UKC

Anyone heard or experienced any rock types in the UK cutting through a new rope?

How about this famous example on Elder Statesman?

youtube.com/watch?v=K9Wzx-9JzsI&

It happens, but it's very rare.

I guess that depends on how you run the rope over the rock. If it’s done like in the video, Welsh slate, possibly. Dartmoor granite, definitely.

Yes.

To expand on this as I may have been a bit flippant: was attempting Rhinoceros (E2 5c) on Haytor Low man with a mate; second pitch he teetered up the groove then fell off the exit. I held the fall, he was gutted wanted another go. I shouted that I had seen a puff of white as he came off, and would rather lower him to the ground. Once I did, the rope came away in his hands, granite crystal had cut right through a brand new rope. A very good argument for climbing with half ropes, although I'm still not sure if he would have stayed off the deck if that rope had been cut. Pretty sobering day!

Judging by the number of very frayed ropes I have, rock doesn't need to be sharp to trash a rope, and with enough lateral friction it would not require much weight to actually sever it. A friend borrowed 3 ropes during an attempt on Archangel. All 3 ropes were severed, and he was not very popular after that fiasco!

One of the best defences against death while rock climbing is a vivid imagination. The ability to make near constant assessment of what could get you killed in ever changing circumstances is a skill to nurture. Madame guillotine awaits you.