Description
The West Country Whipping is a quick practical method of using twine to secure the end of a rope to prevent it fraying. It has several advantages: it can be tied without a needle; it is simple to understand and remember; if the whipping fails, the loose ends can usually be re-tied to temporarily prevent the rope’s end from fraying.
Use
Used as a simple and easy to learn whipping.
Security
The final square knot may become undone followed by overhand knots. However, this happens slowly as overhand knots fail in sequence and there is opportunity to repair the knot.
For added security you can start the whipping with the constrictor knot.
Tying
Half hitches are tied alternately behind and in front of the rope until the width of the band of twine approaches the diameter of the rope. A reef (square) knot, or better a series of reef knots, completes the whipping. If a needle is available this string of reef knots can be pulled
through the rope to bury the ends.