Ropes for Shibari & Kinbaku
Find the rope that suits your tying style
What should I choose?
It's one of the questions we get asked the most.
There isn't one rope that's right for everyone.
Some prefer soft and vibrant ropes. Others want a rope with more structure and bite. Some tie almost exclusively on the floor, while others work with suspension, and for some, the colour or aesthetic expression plays a big role.
Therefore, we have gathered the Nordic region's largest selection of ropes for shibari, kinbaku, and Japanese rope bondage, so you can find the rope that is perfect for you.
We’ve put together a brief overview of the ropes used in rope bondage.
It is very individual what type of rope appeals to the individual rigger and depending on what the rope is to be used for.
Will the rope be used for floor work or suspension?
Should the rope feel soft and gentle against the skin or torture the skin with its rough surface, perhaps the aesthetic also plays a role. Should it be natural or synthetic rope?
Cheese is made in many ways using different methods.
We recommend opting for ropes that are specifically made for bondage, and are manufactured without harmful chemicals.
Here in the shop, we have ropes, among other things, that have been twisted entirely without the use of JBO.
and all our ropes are made for use with Shibari / Kinbaku.
Bearings also come in different diameters.
Her the most common diameters used in Kinbaku / Shibari / Rope Bondage.
:
4mm
also known as Dominatrix ropes, the thinner ropes can be advantageously used for tying the man's more sensitive parts, hence the name.
It's also perfect for tying your hair up.
5mm
A diameter that is seen more and more, used for example in petite models where the thinner ropes give a more aesthetic look
6mm
It is probably the most widespread diameter used in Western shibari, and it is also the preferred diameter for suspensions.
How long should my rope be?
Yes… that’s a good question.
The most common is between 7 – 8m ish, but it really depends on the rigger and the model.
Personally, we use 5 or 6mm – 8m ropes as standard, and then we've made some starter ropes that fit the model we tie on, that's what works for us, what works for you, you probably know best yourself.
Japanese shibari masters typically use 7m ropes. However, many Western riggers use ropes that are 8m or even 10m to “accommodate” models who are often larger than the typically shorter and thinner Japanese models.
By using longer ropes, riggers can also create more complex and artistic patterns on the body. It is important to note that the choice of rope length can vary depending on the rigger's preferences, artistic vision, and the specific scene or session being performed.
FAQ
Here we have gathered a few quick questions and answers about our ropes.
Which jute rope should I choose?
There isn't one jute rope that fits all. The choice depends on the character you want in the rope.
- Signature is a medium-strength, JBO-free rope with a soft and comfortable character.
- Ogawa a loosely tied rope with JBO and a classic Japanese character.
- Nawaya is a medium spun, JBO-free rope with a more rustic structure and more grip.
What is the difference between Signature, Ogawa, and Nawaya?
The difference primarily lies in the rope's construction, lay, and character.
Signature is versatile and comfortable, Ogawa is classic and vibrant, while Nawaya has a denser and more rustic structure with more friction.
JBO stands for "Just Bloody Okay".
JBO stands for Jute Batching Oil and is used during the production of some jute yarns to make the fibres easier to process. Some riggers prefer rope with JBO, while others prefer JBO-free rope. It's all down to personal preference and the character you want in the rope.
Are all your jute ropes handmade?
Yes. All our jute ropes are hand-treated at Ropes & Riggers with our own rope paste before they are put on display. This means the ropes are ready for use when they arrive.
What diameter should I choose?
Most people choose 6 mm, which is the classic thickness for shibari and kinbaku. It offers a good balance of comfort, strength, and handling, and is the thickness most riggers work with.
However, we also experience that many riggers who tie with smaller bodies prefer 5 mm. This provides a lighter and more elegant look, which many find harmonises better with a smaller physique.
With Ropes & Riggers Signature Rope can you choose between 5 mm and 6 mm, while Ogawa and Nawaya are available in 6 mm.
What length should I choose?
8 metres is the most popular length and a good all-rounder. It fits most ties within both shibari and kinbaku and is often the obvious choice if you're buying your first set of ropes.
10 metres provides extra options, especially if you are binding larger models, working with more complex bindings, or want extra length for suspension.
We also find that many experienced riggers, who have been using the same model for a long time, choose ropes of different lengths that precisely suit the model and the knots they most often tie. This results in a more harmonious look and means there is less excess rope to work with.
If you have a lot of spare rope, it can be used for decoration, These are decorative finishes and patterns. But everything in moderation. Too much excess rope can quickly make a tie more complicated than it needs to be.
Is jute rope suitable for suspension?
Yes, many riggers use jute rope for both floorwork and suspension. The most important thing is that you use correct technique, appropriate equipment, and continuously check both the rope and the hardware.
Does jute rope require maintenance?
Yes. As a natural fibre, jute benefits from regular care. With the right rope paste or rope oil, you can help the rope retain its suppleness, reduce fibre loss, and extend its lifespan.
Why do so many riggers choose jute?
Jute has a natural balance of friction, suppleness, and structure. This gives it a character that many riggers prefer for both shibari and kinbaku, and which develops as the rope is used.
Are all jute ropes the same?
No. Although the ropes are made of jute, the construction, twist, treatment and use of JBO can give them very different properties. We therefore offer several different types of jute rope, each with its own character.