I read a thing from a rescue trainer once who said most rope failures look completely fine right up until they go, and that stuck with me. It's scary how the inside can wear out from dust or pinch points while the outside still looks brand new. I've also heard that UV damage is sneaky cause it hits the core first, especially in Texas sun like we get. That's why I started doing the thumb test along the whole length every few months, feeling for any soft spots or flat areas. Four years is honestly pushing it for a working rope too, even if the outside seems okay. Glad your lanyard caught you, that's the whole reason we double up, but man it's a wake up call.

My buddy who used to work at a Michelin spot swears by the cheap steel pans from restaurant supply stores, says the fancy stuff is just marketing for home cooks. The real trick is letting the pan preheat way longer than you think, that's where the heat retention comes from.