Good thread. I've never sent any of my splice away to be tested but I'd be interested to do so. I'm not a comercial splicer, rather I do my own gear but I follow the instructions given and as above, they are either 100% right or chucked. There can't be any inbetween IMO
If I've read it correctly, you simply taper the core for the last 4 inches before you pull it through the cover. When you get the fid inside the rope you put a bit of tension on the core and it should pull through relatively nicely!
The ceramic scissors arrived and they just weren't strong enough to go through a piece of Armor Prus. They've been put out to retirement in the kitchen drawer and I've got a pair of ARS 526A scissors. My word, they're brilliant!
I've just had a brainwave after looking at the price of Ars scissors, really like my ceramic knife and couldn't justify Hundreds of dollars on a pair of scissors so I googled Ceramic scissors. Found a pair for $40. I'll let you guys know if they turn out to be good!