Hey Don, thanks so much for sharing your feedback! Did you know that this mala was adjustable? The knot near the guru acts like a tube where the cords can slide, so it can be opened during counting and closed when not in use! Check out this video below; and it will further detail how to close your mala:
https://www.dharmashop.com/blogs/news/how-to-adjust-your-mala-beads
If you have more questions about this feature, please email us at info@dharmashop.com, and we will help you further. We appreciate your feedback and support of our small shop. Namaste!