Hemp Rope

Hemp rope is commonly in Japanese shibari. People refer to this type of rope as asanawa, which translates to”hemp rope”: “asa” (hemp) and “nawa” (rope). Japanese Shibari avoids synthetic ropes, so they normally use yute or hemp ones. Contrastingly, Western rope bondage uses some synthetic types such as nylon. In addition, they also employ cotton or the ones we will describe in this entry.

Hemp Rope: Description

Hemp is a natural fiber. The rope usually comes in a twisted form. Twisted rope generally contains three strands, each yarn spun together.

Hemp rope is medium strong. You can put it under medium load with minimal fear of stretch or breakage unless frayed. It is not the strongest rope, but it is stronger than the yute one.  Similarly, it is also a soft kind of rope which is more unlikely to burn your partner during the shibari scene. This, of course, is another of its virtues. These ropes have a pretty good grip, so they are easier to handle.

On Natural Fiber Ropes

Natural fiber ropes, in general, tend to be weaker and less durable than synthetic ones. As every type of rope, everything depends on the quality of materials. For instance, there are some hemp ropes that shed fibres. In this sense, it is not so comfortable: it is not nice to get covered in them. During a scene, these fibers can also make you itchy and sneezy.

Hemp Ropes: Maintenance

Hemp ropes are easy to maintain and do not need much tending, unless they get particularly dirty. Re-oiling the rope is not necessary. The reason is that, while you are tying the rope, it will absorb the natural body oils. As a result, you keep it soft. Hemp ropes will not need re-oiling unless you have washed them. To re-oil them, apply a light application of rope or baby oil to your hands and run them through the ropes’ lengths a few times.