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Cheques payable to IGKT, or simply send your credit card details PS Don’t forget to allow for postage 2 Knotting Matters july 2007 3 Knotting Matters The Magazine of the International Guild of Knot Tyers Issue 95 - July 2007 www.igkt.net

Except as otherwise indicated, copyright in Knotting Matters is reserved to the International Guild of Knot Tyers IGKT 2007. Copyright of members articles published in Knotting Matters is reserved to the authors and permission to reprint should be sought from the author and editor. All sources of quotations printed in Knotting Matters are acknowledged.

ADVERTISING RATES Members Non- members Full Page £50 £70 Half Page £25 £35 Quarter Page £15 £20 Full (colour) £140 £170 Features COVER PHOTOGRAPH Founder members Geoffrey 8 The lesser used two- 16 John Halifax Budworth and Des Pawson cut the birthday cake at the Silver strand ringbolt hitching shares his newly Jubilee celebrations. is explained by John discovered replacement Back Cover Shaw to the Turk’s head for Barbara Sessions (USA TxB) tries her hand at Marudai. embellishing all things 10 You dont have to cylindrical. use a stool for braiding - Theo Slijkerman describes his simple 19 Many of our method. greatest creations are based on a simple 12 Shoould it be device. Owen K ‘Fake or Flake?’ Nuttall explains one Graham McLachlan way that mankind has investigates. used cord. 2 Knotting Matters july 2007 3

EDITOR 22 What happened 40 Do you know Colin Grundy at Fareham. Christina how a ship’s speed Tel: 07946841157 Email: Ruth and Colin Grundy is measured? Jerry [email protected] share their experience. Cronan explains. HON. SECRETARY David Walker Tel: 01244 682117 31 Canadien rock Email: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY climber Rob Chisnall Bruce Turley continues his study of Tel: 0121 453 4124 Email: the security of carabiner [email protected] hitches. PRESIDENT Ken Yalden Tel: 02392 259280 Email: [email protected] GUILD POSTAL ADDRESS for all correspondence PO Box 3540 Chester, CH1 9FU, England

Annual Subscription Rates Juniors £5 Adults £23 Families £27 Group £10 Corporate - by arrangement The IGKT is a UK Registered Charity No. 802153 Regulars PRINTED BY 4 Knots from the Mouse Pad Gipping Press Ltd. Needham Market 14 Knotmaster Tel: 01449 721599 Fax: 01499 721372 42 Branch Lines 45 Postbag ISSN 0959-2881 4 Knotting Matters july 2007 5 Knots from the Mousepad

thought that showing a photo of myself return the enclosed Gift Aid forms, we Iin the workshop, with one of my need every penny we can get. fenders, might prove that I am a serious Staying on the theme of paying knot tyer and being Hon. Sec. is a second money to the Guild, a problem we are job. Therefore please understand if I’m a having at the moment is, when you use bit slow in replying to your letters, it may credit/charge cards. Please give us all the be that I am tying knots. details that are on the card including the One of the perks of this job is that three-digit security number that is on the Guild members send in to me, pieces of signature strip on the back of the card. their work. Quite a few times I’ve sat Since taking over job as on Hon. down and tried to figure out how do they Sec., we have delegated many of the do it. I am not complaining, keep it up, responsibilities of the Sec. Nicola Tyrrell I love it. The last pieces I received, just is Minutes Secretary, Bruce Turley, before the AGM, I passed on to Sheila is Membership Secretary and Linda Pearson to put into the Guild’s Raffle. So Turley is Treasurer. I think we have now on behalf of the Guilds members, thank achieved a really good administration you for supporting the Guild. team. None of the jobs are too difficult, Getting down to serious business, our and to strengthen the team we are looking agreement with CAF will be coming for a Supplies Secretary. If you would to an end soon. If you pay your subs like to join the team please get in touch through them, please check your payment with me methods. If you pay by direct debit to Happy Knotting, them, CANCEL your agreement and ask Dave Walker me for a new direct debit form. Please 4 Knotting Matters july 2007 5

that this is an area that we as a Guild need to work on. However, the steady President’s influx of general public, drawn in by the coverage in both the local papers, radio and television was rewarding, as was the interaction with the different craft folk of Letter associated crafts which all added to the strong bond that was evident during the do hope that the ‘Silver Jubilee week and culminating in the Knot Supper ICelebrations’ proved to be a held on the Saturday evening. memorable way to commemorate the I have this morning received a very first 25 years of the International Guild of complementary letter of thanks from Knot Tyers for all those who where able the Mayor of Fareham, who as well as to attend, and that they share the view formally untying a knot, to open our that it was looking forward in a confident show, was most gracious in inviting all way to start the next 25 years. I would of our overseas members to her chambers like to take this opportunity to thank all for an informal visit, having enjoyed their who took part in the celebrations, with company during an enthusiastic tour of a special thank you to those of you who our displays. took time to send a card or email to tell Now onwards and upwards into the me they were attending or not as the case 2007 summer season of various shows may be. around the world which will include the For me one memorable part was ‘Knot Pacific Americas Branch celebrating Academy Day’, with five tables set each their 10 year milestone in July. It only with six knot tyers earnestly bent on remains for me to wish good luck to you the task of learning from a ‘Master’, all in your forthcoming shows, and to and in total silence, not something that remind you that these shows are really often happens when you get a group of the seedbed for the young knot tyers yet enthusiastic knot tyers together. to blossom. My only disappointment was the lack Ken Yalden of young folk attending and I feel strongly 6 Knotting Matters july 2007 7 Col’s Comment ome of you may have wondered the world. Swhy this issue of Knotting Matters Editing Knotting Matters is usually is a month later than usual, or not as a solitary occupation, interspersed with the case may be! If it has escaped your emails or correspondence. It is a real attention the International Guild of Knot pleasure to have this edition interspersed Tyers is 25 years old this year, and we with live contact with members, as the are celebrating our Silver Anniversary at come and chat about the magazine, or Fareham in Hampshire. As your editor, I ask questions. To the many people who felt it appropriate that this issue should have complimented me on the look and be published hot on the heels of the style of KM, I say thank you. It would be week’s celebration. Indeed, as I write this easy to look on it just as a task to be done, editorial, I am sitting in Ferneham Hall in rather than the pleasure it gives so many the company of knot tyers from around of our members.

The Half Yearly Meeting at Quarry Bank Mill Styal, Nr, Manchester The North-west Branch has been invited by the Council of the IGKT, to host this year’s October meeting. The meeting will be held at the famous Quarry Bank Mill, Styal. This is an historic building situated in the River Bolin Valley. It has excellent air, rail and motorway connections. There are many hotels in the area. We are inviting all the regional groups to take part by putting on a display, we have plenty of space; please help us fill it. We are also looking for demonstrators and teachers. There is a meadow behind the Mill and we hope to have the Cheshire Forest Scout Group putting on a display there. Entry to the Mill will be free to Guild members, Our Evening Meal will be in the Mill’s restaurant. We are thinking to have the formal Guilds business on Sunday morning, rather than the Saturday, what do you think? More details will be passed on to you in the normal way nearer the time. Keep an eye on our web site as well. Dave Walker, North-west Contact. 6 Knotting Matters july 2007 7 28th Annual Telly Awards Announced

New York City, NY - The winners of the 28th Annual Telly Awards have been announced. With a record of over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and around the world, this year’s competition has been the most competitive and successful in the long history of the Awards. Robert Black and the Marlinspike Knot Works were honoured with the following four awards for excellence:

Hobby/Craft Category Silver Award - DVD Making a Turk’s Head Bracelet Bronze Award - DVD Decorative Knotting & Braiding in Leather

How-to-Instructional Category Bronze Award - DVD Making a Turk’s Head Bracelet Bronze Award - DVD Decorative Knotting & Braiding in Leather

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honouring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world. A prestigious panel of accomplished industry professionals evaluate entries to recognize their distinction in creative work. Past winners include Dick Clark Productions, DreamWorks, The Discovery Channel, Kennedy Space Center, Proctor & Gamble, The Learning Channel, The History Channel, Disneyland Resorts, Marshall Field’s, QVC, Nike and Bass Pro Shops Video Productions. Robert Black commented, “Receiving these awards is an honour and represents my commitment to create the very best educational experience for my customers”. 8 Knotting Matters july 2007 9 Maverick Ringbolt Hitching from ‘John Shaw’ (illustrated by Geoffrey Budworth)

here are better-known forms of Tringbolt hitching done with two strands (such as A#3608 and 3609), and others with three or more. The two-strand variant featured here is not often seen, perhaps because it is subtly asymmetrical. Nevertheless, decorative knotting devotees may like to add it to their repertoires. * Tie a clove hitch (1). * Next bend the lower end back and then trap it onto the ring or other foundation with a half-hitch made in the other end (2). * Repeat this process (3, 4) as often as necessary (5). Ringbolt hitching of any sort, when tightened, can slide around off-centre. In this instance encourage it, using the asymmetry of the braided portion as the face of a flower to outline its circular foundation (5). Note - the illustration purposely shows the knot work loose and open to reveal its construction. Make it more compact. No doubt many KM readers have already discovered this cute maverick for themselves, or are aware of some published source for it, but do you know the trick way to tie it? The result will be this ringbolt hitching on your thumb ... not at all practical, * Start with A#2541 (Clifford Ashley’s since thumbs neither require nor are one-handed method of tying a clove comfortable with ornamentation of hitch); this kind (which cannot then readily be * Then simply repeated the same finger removed onto a ring); but - who knows movements once, twice ... several - maybe you can find an application for times. this offbeat tying method too. 8 Knotting Matters july 2007 9

NEWS FLASH! Police investigating a series of robberies, in which all of the victims were tied up with knotted ropes, believe that the same suspect committed each crime. A police spokeswoman said, ‘The offender has a unique nodus operandi’. 10 Knotting Matters july 2007 11 Square Sennit with Mobidai Theo Slijkerman

he square sennit with four strands, also called four- Tstrand-round-sennit, it is generally made like here has been represented. See also Ashley #2999 and #3000. On holiday, with bicycle, tent and wife on tour, I got an idea. Kumihimo is the art of Japanese braidmaking, used the marudai, a little round table with a hole in the middle (see also Ashley #3037). Nowadays you can buy disks, with which you can make this complex braid technique also from the hand. As far as I know such a disk (in Europe) is called a mobidai (from mobile maru-dai). For the square sennit I have made a very simple mobidai. A postcard cut at four places, a hole in the middle and two arrows signed. Sitting in the sunshine I have made a number of square sennits. With this simple version as a basis, at home I have improved this mobidai for these sennits and made the description, which you find on next page. You can make a mobidai simply from a bit firm paperboard with dimensions 10 x 10 cm. The drawings speak for itself and no further explanation is necessary. 10 Knotting Matters july 2007 11 12 Knotting Matters july 2007 13 Fake or Flake? Graham McLachlan

was reading through the chit-chat out a chain cable on the forecastle deck Ion the forum when I came across a for examination’ (how precise!) and ‘lay thread discussing the origin of the word a sail down in folds on either side of the ‘fake’ as in ‘fake down a rope’. Someone boom’. Interestingly enough, the nouns put forward that ‘this was probably a ‘fake’ and ‘flake’ meaning ‘a single turn typeset error in an Admiralty Seamanship of a coiled rope or hawser’ both appeared Manual which should (if it describes in the early seventeenth century, more what you are doing with a rope) read than two centuries after the verb ‘fake’ “Flake down a rope” but it was in the and two centuries before ‘flake’ became Seamanship bible - so it was right!’ I a verb... The OED gives no origin for only knew the term ‘flake’ (having done the word ‘fake’ but proposes that ‘flake’ it enough on the deck of a ship!) and comes from the German flechte of the had never heard anyone say ‘fake’, so I same meaning. Also, outside of the thought I would look into it. nautical field, ‘flake’ was used in the late What better place to start than sixteenth century to describe ‘a bundle my trusty friend the Oxford English of parallel threads’, possibly drawing Dictionary who told me that the nautical its origin from the Old Norse flakna verb ‘fake’ meaning ‘Lay (a rope) in meaning to ‘flake off’ or ‘split’ - and this coils so that it runs clear; coil’ was first may well be a plausible origin for both attested in Late Middle English, roughly ‘flake’ and ‘fake’. the 14th century, whereas the verb ‘flake’ Looking elsewhere, William Falconer’s with the same meaning first appeared in Dictionary of the Marine puts ‘fake’ into the late 19th century! The latter was also its (albeit late-18th century) context and attributed the additional meanings ‘lay is worth looking at here: Coiling implies

Chain flaked out on a fore deck, ready to run. Source: Nares’ Seamanship 1862. 12 Knotting Matters july 2007 13

a sort of serpentine winding of a cable Seamanship also defines ‘flake’ thus: or other rope, that it may occupy a small To arrange a rope or hawser in layers space in the ship. Each of the windings of so that it will run clear. I wonder if the this sort is called a fake, and one range ‘layers’ are what Falconer calls ‘tiers’? of fakes upon the same line is called Funnily enough, it goes on to contradict a tier; there are generally from five to itself when describing the laying out of seven fakes in a tier, and three or four hawsers in a small boat by saying that tiers in the whole length of the cables. a single coil is called a ‘flake’ and not This, however, depends on the extent a ‘fake’: ...the hawser must be flaked of the fakes. As I understand it (and round the boat close to the sides on top this corresponds to my own shipboard the thwarts, and each flake secured with experience) Falconer is describing a rope a good stop... or chain laid out in parallel runs, like the In two of my French-English nautical lanes in a motorway, ready to be sent dictionaries dating 1848 and 1910 ‘fake’ ashore or to follow the anchor into the is translated as lover meaning ‘to coil’ and water. However, the Admiralty Manual ‘flake’ as échafaud which corresponds to of Seamanship 1908 seems to consider flake’s other meaning which, according to a ‘fake’ to be one single revolution of a the OED, is ‘a small stage or workmen’s rope ‘[a fake] is a circle or ring formed by cradle hung over the side of a ship’ and coiling a rope’. The latter may well just dates from the mid-nineteenth century. be sloppy definition because a revolution Turning to literature, in Two Years of rope in a coil is generally known as Before the Mast, Richard Henry Dana’s a ‘coil’ (late 16th century). The OED’s brilliant account of sailing around the definition above talks of ‘a single turn’, Horn to San Francisco (published in but perhaps this name is only correct 1840), the author describes the process when the rope turns around something... of swinging the lead aboard ship: although Biddlecombe in his Art of “Watch! ho! watch!” bawls the man on Rigging agrees (and doesn’t mention the cat-head, as the last fake of the coil ‘flake’): one of the turns of a rope when drops from his hand, and “Watch! ho! stowed away, or coiled. The Manual of watch!” is shouted by each one as the

FAKE FLAKE LME verb: Nautical. Lay (a rope) in coils so that it runs clear; coil L16 noun: A bundle of parallel threads [Perhaps from Old Norse flakna flake off, split]. E17 noun: Nautical. A single turn of a noun: Nautical. A single turn of a coiled rope or hawser. coiled rope or hawser. [Cf. German of same meaning flechte] M19 noun: Nautical. A small stage or workmen’s cradle hung over the side of a ship. 14 Knotting Matters july 2007 15

line falls from his hold; until it comes to Seamanship Manual. But, if you are now the mate, who tends the lead, and has the confused as to which term you should line in coils on the quarter-deck. Eighty use, take a lead from the greatest of all fathoms, and no bottom! In more florid nautical writers, Joseph Conrad, who had terms, the last shantyman to be employed no truck with ‘fake’ or ‘flake’ and never on a clipper, Stan Hugill, uses flake in used either word in any of his novels: the shanty Rolling Home in his 1961 ‘The ship was ready for sea... The collection Shanties from the Seven Seas: decks had been swept, the windlass oiled Call all hand to man the capstan, and made ready to heave up the anchor; See the cable flaked down clear, the big tow-rope lay in long bights along Heave away and with a will, boys, one side of the main deck, with one end For old England we will steer. carried up and hung over the bows, in readiness for the tug that would come So in conclusion, whatever its origins, paddling and hissing noisily, hot and in nautical terminology, ‘fake down a smoky, in the limpid, cool quietness of rope’ is quite possibly five centuries older the early morning.’ The Nigger of the than ‘flake down a rope’ and certainly Narcissus, 1897. much older than the first Admiralty

Knotmaster Series No. 33 ‘Knotting ventured, knotting gained.’ Shake hands bend

There is an entire clutch of bends that can be created with two interlocked overhand knots. The rigger’s (Hunter’s) bend and the Zeppelin bend are well-known. This compact cousin is another, which was first described by the late Harry Asher (a Guild founder-member) in Volume I of A New System of Knotting (1986),

Make a couple of interlocked loops, one overhand and the other underhand, as shown (fig. 1). Tuck each end in turn down through the central compartment (fig’s 2, 3). Tighten the resulting knot (fig. 4). 14 Knotting Matters july 2007 15 16 Knotting Matters july 2007 17 The Single Strand Matthew Walker - Ring Knot

John Halifax

I. Overhand Knot 2. Clockwise round (and over) 3. Round again and this the standing end and through time keep to the right under the cross-over. hand side of the standing end and through and there you have it. (The mystery solved?)

4. A Single Strand 6. As at 4 - Tighten in to 5. Follow round into two- Matthew Walker form a Button Knot ‘Flower ply. (The method is over `RingKnot` bud’ (Tuck end back into two under two, then three centre to form loop/knob then four.) for Earring, Plaque or Knot Boards

7. Left: A two-ply Blood Knot Centre: A two-ply Triple Overhand (French Needlework Knot) Right: A two-ply Blood Knot - ‘New Single Strand Matthew Walker Ring 8. A selection of Single Knot’ (Follow the same principles as at Strand Matthew Walker Ring 1, 2 and 3 above. Knots 16 Knotting Matters july 2007 17

The knot that has been missing from our portfolio. A welcome change from the ubiquitous Turk’s head binding knots that have been with knot tyers for generations. This for a different embellishment on all things cylindrical.

uring 1995 after I had finished to the cross-over point and depending on Dformatting and presenting my which way you are viewing the forming book Something Different the Suffolk knot, pass the working end over the Collection, about my newly discovered standing end of the cross-over twist of the single strand button knots (53 in number) overhand knot to the left side or behind I set about learning how to present them the cross-over point, and take it through as earring knots and learnt how to colour and under the cross over from left to and mount them onto earring findings. right, in other words through the circular One day I saw an illustration in a forming knot. magazine for a pair of earrings in a At this point it is interesting to note circular spiral design in what appeared to that Ashley page 96 - No. 577 gives a be gold wire and I set about attempting to single strand three-ply knot superficially replicate this design in cord! resembling the Matthew Walker knot All I did was to scroll the cord round after it has been drawn up evenly and clock-wise into a circle, passing the tautly. Note the wording ‘superficially working end through and round and resembles’ because this is where I through about three times until I achieved initially got to in my experiments with a symmetrical nice looking shape - but this conundrum. Annoyingly it took a - then decided to make it look like a rose lot more ‘doodling with my short end’ bud by closing and tightening the turns in before the full perfectly formed knot fell until it looked like a flower bud and then into place. (The original discoverer of raising the working end up through the this knot No. 577 was just one carefully centre and forming a little raised looped placed tuck away from the full single bight knob. This looked very aesthetically strand Matthew Walker knot, so near, so pleasing to my eye and I was satisfied! far, what a pity!) Eventually I worked this idea around I doubt any person now will believe me my left index finger starting with an when I say that I did not refer to Ashley overhand knot and it took me quite a long at that time in the early 1990s when I time (weeks into months) to achieve the discovered this interesting concept of the finished Matthew Walker knot. single strand Matthew Walker knot. I was I would get so far but it would not lay too busily engrossed with the intriguing correctly and evenly until eventually it discoveries of my collection of single came right and I discovered the secret! strand button knots and perfecting cord As follows: Form a right handed earring knots of the flat dimensional clockwise overhand knot (this of course type! being the basic start of all/any Mathew I realised afterwards that (one usually Walker knots when using multiple cannot see what is right under your strands/cords. Then come round again nose as the saying goes) and that simply 18 Knotting Matters

all that was required was to bring the triple/treble overhand knot, aka a French working end round and over the standing knot or needlework knot, which will give end and through once more but not over ten side rim bights. This is even trickier the initial overhand cross-over but to the to lay up and interestingly can give a zig- right-hand side or in front of the cross- zag effect! over point then through and ‘under’ and It is again interesting to note that hey presto, there it was. In effect it is very Ashley gives a ring knot at No. 1412 very simple to make. However to follow page 259 and suggests it is also known it round into two ply is another matter. as a gut knot and likens it to a water knot. It requires very careful placing of the Knot 1412 is nothing like a single strand working end as you follow round and Matthew Walker knot and really nothing take the end under and through all the like a ring knot, save it spirals around circular bights. It is annoyingly simple itself and is more like its siblings the to make a mistake. The knack is to barrel and blood knots. In my opinion a remember that the whole concept is based complete misnomer! on the principle of ‘over two, under two’ How on earth this Matthew Walker and then over three and under three and knot in its single strand format has eluded then over four and under four and there thousands of knottists over generations is you have it. I call it a ring knot, which is perplexing to say the least. a refreshing change from the usual Turk’s The nearest compatibles to this knot head binding knots and will I am sure are 1. the French needlework/seamstress compliment many a fancy crafted item knot (triple overhand knot). 2. Ashley of ropework. page 96 No. 577 and page 259 No. 1412. It can be finished as a two ply knot as There are many many knots that spiral well as a three ply knot and the two ply, and turn around any given circumference enhanced with a third coloured centre ply but non so handsome or appealing as the inlay in a blending or contrasting colour Matthew Walker in all its differing faces has a very pleasing effect. You cannot do and formats! this with the conventional multi-stranded Matthew Walker knots. (The single overhand Matthew Walker/ring knot gives four bights around the side rims and is suitable for circumferences up to about 20 - 25mm/one inch. For larger diameters you will need to start with a Quirky Quote blood knot, double overhand knot that ‘I asked him where he had it will give a seven-bight side rims). This is made, he said he made it himself, a little trickier to achieve though. Follow and when I asked him where he the same starting principles as for the got his tools said he made them single over-hand knot method but make himself and laughing added if I a blood knot of two twists and remember had staid [sic] for other people to when you go through for the second make my tools and things for me, time round, to go through a second time I had never made anything.’ again and carefully lay up the strand. (James Gleick, But not as you would lay up/in for a Isaac Newton, a Biography grommet strop/quoit’ (For an even larger - 2003) circumference you will need to use the july 2007 19

Owen K Nuttall plumb rule. The base of “The pyramids could not have the hole was about 100 been built without a guideline”. millimetres from the o me what helped plumb (vertical) and a bottom. The Tcivilisation to be plumb bob was used (Fig line was what it is today is the 1). attached at simple line band. At its This is a piece of the top of the most primitive just used wood a metre to one and plumb bob for tying together poles a half metres in length, (three slots to form a simple shelter 100 millimetres wide about 15 or today used in setting and 30 millimetres thick. millimetres out the most intricate The piece of wood was deep, the of buildings, roads and straight edged and the centre one such like. The pyramids same thickness all the exactly in could not have been way down. An inverted V the middle.) built without a guideline. was cut out of the bottom The line Walls were built from or a pear shaped hole was with a pear the corners to keep them cut in the bottom of the shaped weight 20 Knotting Matters july 2007 21

Fig. 2 pin and back up halfway and secured with a half hitch. The line is wound on using a figure of eight method, all the time twisting the pin while holding the line, while winding the line with a figure of eight. This prevents the line from kinking. After winding on about four metres of line, a few straight turns are attached was fixed until two pins attached to a taken around the pin and the weight was in the line. One pin was fixed at secured with a half hitch. centre of the cut out hole one end of the wall and If one of the pins drop and the line secured by the other at the opposite out, it only falls a short fixing the line in the two corner. The only change distance. other cuts at the top. A in thousands of years is line marking the centre of by the type of line and the plumb bob from top pin. Today’s line pins to bottom. The plumb bob are stainless steel, 150 was placed against the millimetres long with a corner stone, and when flat top 25 millimetres the line band was in line across, and a spear-like with the marked line, the finish from half its length. corner stone was truly The top section is seven vertical. to eight millimetres thick. The levelling was The line is wound on similar, but a triangular from one pin to the other configuration was used in one continuous length. (Fig 2). When the plumb Builders have two pairs, line was attached to the one for short intermediate top of the triangle and walls and one for long the point of the plumb exterior walls. The line weight was at the marked is now mostly three- centre of the base of the strand nylon (although triangle the stone wall some builders still prefer was level. Both these cotton line bands). The have been superseded by line is about one or two the spirit level which has millimetres thick and 25 only been in use from the kilo braking strength. 1930’s. One item, which The line is attached to the has not changed over the top of the pin with half- years, is the line band hitches or a clove hitch, that was used to keep the and wound down whiplike walls straight. This was (Fig 3) to the base of Fig. 3 a simple arrangement of the flattened part of the 20 Knotting Matters july 2007 21

The line is built up with the figure of eight method until half the required line needed. The same amount of line is pulled off the spool, cut off and the end secured to the second pin, therefore making a knot free line between the two pins. If a breakage occurs, the line is repaired Fig. 4 with a knot, usually a

‘butterflies sunning themselves.’

reef knot, sheet bend or granny. If the wall is of a short length the repaired line can be wound onto one pin leaving a knot free line, although I have seen lines with numerous knots which in the building trade is used. I use a locking hitch The use of building line referred to as a ‘washing (Fig 4). To tie the locking today is for setting out day line’ or ‘butterflies hitch, place the line new buildings regardless sunning themselves.’ The across your fingers, do of size and shape. After only knot that lies true is one full twist then place the corners have been a thumb knot with one the loop over the pin with built to a specific level, side of the knot presenting the back of your fingers the line pins are used to a perfectly straight line. facing the pin. I can’t say keep the walls plumb and The disadvantage is that I know any other builder level. Roads are laid out it is very bulky on the who uses this method for with kerbs using a line opposite side. With ‘Sods securing the line to the band. Joiners use them Law’ coming into play the pin. It is the only knot that for roof and studding bulky side prefers the wall does not work slack when walls, and the tiler uses side preventing a true line. tied correctly, especially a coloured line (which is I find the marling splice in new nylon line. The twanged to mark the roof better than any other knot only way this knot can be felt as a guide for the roof for repairing the line. To untied is by the use of a laths). secure the line to a pin, thumbnail and if you have Today no substitute has a half hitch, two half very little or no nails it is been found to replace the hitches or clove hitch is a struggle. good old line band. 22 Knotting Matters july 2007 23

Photo- Bruce Turley he Silver Jubilee The Workshops namely her intricate belt Tof the International The first couple of days making project). On Guild of Knot Tyers was were located at the stable the Tuesday, members aptly named Knot to be room of the Red Lion took the opportunity to Missed. The weeklong Hotel. The room was a talk, show and learn, an celebration that was held bit cramped and bereft of informal day by and for once again in Fareham, natural light (Liz Pawson the members. Hampshire, as was was hidden behind a Wednesday was filled the 20th anniversary screen in a back corner with formal workshops, was awash with lots of making great use of the the ‘Knotting Academy’. brilliant knot tying. one window that shed a Barry Brown gave net So, what was special little light on the subject, making classes, Jeff about this event? It must surely be the fact Nancy Simons (USA) & Barry Brown (UK) that so many people from so many different backgrounds and parts of the world can be united by one common aim - to tie knots! To those of us who were present in 2002, it was the reuniting of friendships formed then, for those who weren’t, it was the creation of new friendships. To find out what went on, read on! Photo- Christina Ruth 22 Knotting Matters july 2007 23

you can see for 23 miles “You’re here to from the top of the tower. enjoy yourselves, so A few brave souls even get out and enjoy took the walk of faith yourselves.” over the glass floor. The following day a Mikio Kogure visit had been arranged (Japan) Wyatt made covered to HMS Victory, the ball key fobs and Steve world’s oldest Judkins tried to make commissioned the pineapple knot warship easier. These were just and Lord some of the workshops Nelson’s available. There was no flagship lack of members willing at the to teach, or wanting to Battle of learn and absorb as much Trafalgar. as possible. There was Needless plenty of work to admire to say but due to lack of space there most members had not put was great up a full display. interest shown Photo- Christina Ruth The Visits among the knot Visits had been arranged tyers to the rigging and for those who wished to ropework of this old Lion to the spacious take a break from the knot vessel. tying. On Tuesday, some auditorium of Ferneham members went to the 170 Hall. The atmosphere was metre high Spinnaker Fareham Hall electric as the members Tower at Portsmouth. It On Thursday the venue set up their displays is said that on a clear day, moved from the Red and prepared to meet the public. Geoffrey Sheila Pearson, Roy Morris & Barry Brown (UK) at the Budworth was selling Spinnaker Tower yet another book, witty knot poetry called Knotty Potty by Jennifer Wren. Footrope Knots were open for business selling tools, materials and books on our favourite subject. Sheila Pearson was preparing to sell raffle tickets to anybody who stood still long enough. The displays were varied and colourful, as were the members. From Photo- Bruce Turley Photo- Bruce 24 Knotting Matters july 2007 25

as far away as Japan, Canada and the USA and closer to home with members from Germany and the Netherlands, just

Photo- Christina Ruth to name a few. A great representation of what we are all about, from narrow boat knots to amazingly beautiful and intricate tatting work and all aspects in between. A number of other der Ham Willeke van Photo - Jon Bond, Wessex Guild organisations with of Fly Dressers similar interests had been invited to take part. The Hampshire Bruce and Lynda Turley Guild of Spinners & were on duty to handle Weavers, the Ring of IGKT membership issues, Tatters, the Wessex Guild while other members of Fly Dressers and the of the Solent Branch appeared here, there and Doris Dunkinson, European Association of Ships in Bottles, all everywhere to ensure the Hampshire Guild of meeting ran smoothly. Spinners & Weavers showed their crafts. An administration Meanwhile, members desk had been set up to chatted about their deal with registration displays, or simply and local issues, manned showed or learned to tie The Mayor shares a joke knots, which was the with Robin Gray (UK) by the Solent Branch. reason why we were all there.

The Opening The Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Mrs Katrina Trott, accompanied by her Consort Mr Peter Trott, opened the show. She declared the event open by untying a ceremonial reef knot, witnessed by our President and Chairmen (the two Ken’s). They spent a considerable amount of time viewing the exhibits Photo- Bruce Turley Turley Photo- Bruce 24 Knotting Matters july 2007 25

(Scouts/Guides, Sea Cadets and others) had been contacted through the youth department of Fareham Borough Council. A Learning Centre had been set up in the main part of Ferneham Hall, manned by a rota of knot tyers to teach and demonstrate to any young people who desired to learn. A Knot Information

Photo - Colin Grundy post was available to try Elliot Simons (USA) & Jeff Wyatt (UK) and answer questions that anybody might have. and took time to talk to office in the Council as many knot tyers as building next door. Sadly, the host of possible. They showed Everyone remarked how young people we hoped considerable interest in cordial and friendly the might come to see and try, our craft. Local BBC meeting had been. It also failed to materialise. It reporters came to film gave our members chance was not through the lack the event, with Geoffrey to view the knot board of advertising, we had Budworth acting as our presented to a previous good coverage on local front man. The filming Mayor commemorating TV and press. The reason was shown all over the our 2K2 meeting in 2002. why will obviously be south of England. considered by the Guild Council. The following day, all Focus on Youth the overseas visitors were The theme of this meeting invited to the Mayor’s was ‘Focus on Youth’. A The Raffle As with most Guild Frank Brown (Australia) great deal of work had been done behind the meetings, a raffle is held scenes to attract younger to help defray the cost people to the exhibition of the meeting. This and encourage them time, as at 2K2, into a world of knotting a raffle was and ropework. held each day, Local youth with a Grand organisations Photo- Bruce Turley Photo- Bruce

Marilee Warner (Germany) and Bill Holt (UK) Photo- Bruce Turley Photo- Bruce 26 Knotting Matters july 2007 27

Sheila who wished to chat or just & Dave tie knots didn’t interrupt Pearson “too late, it’s gone” the sessions. (UK) Dan Machowski from South Carolina presented the first session, entitled Parallel Paths. Dan spoke of the Pregnall family from the south of England who travelled to Charlestown and set up a boat building business in the 19th Century, and his own family involvement with boat building. He went on to explain about the idea to recreate a traditional pilot schooner, the Spirit of South Carolina, reminiscent of Photo- Christina Ruth the Frances Elizabeth, Raffle being held on the everyone who dived deep a vessel originally built Saturday evening at the in their pockets to buy by the former Pregnall Knot Supper. tickets. shipyard. Dan explained There were so many the work involved in prizes donated by Guild building the ship that members and Marlow The Presentations was launched just prior Ropes, that each raffle Thursday was the day to our meeting. She draw took quite a long for presentations. These will provide sailing time. The Grand Raffle were held in the Meon opportunities for young held just a few special Suite adjoining the main people to experience the prizes. theatre, so those members sea while participating in Again, Sheila Pearson did splendid work selling raffle tickets assisted by Pauline Bentley. Who could resist two such charming young ladies? David Pearson (he of the broad Yorkshire voice) once again was Draw Master, ably assisted by Barry Brown (scrutinizer). Woe betides anyone who missed the number on its second calling - “too late, Photo - Willeke van der Ham it’s gone”. Thanks also to Lindsey Philpott - ‘Kids & Knots’ 26 Knotting Matters july 2007 27

many ropewalks grew an eye splice they had up around the country, created themselves. until recent times. He Lindsey Philpott gave a illustrated his talk with presentation entitled Kids old pictures of rope and Knots. Lindsey talked making, some about working with young going back people, and challenged to 1420, our perspective of who and we thought of as young some people. He explained the from PAB approach to working Frost’s with children, and the Ropes of London. importance of letting He explained about them touch and feel rope the boost to the industry and knot work. How to in the late 19th century Photo - Colin Grundy Steven Foy - Marlow Ropes with the invention of the register plate and the a variety of educational development of house and youth development machines, where rope programs. IGKT-NAB makers no longer has a vested interest in the had to rely on long Spirit of South Carolina ropewalks. in the form of a sponsored Steven Foy of Photo - Willeke van Willeke van Photo -

plank. Marlow Ropes gave der Ham Des Pawson followed a number of classes on with a talk about for the splicing of rope making. Not a braid-on-braid technical talk, but one put ropes. With together originally for hands on tuition, genealogists. Des took us members were through the early days of able to complete rope making and the way and take away

Jonny Ekdahl (Sweden) Photo - Colin Grundy

Ken Elliot and Meegan Tomms during a brief lull on the Registration desk 28 Knotting Matters july 2007 29

A sub-committee from around the world have for a number of months been working on a revision of Rule 2 of the Constitution. Gordon Perry explained the process behind this, and explained that they will also be looking at the objectives of the Guild. As it was not possible to vote on the change at this

Photo - Willeke van der Ham meeting, it was proposed The AGM that the October meeting would be convened as engage with them and us of the hard work an extraordinary general create interaction, and the she does keeping the meeting after giving importance of listening Guild’s finances on an members time to study the to them and how to use even keel. Lynda in her proposal. Robert Jackson knots to teach. report told the meeting proposed a vote of thanks that the income from to the sub-committee subscriptions were for their work, and also The AGM marginally up, and that to Dave Walker for his Ken Nelson (Council cancelling the contract recent work as Hon. Chairman) formally with the Charities Aid Secretary. opened the meeting. As Foundation (CAF) will The ballot was held for President, Ken Yalden save the IGKT around the election of Council spoke about the Guild and £1500 a year. members and post of the fact that, “since the Details of the next Secretary. The R.R.S. first meeting on two meetings were new Council Discovery announced, the now where 25 half-yearly meeting comprises members at Quarry Bank were Mill in Cheshire “It is because of present, (October 2007) and them that we we now are here”. the next AGM at have nearly Weald & Downland 25 branches all Museum, Sussex (May around the world”. Ken 2008). Turley Photo- Bruce reminded us what the week was about, “You’re here to enjoy yourselves, so get out and enjoy yourselves.” Ken Nelson (too many Kens about) introduced Lindsey our treasurer Lynda Philpott Turley, reminding (USA) 28 Knotting Matters july 2007 29

years service to the Guild, that the founder members be made Life Members. Those present were Des and Liz Pawson, Geoffrey Budworth and Don Woods. As usual at our meetings, two members gave a Portrait of a Knot Tyer. Elliot Simons (Massachusetts USA) is a cutlery collector, and was introduced to the Guild by a fellow collector. His knotting interests include Turk’s heads and mathematics of knot work. Paul Wright (Chester, UK), a Cub Scout leader was introduced to the IGKT by Dave Walker at a Scouting event. His main interest is Turk’s head knots. Questions from the floor were taken, while the ballot for Council membership was counted, and Ken Nelson rounded

Photo - Peter Bell off the meeting by Hats off to the ‘Two Kens’ thanking Bruce and Linda Turley for their hard work behind the scenes Ken Yalden - President Bruce Turley - Council Dave Walker - Hon. Member Don Woods Secretary Charlie Tyrrell - Council (UK) Linda Turley - Treasurer Member Andy Dart - Council Nicola Tyrrell - Council Member Member Bob Myall - Council Gordon Perry spoke of Member our founder members, “It Ken Nelson - Council is because of them that Member we are here”. It had been Lindsey Philpott - Council proposed at the Council Member meeting to mark their 25 Photo - Willeke van der Ham Willeke van Photo - 30 Knotting Matters

in sorting out the The talk flowed freely Sadly, all to soon it membership “No stringduring on the meal, came time to make our database. the table until and following farewells. What a great Finally, after the toast!” the toasts end to a great week - until Geoff came the the next time. Budworth and opportunity Des Pawson cut the to mingle with celebratory birthday cake, the other tables. donated by Gordon Perry After dinner and baked by his wife, entertainment was Patricia. provided by the Frayed Following a short break Knots, in the form of Ken after the AGM, everyone Nelson (accordion), Colin assembled at the front Grundy (mandolin and of Ferneham Hall for a guitar) and Dave Lambert

group photograph. (spoons). Photo- Christina Ruth

The Knot Supper Behind the organisation of any event of Some 80 members and this nature is a dedicated team of willing their partners sat down volunteers. Without the work of the Solent to the Knot Supper at the Branch, it would not have happened. Red Lion Hotel on the Saturday evening, as the finale to the Silver Jubilee celebrations. As those In the next issue - the knotting who have attended a knot exhibits. supper before will know well, “No string on the The Frayed Knots table until after the toast!” Photo- Bruce Turley Everyone was presented with a commemorative scroll, hand drawn by Lynn Brown (Tasmania). Much sought after by knot tyers, the scrolls depict a personal item of knotcraft and are signed by the members present. Each diner also took away a cord coaster made by Bill Meakin. july 2007 31 An Overview of Carabiner Hitches for Climbing And Rescue - Part 2 Rob Chisnall

© R. Chisnall, 2006. The material and illustrations contained herein have been used and will be used in other publications. Duplication by any means without express permission is forbidden.

Configuring the Münter Hitch: A Question of Security versus Strength What is the safest way carabiner is stronger to set up the Münter hitch if the loaded side is (Figure 4b; a.k.a. the positioned near the spine crossing hitch, U.I.A.A. of the carabiner.11 This hitch and sliding clove is certainly true of the hitch; en Française, clove hitch (Figures 1a c’est un Demi-Cabistan) and 1b), and I think this 4b - with the loaded side is where the rule about The Münter hitch (slant of the rope adjacent to keeping the brake side D-carabiner) the gate or opposite the near the gate originated gate? There seems to be for Münter hitch belay a preponderance of advice set-ups. That premise has toward the latter - with the been speciously applied braking side of the line because the clove hitch next to the gate - but there is an immobile hitch. are a few authorities with With the right equipment, the opposite view.11 It is it is possible to load a my opinion that setting up clove hitch until the rope a Münter hitch such that breaks, the knot slips or the braking side of the the carabiner fails. This line runs near the gate can is not the case with the be dangerous, and here is Münter hitch by itself. why. Its maximum holding On one hand, experts capacity is somewhere are claiming that the between 600 and 750

Warning! Unsafe climbing practices and improper vertical rope techniques can result in injury or death. 1b Clove hitch on a carabiner This article is no substitution for proper training, experience The right-hand side of the and common sense. rope bears the load. 32 Knotting Matters july 2007 33

pounds, depending on the belay is utilized in carabiner and the rope different configurations to utilized. That is to say, no catch long falls. matter how hard you hang The crux of this on, once the fall force argument hinges on the transmitted to the belay question of carabiner exceeds 750 pounds, the strength versus security. rope runs through the I have never heard of or belay until the kinetic read about a carabiner energy is dissipated by breaking while a Münter friction and heat. This is hitch belay was in use. well below the breaking strength of any carabiner. However, what happens 12 if you tie off the belay Münter mule with a blocking knot or This hitch is used to tie off a mule knot, which is an the belay during rescues. overhand slip loop with an overhand knot secured to the standing part of the rope (Figure 12)? (There is also a variation that includes the Prusik knot/ hitch, which is designed for partner rescue (Figure 13); and, as mentioned earlier, there is a method 14a Converting a Münter hitch of converting the Münter to a clove hitch - step 1 hitch to a clove hitch, as depicted in Figures 14a and 14b (Verdier, 1999).) The Münter 13 hitch is now immovable. Münter mule with a Prusik Some preliminary testing knot or hitch indicates that, whichever This variation of the way the hitch is facing, Münter mule is also used to perform partner once it is tied off and rescues because it can be loaded to failure its released while under load. efficiency or strength performance is consistent, as is that of the carabiners Admittedly, there is room employed. The load- for more testing because bearing bight of the I am not aware of any Münter hitch tends to drop tests having been centre itself over the pear- performed to investigate 14b shaped HMS carabiner the strength of carabiners Converting a Münter hitch during slow pulls. when the Münter hitch to a clove hitch - step 2 32 Knotting Matters july 2007 33

However, I have heard of carabiners unclipping (whether they were auto-locking or manually locking carabiners), and I have been able to easily recreate accidental unclipping many times. There was a common factor in all the situations involving accidental opening of the carabiner. The main cause of accidental opening was the braking side of the 15a 15c line running over the Münter hitch - braking Münter hitch - braking gate, spinning the sleeve side of rope over spine side on the right and unclipping the gate. This caused the hitch to unwrap itself and become ineffectual. Hence, carabiner security should be more of an issue than carabiner strength when it comes to the orientation of the Münter hitch. Just as you would when setting up a belay plate, position the braking side of the rope away from the gate (Figures 15a, 15b and 15c) so the rope is 15b 15d more likely to run over Münter hitch - braking Münter hitch the spine rather than the side of rope over spine Caution! The braking side sleeve and gate (Figure of the rope is running over 15d). (Note that the gate sleeve. braking side of the rope is on the right-hand side in Figure 15c, and this is the the sleeve and gate, and there is no such thing maximum friction braking a number of authorities as a perfectly safe knot, position.) agree with this keeping technique or piece of 11 Nevertheless, the brake near the spine. equipment. Everything positioning the braking It does not eliminate that can fail in some manner side of the rope away risk totally, and constant or another, and all from the gate only vigilance is required to climbers must be attuned minimizes the chances keep the rope away from to the weaknesses in their of ever compromising the gate. Remember, safety systems. 34 Knotting Matters july 2007 35

floating carabiner belay (Figure 19a; Chisnall, 1979, 1985). The proper braking position is shown in Figures 19c and 19d, while Figure 19e depicts the improper braking mode (the rope could jam in smaller carabiners).

16 Reverse the Münter hitch by flipping it perpendicular to the plane of the carabiner to prevent jamming.

Münter Hitch it was not clipped into a Variations and other fixed anchor - like a piton Carabiner Belays or bolt - rather than a cord or sling (as shown in When the Münter hitch Figures 18a and 18b). was first introduced at a 18a UIAA meeting during the One answer to The Saxon cross last century, there was these problems was a unravelling because it is combination of the two clipped into a sling than no such thing as an HMS can twist or large, pear-shaped belay systems, called the carabiner that would adequately accommodate an 11 mm. rope and allow the hitch to reverse without jamming. (Note: Figure 16 illustrates how to flip the Münter hitch back and forth perpendicular to the plane of the carabiner to prevent jamming.) Sometimes locking ovals were used to prevent jamming (Figure 17). There was also a short-lived belay technique called the 17 18b Saxon cross, which had Münter hitch on a locking The Saxon cross a tendency to unravel if oval carabiner completely unravelled 34 Knotting Matters july 2007 35

19b 19a The floating carabiner The Münter hitch setup versus 300 to 700 pounds, belay (left) compared to the which is still within the In this configuration, slack floating carabiner setup acceptable range for lead can be taken in or let out (right) belays4; Chisnall, 1985; easily. Filion, 1979) it operates The beauty of this system and reverses smoothly, the Münter. Nevertheless, is that only two regular there is no need to clip the it shares some down sides locking carabiners are floating carabiner because with its counterparts: the required. Although its it always returns to the hitch can twist the rope, holding capacity is lower anchor ‘biner no matter and the rope-on-rope than that of the Münter what the orientation of friction may result in rope hitch (its full range is the set-up is, and it is damage during the severe about 250 to 500 pounds frictionally versatile like loading and rope run-

19c 19d 19e Floating carabiner - proper Floating carabiner - proper Floating carabiner - braking mode braking mode improper braking mode The rope may jam. 36 Knotting Matters july 2007 37

20a Clipping the double Münter hitch 20b Add an extra wrap, fold Double Münter hitch the rope over on itself (HMS or pear-shaped and clip it in. carabiner)

21b 21a The monster Münter hitch Clipping the monster Münter hitch Method 1 (left): overlap a Münter hitch with a second variations to lower two- fold and wrap, then clip it in. person loads, but caution Method 2 (right): starting with a single Münter, wrap is advised under these one side of the rope around the other and clip it in, a shown. circumstances because the gear utilized is rated through associated with the double Münter hitch for one-person loads and long falls. However, it is (Figures 20a and 20b), manufacturers look rather a handy improvised belay the Monster Münter askance at their carabiners technique to know. (Figures 21a and 21b) and and ropes being In the past few decades, the Goulet Münter eight employed for two-person the need for additional (Figures 22a and 22b) applications. However, friction has given rise amongst others. Some extreme emergencies may to more complicated climbers and rescue teams warrant such use. versions of the Münter: have been using these The double Münter 36 Knotting Matters july 2007 37

22a 22b Clipping the Goulet eight Münter hitch The Goulet Eight Münter Add an extra twist before clipping. hitch was devised in the used, the Goulet eight is (Figure 23a and 23b). 1970’s (Chisnall, 1981; probably the easiest of the Although it requires Budworth, 1999), and it three to reverse, and the two carabiners, does not simply incorporates an Monster is probably the resemble the Münter, and extra wrap around the most awkward, having feeds rather grudgingly, it carabiner. The Goulet the highest rope-on-rope is worth mentioning here eight, which involves friction. because it uses no added an extra figure-eight- A lesser-know rope-on-rope friction to like twist in the hitch technique, which was produce a higher holding was invented by Michel devised in the 1970’s capacity. However, it Goulet (originally the (Chisnall, 1981), is the may load the carabiners co- owner of Multi-Trek crossed carabiner belay in bizarre ways, like the in Ottawa, now working for Petzl America) in the 1990’s, and I believe the Monster Münter, which has several variations, had its origins in Europe (Verdier, 1999) or in western Canada (ACMG). The latter combines a Münter on top of a Münter and probably offers the highest amount of friction, although I do not have any data to verify that claim at this 23a 23b time. Depending on Setting up the crossed The crossed carabiner the carabiner and rope carabiner belay belay 38 Knotting Matters july 2007 39

previously mentioned double carabiner brake (Figure 11). Conversely, the Precursor belay (Figure 24) offers very little friction and is so named because it is a stepping- stone to a locking carabiner hitch that will be mentioned in the next section. It can be converted into a version of the floating carabiner 11 24 belay (Figure 25a) and The double carabiner The Precursor belay this is an important detail rappel when considering the conversion of progress 25b capture components in The Precursor rescue haul systems for floating carabiner lowering (see Figure belay used for 25b). (Additionally, there lowering is a less-than-adequate The improvised method of belaying haul system has double ropes with the been detached Precursor belay (not during a rescue illustrated).) procedure. Hence, if extra friction and holding capacity are required, there are a

In all illustrations number of Münter Hitch presented, the braking options available. Once side of the line rests again, care must be taken nearest to the spine of the 25a to ensure the rope does carabiner for maximal The Precursor floating not run against the sleeves security. carabiner belay and unclip the carabiner. To be continued 38 Knotting Matters july 2007 39

Footnotes

4 Belaying - To catch a falling climber; belaying also entails holding the fallen climber and lowering him or her to safety if necessary. Lead climbers - those who climb up first, place their own safety anchors, and drag the rope behind them while being belayed from below - run the risk of falling a lot further than anyone climbing on top- rope, or with the rope snug above them. Therefore, catching a falling leader involves greater impact forces.

11 With regard to the Münter hitch and positioning the braking side of the rope, here is what a sample of publications propound: Bechdel & Ray, 1989, Page 217: Although it is not labelled as such, the illustration implies that the braking side of the line is next to the carabiner spine because that is the end of the rope, which is clearly visible in the drawing. Eggstein, 1981, Page 45: The Münter hitch, labelled the Karabinerbremsknoten, is depicted such that the braking hand (Brenshand) is shown gripping the rope closest to the gate. In fact the line is running directly over the sleeve. The working hand (Bedienungshand) is closest to the carabiner spine. Fasulo, 1996, Page 22: The Münter hitch is once again shown with the load-bearing side closest to the spine and the brake side next to the gate. Note that one drawing shows the brake side of the line running parallel to the gate sleeve. Quote: “Use a locking pear-style carabiner with the weighted segment of the knot toward the spine (opposite the gate) of the carabiner to preserve carabiner strength.” Graydon, 1992, Page 101, Figure 6-26: The braking side of the rope appears to be opposite the gate and, notably, running over the spine of the carabiner. Lipke, 1997, Page 21: It is implied that the braking side of the of the rope is adjacent to the spine of the carabiner because that segment of the line is drawn as a slack curve, as if it were unloaded. Long and Gaines, 1996, Page 22: The illustration is labelled specifically showing the loaded side of the rope next to the spine. Luebben, 1993, Page 27: Again, the Münter hitch is depicted with the braking side adjacent to the gate. Quote: “When belaying a leader with the Münter hitch make sure the load strand is next to the spine of the carabiner to get maximum strength from the carabiner. Raleigh, 1998, Page 50: A Münter hitch is depicted in use for lead belaying or rappelling. It is implied that the braking side of the line is next to and runs over the spine of the carabiner. However, the text contradicts this. Quote: “Finally, when you use the Münter hitch in belay mode, arrange it so the loaded side of the knot is against the carabiner’s spine. Reversing this set-up will cause the weaker side of the carabiner to be loaded.” DMM Carabiner Pamphlet: The pamphlet accompanying DMM carabiners indicates that belaying with the brake side adjacent to the carabiner spine is the correct method and the opposite configuration is dangerous. Lucky Carabiner Pamphlet: The pamphlet accompanying Lucky carabiners indicates the braking side should be next to the spine, whether belaying the leader or second. Petzl Catalogue (date unknown): Several illustrations in various Petzl catalogues suggest the braking side of the line should be against the spine, but others are not clear on this point. Rock and Ice: “How to Climb” - Special 9th Issue. Page 12 features and photographs of the Münter hitch with the braking side next to the gate. 40 Knotting Matters july 2007 41 How Ship’s Speed Became “Knots” Jerry Cronan

he ‘Logship’ or sand runs out, ‘stop’ is ‘Chiplog’ is a piece called out. The line is ofT wood in the shape of grabbed, the ‘peg’ comes a pie, the arc weighted so out, and the chiplog that the chiplog stands rides flat in the water to upright in the water, be reeled back in. The fitted with three lines, number of ‘knots’ and one line fitted with a ‘half-knots’ counted peg. The log line is 150 and logged. If the ship fathoms. The first 90 feet exceeds 5 knots the 14- is the ‘strayline’ so the second sand glass is used chiplog gets clear of the and the number of knots ship’s wake. A piece of is doubled. bunting marks the end Note: The division of of the strayline. Every 47 ‘knots’ (nautical miles) The land mile is feet 1.2 inches from the on the log line bear the measured without bunting, knots are placed same proportion to a reference to the size of to mark each mile or nautical mile as the 28 the earth. The nautical knot, from two knots up second glass does to an mile is the number of to the number the ship is hour. yards contained in the expected to go. Between 1 hour = 3600 seconds : circumference of the the knots is a single knot 28 seconds :: 1 Nautical earth at the equator, termed a half-knot. Mile = 2027 Yards divided by 21,600 (360° When the log is hove, ? = 20 x 2027 = 15.7 x 60) the number of and the strayline runs yards = 47.1 feet = minutes, in a circle, or out, as the bunting Division on line the sixtieth part of a crosses the rail, ‘turn’ is 3600 degree on the equator. called out. When the Nautical Mile = 2027 yards. (Condensed from a 1904 Royal Navy book on Seamanship.) The log is hove each hour and speed entered in the ship’s log. july 2007 41

Association National Festival at Hemingford Meadow, St. Ives, Branch Lines Cambridgeshire from Friday, 25th to (Bank East Anglian Branch business of the meeting Holiday) Monday, 27th over cups of tea and August, 2007 Stewart wenty members coffee provided as usual Weston, being a member and friends met at T by Barbara Watson (thank of both organisations, will Stowmarket on Saturday, you, Barbara) and then be there with his boat. 14th April, 2007. Ken Higgs entertained Unfortunately, the only Des and Liz Pawson and instructed us with others who might stir our brought their rope- “magic” string and rope stumps enough to attend making machine and we tricks. Then he showed are Ken Higgs and me. set a walk on the grass us two books from which Our next meeting outside the Education he had learned them, but will be at Stowmarket on Centre in the gloriously he had not looked at the Saturday, 15th September unseasonable sunshine. books while performing. 2007. The indefatigable Des supervised while Ken Higgs will talk to our youngest member Duncan Bolt us about weaving with Tim Lupton and most announced that all are sticks, and I will try to of the rest of us in turn welcome to attend his teach people how to cheat walked the twelve yarns 5th Summer Gathering with tying long Turk’s and held the three strands on 30th June, 2007, at heads with a single line. apart with the spacing his home Eaton Cottage, I have to cheat because I cone. We did this twice Thornham. am not clever enough to as Stewart Weston turned The meeting resolved tie more than a 5-lead, the handle to lay up the unanimously proposed 4-bight lashing out of my strands and then the two me to ask the secretary to head. lengths (about 3 metres write to all East Anglian each) of finished rope. Branch members to Tuffy Turner Many members had put extend the invitation to individual contributions them, with a request to let in or on the ropes, Duncan know by post or West Country which will be sent to on the telephone 01485 Knotters the Pacific Americas 512508 if they intend n a gloriously sunny Branch to celebrate the to go. Duncan and his OWednesday, 2nd May 25th anniversary of the friends will provide lunch 2007, at 10am, a dozen Guild. Des will send from 12 noon onwards. members of this branch the ropes to the overseas Please take a sample attended the retirement branches with lists of the of your recent work or ceremony held for IGKT individual contributors “work in progress”. member James N. Wolf, and photographs of the As requested by at the Royal Naval Air group of us holding the Dave Walker and the Station, Yeovilton, in finished ropes taken by Council, I asked for the rural English county Tony Lee. volunteers to represent of Somerset, where he We repaired indoors the Branch and the Guild had served as Chief and conducted the at the Inland Waterways Electronics Technician 42 Knotting Matters july 2007 43

(Surface Warfare) with Dave Pusill. latest publication. Vince the NATO Joint Electronic There followed Brennan posted a package Warfare Core Staff a pleasant informal of objet d’art from the (JEWCS, say ‘Jooks’). reception with US that required Frank to Together with family refreshments in the rapidly organise a cabinet and friends who had flown military Sports Club to properly display it in from the US of A, more nearby. Jim and Cindy and provide adequate than 50 civilian guests Wolf have been welcome security. Two other gathered for the occasion. visitors to Guild activities cabinets of Frank and His father James Wolf while posted to the UK. Dave’s work were like a is also a Guild member. So it was fitting that we Chevy and a Ford parked Military personnel wore could be present to mark beside a Rolls Royce, dress blue (with ribbons) the culmination of their but did give the viewers or - as the venue is a time here before they a good idea of our craft. NATO base - their own return to America, where Mathematician and author national equivalent. Many, they will - we trust - still Roger Miles made an including ‘Chief’ Jim keep in touch as part appearance and offered to Wolf, were impressively of the IGKT extended do some demonstrations be-medalled as well as be- family. of symmetrical bends, but ribboned. West Country Stringer the fairly noisy and often Formal proceedings crowded venue was not lasted 45 minutes, with really suitable for such national anthems and Australian an esoteric subject, to flags, religious evocation (Temporary?) the regret of the group. and prayer, addresses by As a result of the above, Chapter the Guild was well senior officers, audio- he result of inviting visual effects, and the represented by people and Tall Australian product. presentation of numerous members to the Australian well-earned citations Wooden Boat Festival The IGKT group was to mark Jim’s 20 years in February 07 was a located in a tent alongside service in the US Navy, gathering of three at this other craft and trade folk and gifts (one of which, in fun event. Madeleine shaping oars, carving accordance with tradition, Rowles and David name boards, lofting was a folded ‘Old Glory’ Glasson joined Frank plans and sculpting a stars-&-stripes flag). His Brown up in Hobart and figurehead. Visitors had wife Cindy, as a retiring proceeded to amuse and an awful lot to look at. US Navy wife, deservedly amaze an appreciative Madeleine demonstrated received her own citation. audience of boat the decorative arts of Apt mementoes enthusiasts, hobbyists, covering polystyrene from the West Country yachties and tourists. balls to make key floats Knotters included a The master mat- and building small bell turned bowl of English maker, Russ Hammond, ropes. Dave wielded a elm by branch chairman unfortunately was unable large Swedish fid like Vernon Hughes, suitably to attend as planned but a toothpick, crowning inscribed in pyrography sent samples of his work. great lengths of heavy- on its base, and a neat Willeke van der Ham duty strands into sizeable knot display board from sent some copies of her fenders. Frank ran the 42 Knotting Matters july 2007 43

Six-Knot Challenge, Smith out in the yard, good time at this event. and all three answered testing bends with a block Our last outing to the unending questions and tackle to see which date was to the Bronte about various aspects of was the weakest. This Vintage Gathering, which knotting and the Guild. was a test without a real is a very large event for Frank’s wife, Lynn, conclusion except that vintage vehicles. It may ensured everybody was one should keep out of the seem a strange place to fed and watered, helped way when the rope breaks have a knotting display with sales and guided and the block flies! This but one of our members poor bewildered tourists was another enjoyable day Tom Jowett is on the who got lost in the and from the distances organizing committee. crowd round the stand. that people are travelling The weather was not in Sales were slow but it proves the desirability our favour and it was steady for the smaller of branch meetings. debatable whether we items. Donations for would be able to drive out participating in the Six- Sue Morris from the of the field, however they Knot Challenge, with North West Branch had did have tractors (vintage) the proceeds going to the a stall at the Marsden standing by for anybody local Maritime Museum, Cuckoo Day Celebration that got stuck. We had a were readily forthcoming. (They built a wall to keep different team out on each The certificates issued the cuckoo in and the day and it was good to to each contender were good weather that comes meet with other members usually an object of pride. with it, they built the and learn some different The next AWBF wall one course of bricks aspects of knotting. is in 2009, and it is too low and the cuckoo So far this year the suggested that members, escaped “so they tell us”). branch has been very and Australian ones in So we took our mini rope- active and we hope to particular, start thinking walk along to give the continue in the same vein. young people something about getting involved. It David Pearson was a lot of fun. to make. This was a small Frank Brown. event and we enjoyed our day out. Skipton Midlands Branch Waterways Festival was his year’s round of our next outing and West Yorkshire meetings started in we had nine members T February at our usual Branch manning the stall. We venue of The Old Swan ur Branch meeting in had a lot of interest from (Ma Pardoe’s). The sub- March had a theme boaters and the general O ject was an 18-face sphere of “Knots, Bends & public and with such a covering that was origi- Hitches” so it was a case wide spread of knotting nated by Luc Proveour of of back to basics again. interest we had a very the French branch. Colin It is very interesting to busy day. Only three of Grundy had been shown have Tim Field explain the nine members were this by Luc at last years his system of knot from the West Yorkshire half-yearly Guild meet- classification and he did branch, we are desperate ing and passed it on to this very comprehensively for more active members. the members present. All for us. We followed this Please note and get in succeeded in completing with a session by Graham touch. We always have a 44 Knotting Matters july 2007 45

the knot despite a couple intricacies of this knot Netherton are welcome of stalled attempts. to some half a dozen at our meetings that are At the April meeting, the members. usually held on the second subject for the meeting All Guild members Monday of every second was the star knot. Bruce who live anywhere near month. Turley demonstrated the (or far) to Ma Pardoe’s in From our Midlands Stringer

Pacific Americas Branch! o you know who the Officers of your Board of Directors are? Do you know who Dthe other Board Members are? Their postal address? Their email address? Their phone number? Well, I know, and I will share that information with you. President: Board Member & KN Editor: Lindsey Philpott Joseph Schmidbauer 3646 Gaviota Avenue 1805 Kingsford Drive Long Beach, CA 90807-4306 Corona, CA 92880-7311 U. S. A. U. S. A. phone: 1.562.595.8854 phone: 1.951.737.4948 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Board Member: Roy Chapman Librarian: P. O. Box 203 Jose Hernandez-Juviel Marblemount, WA 98267-0203 1056 W 12Th Street U. S. A. San Pedro, CA 90731-3904 Board Member: U. S. A. Patrick Ducey phone: 1.310.833.4575 19502 14Th Avenue email: [email protected] Shoreline, WA 98115-1112 email: [email protected] U. S. A. phone: 1.206.363.5122 Secretary/Treasurer: email: [email protected] Jimmy R Williams email: [email protected] 15521 Cerise Avenue Board Member: Gardena, CA 90249-4417 Brian Kidd U. S. A. 640 N Fife Street phone: 1.310.679.6864 Tacoma, WA 98406-7224 email: [email protected] U. S. A. email: [email protected] phone: 1.253.970.8463 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] If you have an email address that we are not aware of, or, if your email address has recently changed, please send a message to me, [email protected], including your name so that I can update our records. Jimmy R Williams - Secretary/Treasurer Pacific Americas Branch of the International Guild of Knot Tyers july 2007 45 The rings pictured Satish Patki replies - immediately reminded me am glad you have rightly Postbag of the jug sling (ABOK I identified the knot as a #1142) also shown in jug sling. The views expressed in reader’s countless other books, letter do not necessarily reflect those In fact, I had sent the of the Council. The Editor reserves and upon tying the jug article to the Knotting the right to shorten any letter as sling and comparing Matters almost a year necessary. the structure I noted ago and forgotten about that it was identical to it. Subsequently I had the loosely tied knot in identified the knot as the bottom photo of the a bottle knot as given Pawitrak Rings article minus the bight on page 136 of the book atish Patki may that would form part entitled Practical Knots Slike to note that the of the carrying loop, so & Ropework by Percy W. knot he illustrates in his my question is; does Blandford, first edition, article Pawitrak Rings the jug sling owe it’s third printing. I was just (KM94) is, I believe, existence to a symbol of a little lazy to convey the well-known jug or Hindu mythology or visa my finding toKnotting jar sling, illustrated in versa, or did these two Matters. The only ABOK as #1142 and seemingly identical knot difference is that for a #2554. Although Ashley structures come about jug sling only one string described it as a practical independently by happy is used and the carving knot for conveniently coincidence? is done with two strings carrying a load, it is also If possible it would be placed side by side. an attractive lanyard nice to see the back of the The two golden rings knot and naturally lends ring, to see if the ends of photographed, belong itself to decorative and the knot are continuous to a priest who had symbolic uses such as the around the loop? performed the marriage Pawitrak Ring. Barry Brown ceremony of my son. Dick Clements West Drayton, Middlesex, Subsequently I purchased Bristol, UK UK a silver Pawitrak ring to study the pattern of the carving. I will be sending ith reference the a photograph of the Warticle “Pawitrak underside of the silver Rings”, by Satish Patki in ring to Knotting Matters KM, issue 94, page 43. I really enjoyed this article as it made me think about the re-invention, re-discovery or happy coincidence of knots, how they first came about and who came up with the idea of using a particular knot for a particular purpose. 46 Knotting Matters july 2007 47

that will show how the May I suggest that the Crow’s Foot Loops two ends of the left side best way to catch knotters egarding the crow’s string and the two ends young is to respectfully Rfoot loops on page of the right side string are take three pieces of advice 36, KM93 - this same fused together under a from One who knows His type of ropework used to flower design. creation well: be fairly common in ranch Satish Patki 1 - Offend not the little country of the American Sahakarnagar Pune, India ones - be they little in west. It is becoming more ability, or little in age. rare to see it nowadays, I 2 - Choose the foolish and don’t recall it ever having weak things to confound an official name, but it the mighty and wise. was usually referred to as The Rabbit and the 3 - When a child, have a ‘splice’ in a general sort childish things, but when of way. Tree a man, put childish things The copy is from a write to support Ken away - until you find a page of an old book, IHiggs wholeheartedly. child to share them with, Restraint of Animals by As a new member, and that is. Leahy & Barrow, 1953, strictly unreliably part- Glenys Chew that shows one of several time amateur knotter, I Bury, Lancashire, UK uses I’ve seen it put to. can only remember three Last year I bought two things about knots from young donkeys from a my childhood: bows and very old fellow, and they laces; reef knots (used in came with this type of virtually every need for halter. over 30 years); and “the Hooey rabbit and the tree”. Colorado, USA I couldn’t remember what to do with the rabbit and the tree, nor why it might ever be useful, but it was a knot I’d once (and only once) been shown. It’s only since I took up knotting that I began to realise I might be able to “see” knots in the way Ken suggests. Recently I was talking to a lady of my age about knots. She, too, remem- bered having once been shown a knot that went round and round, up and down. “Rabbit and tree?” I suggested.” “Yes,” she agreed. 46 Knotting Matters july 2007 47

Figure eight bend is here and we should Materials made from go green to reduce our plants are good for the musing myself this carbon footprint! environment. Plants help Aevening trying the our climate to survive. various knots in KM Natural resources such as So come on IGKT, issue No.94 and found a fossil fuels are dwindling let’s do our bit for the small error with the figure and prices are rising. environment and promote eight bend. In figure 4 Perhaps it is now time that natural fibres! the working end is shown the Guild took a part in being passed UNDER the the green revolution? Stan Fromunder loop of the righthand cord Harborough Parva, For some decades now Warwickshire, UK but in figure 5 it has been we have had the luxury of passed OVER - which is using synthetic ropes and correct. cords, all derived from Don Lewry oil. As knot tyers we have Over or Under? Newhaven, East Sussex, UK had to learn new ways hat s the difference of tying knots to get the W(strength, security, best performance from ease of tying, etc.) these products. We have regarding a hitch when been able to create very the line is thrown ‘over’ decorative pieces of knot a spar - working end The ‘Green’ Guild? work in a multitude of behind the spar - or when ell, we’ve been colours and at the same the working end s placed Wwarned about it time turning our backs on ‘behind’ the spar and over for some years now and the traditional materials towards the finish? people are finally taking that have been in use A J Sendziol notice - global warming for thousands of years. Berwyn, Illinois, USA 48 Knotting Matters

Midlands Branch Knotting Diary 13th August 2007 The Old Swan (Ma Pardoe’s), Halesowen Road, Netherton Contact: Bruce Turley Tel: (0044) 0121 453 4124 GUILD MEETINGS Email: [email protected] Pacific Americas 10th Anniversary 4th - 8th July 2007 Netherlands San Pedro, California Last Saturday of each month Contact: Lindsey Philpott De Hoop, Nr Rotterdam Maritime Tel: (001) 310 749 3541 Museum, Rotterdam Email: [email protected] Contact: Jan Hoefnagel Tel: (0031) 078 614 6002 Half-Yearly Meeting 13th-14th October 2007 Pacific Americas Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire 2nd Tuesday of each month Contact: Dave Walker Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Tel: (0044) 01244 682117 San Pedro, California Email: [email protected] Contact: Jimmy R Williams Tel: (001) (310) 679 6864 AGM & Meeting 2008 Email: [email protected] 10th - 11th May 2008 Weald & Downland Museum Solent Branch Singleton, Sussex 14th August 2007 Contact: Charlie Tyrrell Travellers Rest Inn, Newtown, Tel: (0044) 01798 344258 Nr Wickham, Hants Contact: Gordon Perry Tel: (0044) 0239 2592808 Email: [email protected]

BRANCH MEETINGS Sussex Branch Alaskan 3rd September 2007 Every Wednesday evening 6.30-8.00 Sussex Yacht Club Anchorage Senior Center Contact: Charlie Tyrrell 1300 East 19th Avenue, Anchorage Tel: (0044) 01798 344258 Contact: Mike Livingstone Tel: (001) 907 929 7888

East Anglian Branch EVENTS 15th September 2007 East Anglia Museum of East Anglian Life, 5th Summer Gathering Stowmarket, Suffolk 30th June 2007 Contact: John Halifax Eaton Cottage, High St, Tel: (0044) 01502 519123 Thornham, Norfolk Email: Contact: Duncan Bolt [email protected] Tel: (0044) 01485 512508 48 Knotting Matters

West Yorkshire West Country 30th June 2007 3rd - 5th August 2007 Stainforth Canal Festival Discworld Jamboree Stainforth, Yorkshire Wincanton, Somerset Contact: David Pearson Geoffrey Budworth will be hosting a Tel: (0044) 0113 257 2689 Knot Tying demonstration at this three day event which is based upon Terry Pratchett’s Discworld with an additional South West Scouting theme. 29th June - 1st July 2007 Saul Canal Festival Saul, Gloucestershire Contact: Ken Nelson To place your Branch Meeting Tel: (0044) 07836 722198 or Knotting Event in KM, please Email: [email protected] send to the editor by post or email. Ensure you allow sufficient time for inclusion.

Photo - Willeke van der Ham