Hi Folks,
Have been asking around re the above. Wiki has an extensive coverage of all things Cutty Hunk; a lot more than I previously knew of. Recently pulled line of an old Surfmaster reel and the backing we used back in the Stone Age was always what I knew as Cutty Hunk. Is described as a LINEN Cord. It was used so that when NYLON back then (Mono today) line was wound really tight it did not stress the drum which often would spread, may not be the case with reels of today ? ? From memory what we used was of FRENCH origin .....anyone more to offer ? ? or is it dating me somewhat.

Dating you somewhat ?? Nah not at all...It makes you about 10 Years older than God...and you don't have to worry unless you are 20 years older than God

Apparently a company named Hardy made the stuff in the UK.

You are right, modern reels are made to take the pressure.

Sorry I can't be of any further help. The name Cutty Hunk appears to be a brand name owned by Hardy. If Hardy still exists, then they might be the best starting point. Other than that I have nothing