I think Robi's methode (single line) is more common. My methode is rather unique, but that is because I fiddled around with what I still had laying around (former cut-offs). Splicing two seperate lines to one another I think is the most difficult way to do it and probably the most weak version. But I also learned one thing and that is when you take care to work cleanly and pay attention to attaching it right (splicing or sewing) that it will as good as always hold. For example I sew my trap lines together and none have failed on me. Same for things like foot straps and such. Hell , a spinaker sail is glued together and stand force 6 winds just fine.

Besides what is the damage is the line fails and you will have to give is a second try ? Not much.

If you taper the join well enough than you won't notice the "bump" at all. There are various ways to make the taper. Cutting out strands at different locations is one of the more easier ways. Do a search on the net or look at how eyes are spliced, you can quickly learn alot there.

One tip I would give is to make the tapered section flexible. One can get a perfect taper but then the methode used make that section of the join rigid then you'll feel a bump just the same. So get as much taper as you can without making the join to rigid.

The rest is just giving it a try and iterate to the right contruction. Ohh and make a prototype using old lines helps as well. The second time the tapering goes much better.

Wouter