What type of splice finishes a rope end and is an alternative to whipping?

The back splice is a method used to finish a rope end, creating a neat and functional termination that prevents fraying. This splice is made by unlaying the rope strands and then tucking them back into the working part of the rope. This process reinforces the rope end while also maintaining its flexibility and strength, making it suitable for many applications where a secure finish is necessary.

In contrast, other splice types serve different functions. For instance, the French splice is generally utilized for connecting two rope ends rather than finishing a single end. The short splice, like the French splice, is used to join two ropes together and would not be appropriate for finishing an end. The long splice also serves a similar purpose but allows the ropes to lie flat and reduces bulk, which is not needed when simply finishing an end.

Each splice type has its specific applications, but in the context of finishing a single rope end as an alternative to whipping, the back splice is the correct choice.