i have got some nellie like you i thought i would try some it knits up a bit like hemp and it knots well but you can get the odd fibre breaking away and it looks like it is not tight spun but it does not affect the net, it purses well when a rabbit hits i was told to treat it like hemp and hang your nets to dry after you been ferreting. As for how long they will last not sure as only used them 6 or 7 times but they seem ok i made some for a mate and he has been happy enough with them.