by havoc [ posted: 22.Jun.2005 11:22 AM ] [dura-link][Print]
I ordered a cool book of knots for the boys for this summer. (yes, for the boys!) Of course, the only way for them to learn is for me to learn, and esplain to them, right? (right.)
So the book includes "24 Most Useful Hitches, Ties, Wraps, and Knots."
I've narrowed the most important knots you need to know how to tie to a grand total of
3.
- half hitch
- clove hitch
- sheet bend
Most of the rest of the good stuff is a variation on those three.
half hitch:
a half hitch by itself isn't worth much, but two in series is a jewel.
Variations:
- timberline hitch
- ring knot
- Prusik knot (a variation of the ring knot)
- sheep shank
- double-half hitch (which, interestingly enough, is a loop with the rope clove hitched back on itself)
Clove hitch:
I love this hitch. Many of the variations of this hitch are when you tie the rope to itself or another piece of rope, but it's still mechanically the same knot.
- rolling hitch
- tautline hitch (which is actually the same as the rolling hitch, just the rope tied back on itself)
- Constrictor Knot (very cool)
Sheet bend:
All my life, I've been told that the square knot was
the knot to use to join two piece of rope. All my life, they've sucked, and I thought it was just me. Turns out, the sheet bend is the knot I was looking for.
When I first started tying the sheet bend, it was strange and uncomfortable, but there was something familiar about it. After several weeks of messing with it, I finally realized why it was so familiar -- I've been tying them for ~25 years! it's the sheet bend that makes the bowline what it is. (duh!)
Variations:
- bowline
- double sheet bend
With the "short end sheet bend," which is just a
method for tying a sheet bend, I found the easiest, fastest way to tie a sheet bend or throw a bowline. slick.
Other very handy knots:
- Harness loop (a mid-rope loop that doesn't slip or close – foot loops, hand loops, anchor points, etc.)
- overhand knot, which is basically what a "half hitch" is - fisherman's knot, etc.
- figure 8 stopper
I'll probably never buy another cargo strap or bungie strap, now... I guess that would be bad for the economy, if it wasn't for the fact that I'll spend that money on something else!
Well, maybe bungie straps. Bungie straps are still cool.