How to Handle a Shibari Rope with a Loose Twist (like Ogawa Ropes)

How to Handle a Shibari Rope with a Loose Twist (like Ogawa Ropes)

To properly handle a loosely twisted Shibari rope, such as the well-known Ogawa ropes, it’s essential to follow a few key principles. These prevent deformation, premature wear, and weakening of the rope's twist:

Hook the rope with one or two fingers
Use one or two fingers (usually the index or index + middle fingers) to gently hook the rope. This helps guide it precisely and ensures a smooth, controlled movement.
Always grab the full diameter of the rope
When hooking the rope, always take the full thickness—never just part of it. This ensures even tension across all strands and avoids creating weak spots or uneven twists.
Never push the rope
Do not push the rope forward with your fingers or hand. Always pull or gently guide it. Pushing a loosely twisted rope risks deforming it, leading to faster wear and reduced mechanical integrity.
Maintain steady and even tension
Throughout your manipulation, keep the rope under consistent and even tension. This helps prevent early degradation and ensures greater comfort for the person being tied.
Regularly maintain the rope
Loosely twisted jute ropes like Ogawa require regular maintenance. Inspect them often and apply a light coat of rope wax or suitable oil to keep them soft and durable.