Originally Posted By: hikermor
I have encountered more than a few rappelers who had no idea of how they would deal with a knotted rope, end of the rope situation, or a jammed shirt in their rappel device. I judge their training to be incomplete.

Absolutely right! Always carry a pair of prusik loops. Practice with them. Practice improvising one from the end of the rappel rope. Read Touching the Void and practice some more.

By the way, should your descender become jammed, DON'T USE A KNIFE TO CEAR IT!

Nylon under tension cuts VERY easily. The fibers practically split at the mere sight of a knife blade.
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- Tom S.

"Never trust and engineer who doesn't carry a pocketknife."