I've heard people mention being on the ''sharp end'' when climbing. What does that mean?

From my experience, the ''sharp end'' refers to the end of the rope connected to a climber that is leading a route.

l do not know where this comes from, but l think that it came about because the leader does not have any protection above him, & falls much further that the person at the other end of the rope (the ''second'' or the belayer). It is more difficult so it is the ''sharp end''.

People often say they can climb a certain rating on top rope & a lower rating when on the ''sharp end''.

Good Luck

The leading end of the rope..attached to the climber leading the pitch.