Hello,
I have some new 3/8" diameter KM III and would like to use this rope in a lanyard.
Before I go purchase several candidate cords for use in a prusik, are there recommendations from the group for a good, rated, cord for use with this rope? I'm looking at Samson Ultra-Tech and Samson Ice Tail, both in 5/16", though I have nevr used either of these.

Have read in http://www.treeclimbercoalition.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2073 that there was some trouble with Blakes on KM III 11mm. Is this rope just too slick for my intended application?

Thanks,
Bob

Bob, this wasn't an option you mentioned, but maybe Maxim TechCord would work? I use 3/8" Beeline for a lanyard, and the TechCord works well with it, at least when using a friction hitch that stays fairly tight. I use a Knut, because my usual favourite, the Distel, wants to spring open too much when the load is removed from it. I would think that a VT would be especially ineffective.

It is possible that this cord, which is quite stiff, works so well on the Beeline because the Beeline is soft and squishy. On a rope that is equally stiff, like your KM III, possibly it wouldn't grip?

Anyway, just a suggestion. Lord knows the stuff is strong enough!

bfree,

both would work fine, you just have to find which knot will hold best in the lanyard application.

I prefer ICE over everything else, I use it on my 3/8th's HTP and it works great!
one reason I prefer ICE is because it is easy to inspect, no seperate cover over the load bearing core like ultra tech or beeline.

Thanks, Dietley and quabinclimber, for your thoughts.

QC, your comments regarding ICE on HTP are especially encouraging because the HTP and KM III appear to be quite close in their appearance, materials, stiffness, and construction. Add to that the fact that I, too, am already climbing on 10mm HTP and it looks like the ICE is a good candidate for the lanyard AND for use directly on the HTP. So, here we go -- I'll try to remember to report back, once I try a few knots using ICE on KM III.

Now, I've got to go learn how to tie a Knut!

Thanks again,
Bob

I should add that my IcE is hand spliced not grizzly spliced (they are not the same) the hand spliced is thicker in diameter and works much better IMO.

I would recommend ICE also. Its fairly soft, easy to inspect, grabs quick, heat resistant, and a better price than Bee Line. (essentially all the good features that Tenex has plus heat resistance) I've used tied, hand spliced, and sewn terminations all of which work great. Only draw back is that it can pick and not last as long as other cords.

I used ICE on my 22' 9mm PMI EZ bend lanyard using a distel and CMI 2i pulley but I recently switched to 8mm OP with hand spliced ends. To early to recommend the OP yet since it isn't even broken in yet.

Well, after some delay, the result of trying to cut my finger off on the band saw (was unsuccessful, thankfully), have been back in one of my favorite back yard Poplars to try out my lanyard. Am happy to report the Ice Tail works perfectly fine on the 3/8 KM III.

I used the lanyard in a couple of positions in the tree today as I removed some deadwood and moved (slowly) about the tree. As others have stated, this soft rope does grip quickly and releases easily; I just used a Prusik on the lanyard and this worked fine.

Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry.

Have fun!
Bob