, with some variation depending on the particular tie, tying partner and objective of the scene.
Wither and Dye
Wither and Dye ★★★★★$$$$$
This rope enthusiast from Durham, North Carolina, has emerged to become one of the leading rope makers for the bondage community. Specializing in hemp, with a standard 6mm thickness, and available in lengths ranging from 5 foot to 60 foot. What's really cool are the striking colors that they produce their ropes in - think how beautiful your sub will be wrapped up in all of those wonderful colors.
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Knotty Kink rope
Knotty Kink rope ★★★★★$$$$$
Knotty Kink has developed a reputation for high quality hemp and jute rope, and also supply very difficult to find bamboo rope. Knotty Kink seems to only supply in a standard 6mm width, and in lengths of 15 foot or 30 foot. They
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Lovers Knot hemp rope by Stockroom
Lovers Knot hemp rope by Stockroom ★★★★★$$$$$
Lovers Knot are masters of making strong, soft hemp rope. You can't really do any better than this - available here through Stockroom.
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Nylon rope
Nylon rope ★★★★★$$$$$
Nylon rope is strong, durable and water-resistant. It's also pretty inexpensive. But it doesn't have the same feel as natural fibers, which is why many serious rope people tend to avoid it.
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Cotton bondage rope
Cotton bondage rope ★★★★★$$$$$
Yes, it feels a little softer. But it stretches, it doesn't hold it's shape. It's just generally not good for bondage purposes. Don't bother with cotton.
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Tips for rope:
  • Hemp is soft and strong, with an earthy smell. It grips the body well and is often favored by rope bottoms for its sensual feeling. The rope is slightly on the heavier side. It is naturally dull and not great for photography, but can be dyed to create beautiful colors. Hemp can be washed relatively easily.
  • Jute is firm and on the lighter side. It’s sharper feel means it may be favored by sadists and masochists. It has a natural sheen which works well for photography. Care must be taken when washing Jute rope.
  • Nylon is bright, strong and highly durable. It is very water resistant, and doesn’t “grab” the skin like natural fibers. Rope bottoms often don’t experience the same level of connection to the rope with Nylon.
  • If you are starting out with rope and not sure which rope to get, start with Hemp / 6mm thickness.
  • As a rope top, you should not try any kind of rope suspension unless / until you have mastered floor work over a long period of time, and receive instruction from an experienced suspension teacher. The smallest mistake can be very dangerous for the rope bottom. If you were to do suspension, hemp is probable best suited for this.
  • Make sure that when you buy rope, you also buy some safety shears and keep them within arms reach when you are tying.
All buying guide products are reviewed based on the unbiased opinions of our contributors. After reviews are written, vendors may sponsor reviews to promote or extend their placement on the buying guide. For more information or to suggest a product to be included, please contact us.