ISSUE 68 SEPTEMBER 2000 ISSN 0959-2881 Guild Supplies Price List 2000

Item Price

Knot Charts Full Set of 100 charts £10.00 Individual Charts £0.20

Rubber Stamp IGKT - Member, with logo £4.00 (excludes stamp pad)

Guild Tye Long, dark blue polyester, with motif £8.95 Long, dark blue tie with Guild Logo in gold £8.95

Badges - all with Gold Logo Blazer Badge £1.00 Enamel brooch £2.00 Windscreen Sticker £1.00

Certificate of Membership £2.50 parchment scroll signed by President and Hon sec for mounting and hanging

Cheques payable to IGKT, or simply send your credit card details PS Dont forget to allow for Postage Supplies Secretary:- Bruce Turley 19 Windmill Avenue, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9SP email [email protected] Telephone: 0121 453 4124 Knotting Matters

Talking at Weston Newsletter of the International Guild of IN THIS ISSUE Knot Tyers Letter from a President 4 Issue No. 68 AGM - T.S. Weston 6 President: Brian Field Tools for Tying 10 Secretary: Nigel Harding Of Pointing, Grafting, Editor: Colin Grundy Website: www.igkt.craft.org Cockscombing and Cat-o-nine Tails 13 Submission dates for articles KM 69 07 OCT 2000 Knotmaster Series 14 KM 70 07 JAN 2001 Knotty Limericks Wanted 16 Millenium Knots 16 The IGKT is a UK Registered Charity No. 802153 On the History of the Boa Knot 20 Except as otherwise indicated, copyright in Knotting Matters is reserved to the Historical Netmaking 22 International Guild of Knot Tyers IGKT 2000. Copyright of members articles Knot Gallery 23 published in Knotting Matters is reserved to the authors and permission to reprint The Parsimony Principle 28 should be sought from the author and editor. All sources of quotations printed Cruciform Turks Heads 33 in Knotting Matters are acknowledged. Nine Bite Mat 37

Cover design by Stuart Grainger Books Galore 38 Notes from the Secretary's Blotter y domestic problems are maintain its accuracy, the rate of change continuing to distract me from of addresses defeats me. Should you find M my secretarial duties, my an address that does not work, Tony apologies to those who my have Doran, our Webmaster keeps the n10st experienced delays in obtaining any sort recent information on file, and will do his of response from me. Whilst still on the best to help you out with a specific Secretarial front, I can report that there enquiry. I would ask that members using has been significant interest in taking on email adhere to the usual protocols and this role as my successor, and the list of etiquette. applicants has now risen to zero, which is As knowledge of the existence of the just one short of what we need. Guild is spreading, we are beginning to Quickly moving on, I was please to be requested to attend numerous functions meet so many of you down in Weston around the country. There are in fact far Super Mare for the AGM, and I am n10re events than there are knot tyers. looking forward to the autumn meeting however it would be a help to me ifI could in The Netherlands. Due to problems create a list of potential speakers/ experienced with obtaining the Guilds presenters. This may sound a little Accounts in time for the AGM, the daunting if you have not 'performed' Autumn meeting has been declared an before, but it can prove to be a pleasant 'Extraordinary Meeting, in order to give way of spending an evening, or weekend. the membership present the authority to There is not normally any question of a approve the accounts, a copy ofwhich you fee, but organisations such as the Women's will find enclosed with this copy of KM., Institute usually offer to pay for your together with the Treasurers Report. petrol, and offer you a cup oftea in one of Also included with this KM you their bone china teacups. It should be said should find the latest edition of the that a vast knowledge is not required, just Membership Handbook. This lists around the confidence to talk about or 1100 names and address, and is produced den10nstrate a specific aspect. Even from my records. If you notice any errors I can teach and demonstrate simple please let me know, and I will do my best Turks heads, i.e. woggles for scouts and to put it right in the next edition. The list cubs. of email addresses continues to expand, The response for the 'Occasional and keeping this up to date is a nightmare. Journal' has been better than expected and Whilst every effort has been made to as a result the deadline for articles has

2 been extended. More details will no doubt stopped using them for fear of this be forthcoming. happening, then they would cease to exist The question ofsubscription levels has overnight. been raised, with the suggestion that in A practical suggestion would be for some parts of the world, £ 16 is a lot of several members in the same area to get nl0ney. The Council has debated this and together, and sendjust one payment to me. has concluded, as did our founder This could be in credit card form, a members, that there should be a common cheque, in UK pounds, drawn on a UK membership fee. It is simply too branch of your own bank. Alternatively, complicated to devise a system that allows ifyou are prepared to risk it, (and it is legal for differing levels in different countries. for you to do so), I can accept bank notes Who decides what the levels should be, in lTK pounds. and on what basis. Should hyperinflation As the sun is now shining outside my be taken into account, the relative strength office window, indicating that sunlmer is of the pound etc? At the end of the day, it now finally arrived, and hence by costs approximately £ 16 per member to definition, is now over, and that the coffee run the IGKT and provide all the is ready, I shall rip these notes off the membership services. This does not just blotter, and go and put my feet up - thus include four editions ofKM, there is a cost making it easier for Sylvia to vacuum of the Guild simply existing, and our around me. finances are not designed to operate at a Nigel Harding profit but with only sufficient surplus to pay the bills and be in a position to book venues for meetings in advance and replace equipment as required. I It is appreciated that there is a cost of OBITUARY currency exchange, but from experience this is best deal with using credit cards. I appreciate that there are security aspects PETER HORNSHAW of sending numbers over the Internet, but this can be overcome by sending the It is with great regret that we have nurnber in two instalments (make sure you learned of the death of Guild let me know which is which) alternatively, menlber Peter Hornshaw. the ordinary mail system can be used. If Peter, who lived in Viersen, you are concerned about unscrupulous use Germany, passed away during ofyour number, this is a genuine concern, June this year. I am sure the but is possible with ofany use ofthe card, members of the Guild would like anywhere, anytime. My own card was to pass on their condolences to 'cloned' earlier this year, and £4300 was stolen/spent in just two days in south Peter's family. London just after Christmas. If everyone

3 Letter from a President ince my last letter life has been a Following the visit to Los Angeles I little hectic. I am now recovered was invited down to Texas as the personal S from my New Years operation but guest of Wayne and Kay Lewis at La am finding the subsequent chemotherapy Vemia for a much-needed rest. The Texas leaves me lacking some stan1ina. My group arranged for a branch meeting to thanks for all the cards, get well messages be held at Wayne 's house and the meeting and e-n1ails that brightened up my and attendant barbecue were a great convalescence. success. Following the meeting we took On becoming President I promised to a three hundred and sixty mile round trip visit as many groups as possible during to the Texas Maritime Museum at my three years in office. Events led to the Rockport on the Gulfcoast in furtherance cancellation of all but one of the of Wayne's efforts to establish links invitations I had received but I am now between the Museum and the Texas IGKT. fit enough to attend any group willing to These visits made me far more aware invite me. of the problems facing n1embers in the Thanks to the outstanding generosity USA and many other countries. Texas has of the Pacific America Branch I was able about seventeen n1en1bers in an area the to attend the PABINAB meeting at the San size of France. Local group meetings Pedro Maritime Museum, California. which are so much a feature of the The three day meeting was held out doors knotting scene in the UK, and which do on the museum lawns in the much needed so n1uch to engender enthusiasm and raise shade of a series of open sided marquees standards are much more difficult to and was attended by members from as far arrange when n1embers may be involved afield as Texas, Alaska, and South in a round trip ofup to, or over, a thousand Carolina. The work displayed showed a miles. MerrJbers in isolation rely on K.M. wealth of talent that was equal to almost and, where available, the Web, to keep in any thing I have seen in the UK and touch with knots and knotters. In a country attracted many of the museum visitors where local calls are free, surfing the web, who wandered over to look and ask chat rooms and e-mails are widespread, questions. My thanks again to the and to some extent fulfil some of the PAB for sponsoring me and to Tom and functions of group meetings, allowing Irene Gergen with whom I stayed members to swap ideas, con1pare work, and whose hospitality was without and avoid the feeling ofisolation from the bounds. rest ofthe knotting world. Dan Callahan's

4 web site (more than fifty pages of members and those abroad. However, Knotboards alone), has probably attracted even in the USA only 50% of households more members to the Guild than any other own E-mail linked computers (25% in the single activity in the USA. Incidentally, UK) so for many, KM, surface mail and our own web site run by Tony Doran the telephone will continue to be the main attracted much favourable comment from means of communication and their needs US members. must not be overlooked. When the cost of local calls in the UK drops to that in the USA, I would expect Brian Field a similar level of activity to develop (address in handbook, enabling closer links between British e-mail: [email protected])

Brian demonstrating the amazing disappearing knot trick at T.S. Weston AGM - 1.8. Weston Photographs by Bill Hubbard, Ken Nelson and Colin Grundy

nce again the knot tying fraternity talking and showing off their work. were heading off for the West At II am, the Chairman Ken Yalden OCountry for the 18th Annual brought the meeting to order to commence General meeting and weekend ofknotting. the business part ofthe day. Denis "Spud" This year we were in the familiar territory Murphy welcomed everyone to TS. of T S. Weston, the headquarters of the Weston and dealt with the domestic Sea Cadets of Weston-Super-Mare. arrangements. This was followed by a Friday evening saw the gathering of small speech by the President, Brian Field. those hardy soles who would be staying Bran's instant recipe for friendship was for the duration, some to stay overnight to "take a bunch of knotters and stir in a at TS. Weston, others who partook of the generous amount of ". Brian also hospitality of this seaside town. As on welcomed members from New Zealand, previous occasions, the opportunity was America, the Netherlands, France and taken by the Cadets to sharpen up their Ireland. knot tying or learn new skills at the hands Secretary. Nigel Harding gave his ofGuild members. After this session, most report, where he told the meeting that members adjourned to the wardroom for membership was now almost 1100, with a well-earned drink and chance to swap overseas members now outnumbering yams. Saturday dawned bright and clear. Following a hearty breakfast, it was now time to greet other members as they arrived for the days events. Outside, Charley Smith was busily creating four-strand shroud laid rope on his portable ropewalk. Inside, Bruce and Lynda Turley were manning the Guild Supplies stand, while other members were

6 Willeke van der Ham signing in Frank Harris and Jan Hoefnagel those in the UK. There are around 350 Lynda Turley explained about the members in the USA alone. The IGKT is problems with the accounts being now truly international. Nigel also unavailable, and gave an overview of the explained that the accounts for 1999/2000 state of the Guild funds. Ken thanked her are not available due to a delay by Mount on behalf of the Guild for all her hard Browne (the venue for the October 1999 work. meeting) in sending the bi 11. The next The date of the next general meeting General meeting therefore would be was confirmed as 14th October 2000, and declared a special general meeting to Willeke van der Ham gave details of the accept the accounts. venue, which will be in the town of Brian Field presented a gift to Lonnie Beverwijk in the Netherlands. Boggs on behalf of the Guild for all the The election ofCouncil members saw hard work he and His wife Margaret had Lynda Turley, Tony Doran and CoJin put in to editing Knotting Matters. Lonnie Grundy being returned for a further three replied that he had enjoyed his time as years ofoffice. Next year, Charley Smith, editor, but felt that after five years it was David Walker and Nigel are due to stand time for a change and a chance to do other down. Nigel pointed out that it was time things. the Guild found a new secretary and he

7 who now lives in New Zealand. In 1941, Rod had a neighbour who went off to sea training school at Sharpness. On his return, he showed an eleven year old Rod how to splice. In 1947, Rod went to the same sea training school and eventually to sea for nine ears, where he continued to learn about knots. Rod found out about the Guild from Charles Thomason who lives in Australia. Charles was featured in an Australian magazine. Rod prefers practical knot tying and splicing, but also makes bell , mats and dog leads. In addition to knotting, Rod also collects British and Commonwealth Army badges, works a Dick Chisholm wood lathe and has an interest in pottery and antiques. He also has a 1/3rd acre of gave notice that he would not be standing land to look after (a very busy man). agam. Within Any Other Business, David The main part of the business meeting Walker suggested a register of members over, it was time for Profile ofa Knot Tyer who would be willing to display, Janet where Ken Yalden get two members to Flack challenged the meeting to tie the answer three questions. How I became Blair's Shoulder Knot and Willeke van der interested in knot tying; how I found out Ham spoke about the problems that about the Guild and what interests other members in New Zealand have renewing than knot tying do I have? First up was their subscriptions. Michael Blake, who first became Following the excellent buffet interested in knotting as a Cub then a provided by the staff ofTS Weston, there Scout. He continued his interest in knots was a number of speakers. Dick Chisholm when working backstage with amateur from New Hampshire, talked about the dramatics, and then he became involved structure of life support knots and in in Guiding. Michael found out about the particular analysed the . Willeke Guild from Geoffrey Budworth's The spoke ofher visit to New Zealand that she Knot Book. He then met members of the undertook immediately following the Surrey Branch at Broadstone Warren meeting in October last year. Richard Scout campsite, who convinced him to Hopkins gave a talk and practical join the Guild. Michael's main interests demonstration of making bowstrings for are practical knots. His other interests longbows. include woodworking and the natural The evening meal was a splendid world. affair, excellently prepared by the staffof Next up was Rod Orrah an ex pat Brit. T. S. Weston. The cadets did an excellent

8 job ofwaiting on tables; they were a credit to their officers and instructors. Following the meal, those who stayed broke into small groups and continued they're knotting or adjourned to the wardroom. Festivities went on until well into the night. The following morning, it was time to pack up the displays and clear the room out. Whilst some had to depart early, it was clear that there were those members who still wished to linger on, hoping the weekend of knotting would never come to an end. All in all, it was another splendid time with many new things learned, acquaintances renewed and spirits refreshed. Well done to "Spud" Murphy and the crew ofT. S. Weston.

Below - Jeff Wyatt explains the Above - Fred Carrington intricacies of a knot

9 Tools for Tying By Frank Brown

am a constant admirer ofthose highly tools, including prickers, forceps, , skilled people who indulge in "Fancy spikes, pliers, as per advice of Ashley I Knotting", producing their gems of et ai, and have been constantly on the alert rope work. Having limited manual skills, for anything that could make the work I do not even try to construct anything easier. The result of this quest has been more complicated than basic Turk's heads the acquisition ofthree tools used in other and Knob Knots. Even with these simple crafts, the Rug Hook (or Latch Hook), jobs, I was always having trouble the Tatting Bobbin and the Fly-Tying threading line through, over, under the Bobbin. intricacies of the construction. I have The first is used by poking the business collected and made a range of standard end through the knot under construction, hooking on to the welded or whipped end and dragging it back through. This technique usually works but often needs a lot of wriggling, backtracking and the occasional invocation of naughty words. The end has a tendency to snag, the weld may split, or the whipping may slide off. I have used a small version of this tool to splice 2mm bricklayer's twine. Not a commonly required task, but a good example ofthe tool's capabilities. The tool has an advantage over the crotchet hook due to the hinged pin (latch) that covers the point of the hook when drawing the tool back through the knot. The two bobbins are terrific for whipping line or cord of any size. They keep the whipping thread secure and untangled, and one can let the device swing free without it totally unwinding. Rug Needles and Tatting Bobbins were obtained from a handicraft store and Rug Hooks the Fly-Tying Bobbin naturally from the

10 The first is to use heat shrink plastic tubing obtained from the local electrical gadget store. The staff tend to look at you strangely as you stand there try to poke bits of string down the tubing to determine what size is needed, but are usually happy to take your money. I use about 50 to 60 mm of tubing and apply heat with the wife's hair dryer. She also looks at you strangely, but is probably used to your funny little Tatting Bobbins ways. The result is an end sports fisherman's shop. All up costs were of suitable rigidity for poking through a about $A20. passage in the knot opened with a or My alternate hobby of leatherwork spike. The tubing is not exactly cheap but involves a deal of work with flat lace. Two it makes the task so much easier. lacing needles are available for this work, The second solution was to make a the Flat Needle and the Live Eye. I seem needle from Aluminium tubing ofthe right to remember reading an article that dimensions. This tubing was obtained described the use of the Live Eye with from a modeler's shop and cost about $A2 nylon cord. The end ofthe cord was heated for 300mm. The needle is made from a in a flame, rapidly moulded to a point and 50 to 70mm length of the tubing, with a inserted and screwed into the threaded hole in the Fly Tying Bobbin end of the needle. I have had absolutely no success with this technique. Either I am too ham fisted, too slow, or misread the article. The concept of using a needle to negotiate the ins and outs of tricky knots was obvious and I have developed two solutions.

II thread cut in one end using a wood screw. one technique is to use the heat shrink There is probably less than 5mm of thread tubing to provide a suitable surface for cut, and I try not to expand the end by threading. Another possibility, not yet driving the screw in too hard. The pointed tried, is to treat the end with some glue, end may be made either by Oattening allow drying and then screwing it in. and filing or by gently cold forging to So far I have only been playing with close up the tube and filing a rounded the one size of needle and line. It seems point. To use the needle with artificial that one would need a range of needles to fibre type line, the end is melted carefully cope with differing line sizes. Multiple to produce a small knob. Provided this layers of heat shrink tubing may be the knob is not too big, the end can be way to effect adequate connection. introduced into the threaded end and It has been suggested that one could screwed in to provide a reasonably firm "super glue" the end of a line to a sawn connection. Obviously if the knob is off knitting needle as a method of too small it will not make a good achieving the desired effect. I am a bit connection and the cord will pull out at hesitant with that idea as I have a recurring the first gentle tug. vision ofbeing well and truly "stuck" into To use the needles with natural fibres, the work.

Line Needles and Heat Shrink Tube

12 VON HUNDEPINTS, SCHWEINSRUCKEN UND NEUNSCHWANZIGER KATZE VAN HONDENPUNTEN, HANENKAMMEN EN DE-KAT-MET-NEGENSTAARTEN Deutsches Sielhafen Museum, Alte Pastori, Pumphusen 3, 26409 Wittmund - Carolinensiel Germany, until 7th November 2000 open 10 until 6. Tel/Fax 04464 456/8433 Karl Bareuther of Gliicksberg, Germany Last year he managed to convince the is one of the best practitioners of sailors Museum in Warnemiinde to put on an decorative I know, his chest exhibition based on his collection of beckets are probably the best I have ever sailors' ropework and ropeworking tools. seen, and he makes very fine blackjacks, This has lead to an expanded exhibition cat-o-nine tails and bellropes. He also has at the Deutsches Seilhafen Museum in a most enviable collection of old sailors' Carolinensiel, which runs until the 7th ropework and ropeworking tools. November. Carolinensiel is on the North

13 Sea coast [Friesland coast1of Germany not far from Willianlshaven. Later Knotmaster the exhibition will be moving on to Papenburg on the river Ems and then Series to Veendanl in the Netherlands. Later on the exhibition will be seen No.6 in Flensburg and Bremerhaven [Deutsches Shiffahrtsmuseum]. To go with the exhibition Karl Bareuther and the Museum director have "Knotting ventured, put together a fine well illustrated little catalogue. This has 48 pages, written in knotting gained. H German and Dutch with all the 47 or so illustrations In your own language! There Midshipman's Hitch are photos ofmany interesting old and rare tools, examples of both new and old This is one of those s-I-i-d-e &- GRIP ropework, mainly printed in sepia, but some, for example a very fine old ditty knots. The loop can be readily bag, are in colour. There are illustrations adjusted to the required size by of some of the basic knots, splices, grasping the knot and shifting it along pointing, grafting, cockscombing and the standing part of the line; but, serving, to give the public a taster ofwhat when loaded, adog's leg deformation can be done. The museum also has put created in the standing part of the line together an excellent little kit for children, nothing like starting them young. enables it to hold fast. This exhibition and catalogue is Use it whenever periodic alteration in bringing before the public the art and craft length of a line is essential in guy­ and skill that so many of us care for. It lines or mooring lines, as well as for has raised the position of the much­ any improvisation in craft studio or neglected world of sailors' ropework. garage. Well done Karl. Des Pawson Form an (one in which the working end lies on top) and then For those of you \,;1,'ho cannot get to take aturn through it with the end (fig. the exhibition, Des and Liz PaH'son, 1). Jam asecond tightly between Footrope Knots, 501 Wherstead Road, the original one and the upper leg of Ips\';vich, IP2 8LL can supply a copy of the loop ("fig. 2) and finish off with a the cataloguefor £6 at the Guild meetings or posted £7 in the UK, £8 for the rest half-hitch (fig. 3). For a temporary of the 'rt'orld, payment in sterling on a job, consider a draw-loop (not UK bank please [or £ or $ notes] illustrated). Tighten the knot (fig. 4).

14 4

Midshipman's hitch

15 KNOTTY MILLENIUM LIMERICKS KNOTs WANTED

Cs the sort of poem we have all heard, ony Fisher first made the proposal read and recited. The English artist in KM 57, that to signal the start I and humorist Edward Lear popularized T of the new millenium, every the limerick in his Book ofNonsense (1846) member of the Guild should tie a Turks but this curious form of verse emerged from Head knot. This suggestion was taken up the South West of Ireland as early as 1800, and by the Guild to herald the start ofthe Knot by 1907 had become quite a craze - with Year 2K2, the run up to the Guild's competitions and lavish prizes (in one instance twentieth birthday. a freehold house, a horse and trap, and £2 a Whilst the suggestion was changed to year for life). Poets and writers as notable as allow each knot tyer the choice of knot, Dante Gariel Rossetti, Arnold Bennett and Millenium survival packs were sent out Rudyard Kipling all had a go at the limerick. to all Guild members. In these packs were Now K.M. readers are invited to submit for incl uded a postcard to return to Ken publication their own limericks on knots. Yalden, giving brief details of the knots rope work or closely allied subjects. These tied. Details included who, where limericks must consist of five lines which (including lat. and long.), what and time. rhyme a a b b a. The more ingenious the To date nearly 180 cards have been rhyming, the better. Contrary to the practice received, showing a splendid effort by of older limericks, the last line should NOT members ofthe Guild to celebrate the start merely be a weak repetition of the first one, of the new millenium in our own special but should - if possible - be the strongest of way. Whilst space does not permit all the the whole verse. The following specimen details to be included in Knotting Matters, obeys these guidelines: the will be included in this There was a Guild member from Kent and the next issue of KM. Whose knolling was truly well-meant; But his hitches proved slippery, And quite un-shape-shippery, While his joining knots all came unbent. Now it is your turn. Enable us to celebrate and augment two centuries of limericks with an abundance of knot-inspired whimsy and amusing nonsense, which the editor hopes he may be able to publish a few at a time in future issues of Knotting Matters.

16 NAME PLACE COUNTRY KNOT TIED Wright, Gerry NWT Canada 3l x48 Ide, Rodger Sutton Coldfield England II x 5B Peron, Olivier Cadenet France Schmidbauer, Joe Corona, California USA Bellrope Doyle, James l Salem, Mass USA 4l x 3B Doyle, James l for Reg Wlite 3l x4B Wilson, Mike Alexandria, Virginia USA 4l x 3B Chisholm, Dick Rumney, New Hampshire USA Key ring Dyer, Anne Craven Arms, Shropshire England pendants & tassels Flannagan, Pat Athens, Georgia USA 4l x 3B Brown, Frank lindisfarne, Tasmania Australia Mini bell rope Callahan, Dan Anchorage, Alaska USA Nortje, Ken Harare Zimbabwe 4l x 3B Chardon, T Orleans USA Ocean Mat Walsh, Brian Ipswich, Suffolk England 3L x 4B Walsh, Brian Ipswich, Suffolk England 4l x 38 lee, Arthur Clair Fort Collins, Colorado USA 4l x 3B Rempe, Don Mercer Island, Washington USA 4l x 3B Mclaren, Raymond & Kate Moonbi, NSW Australia 4l x 3B Skynner, Peter Blackham, ESussex England Granny White, Reg E Aberystwyth Wales 4l x38 Palmborg, Marianne Beguia, St Vincent WI love Knots Ford, Jade San Francisco, California USA Knife lanyard Smith, Barry Geelong, Victoria Australia 4l x 3B Higgins, Rob Dallas, Texas USA 4l x 3B Grundy, Colin Bickenhill Fire Station England Chair knot Neville, Gary Griffith, NSW Australia Tenkai rope trick Findlay, Glad Guildford, Surrey England love Knots Delmotte, Christophe Fleurus Belgium 4L x 3B Gerry, Bill Victoria, British Columbia Canada 4L x 3B NAME PLACE COUNTRY KNOT TIED Kohanzo, Keith Northbrook, Illinois USA 3L x 5B Ling Kay Kah Hong Kong Hong Kong 4L x 3B Weller, James Farnborough, Hants England 4L x 38 Kitchiner, Nick Amsterdam Holland 4l x 3B Norman, Ann Bampton, Oxfordshire. England 4l x 38 round a Millenium candle holder Slijkerman, Theo Niikerk Holland Crown Sinnet . Ashley 2917 Boro, Thor Sogne Norway 4l x 3B Walker, Ran Denton, Texas USA 4L x 38 Hodgson, ML Rotterdam Holland 4L x 3B Sexton, Richard P Fort Worth, Texas USA Bend - Ashley 1452. [Joyle, James l Salem, Mass USA 4L x 38 Alien, Garwood Baker City, Oregon USA Double knife lanyard· Ashley 788 Stask, Chris M Sidney, British Columbia Canada 4L x 3B Reed, Tom Sandbridge, Virginia USA 4L x 3B Nuttall,Owen Huddersfield, WYorkshire England 4L x 38 Deheneauw, Henri 81ankenberge Belgium 4l x 38 Yalden, Ken Horndean, Hampshire England Single strand 8 plait grommet Bellamy, Don Fareham, Hampshire England Icicle hitch Turner, Tuffy 8attisford, Suffolk England 78 x 13 Ldoubled (on a large bottle) Crago, Peter Missoula, Montana USA Scott, Harold Brixworth, Northants England 4L x 38 Blake, Polenth Hastings, ESussex England Monkey's Fist (tied in edible strawberry laces) Wouters, R Schoten Belgium Star Knot Hughes, Vemon Warminster, Somerset England 3l x 58 Goldstone, Peter Woking, Surrey England 'unauthodox' Turkshead (Spanish ring knot) Perry, Colin Cowes, Isle of Wight England 4l x 3B Udall, FG Birmingham England 4l x 38 Kvickland, Rolf Karlsberg Sweden 4l x 38 Sassu, Giovanni Marco Cagliari Italy 4L x 38 Nash, Richard J 8arnstaple, Devon England Jensen's rosette NAME PLACE COUNTRY KNOT TIED Chisholm, Dick Rumney, New Hampshire USA Theodore Knot Heapy, John A Glasgow Scotland Ashley 3834 Lahdenpera, Jouni Mariehamn Finland 4L x 38 Ault, Eddie Hayling Island, Hampshire England 4L x38 round achampagne(!) cor~ Fruis-Christensen, Jorgen Tonder Denmark 5L x48 Smith, Terry Dartford, Kent -- England 4L x 38 Pearson, D Leeds England (love, peace & unity) Pearson, S Leeds England A 8elllto ring in the Millenium) Hawkshaw, Mke Holme Moss Transmitting Station nr Huddersfield England 3L x 4B Long, RDn Runcorn, Cheshire England 4L x 3B Tingle, C8 St ockton-on-Tees England 4L x 3B Noble, Bill Southport, N Carolina USA 4L x 3B Hooper, D0 Colchester, Essex England 4L x 3B Lanham, Sam Frederisckburg, Texas USA 4L x 3B Schwalm, Jurgen Waltrop Germany 6L x 58 Judkins, Steve Portsmouth, Hampshire England Gaucho of three passes Stankiewicl, John Weirton, West Virginia USA Bowline with half double fisherman (grapevinel safety Smith, Pamela C Wheaton Aston, Stafford England 3L x 4B Smith, SMaurice Wheaton Aston, Stafford England 3L x48 Jones, Nick Stourbridge England 4L x 38 Nelson, Ken Weedon, Northants England 4L x 3B Little. Bill Sheringham, Norfolk England 4L x 3B Huntington, RA Wells next the Sea England 4L x38 made as 8 cummerbund using I" dia warping Jones, AE Stroud, Gl08 England 4L x 38 Hopkins, Richard Keynsham, Bristol England 4L x38 Steggles, John Bransgore. Hants England 4L x38 Burt, Victor Essex, Connecticut USA 4L x 38 McPartlan, Maurice Deptford England 4L x 38 Maidrnent, Edward Trowbridge, Wilts England 4L x 38 Pawson, Des & Liz Ipswich, Suffolk England On the History of the Boa Knot

By Heinz Prohaska

tarting climbing in the early situations that don't allow you to sixties, I'm concerned with loose much time. Moreover, sewn Sknot problems for more than slings have no knot. Many years ago, 30 years. The first solution of a in the eighties, I had the idea to problem is seldom the best one. As a shorten the sling in a way shown in a rule a number of alternatives has to book on sailor's knots [1] (fig.2). be developed and studied. Sometimes The length of tIle sling can easily be quite a big number. Within the scope adjusted. Maximal extension of the of such activities, I tested over 1000 shortened sling leads to the knots. Knots published in . KNOTTING MATTERS by The method works well, but the members of the guild and claimed, sling can only be shortened half of supposed or hoped to be new don't its length. Therefore I tried a doubling always be new for me. One of these (fig.3). Maximal extension of the knots is the boa knot. shortened sling led to a double Knowing the danger of abseiling constrictor knot, named boa knot on a single piton, climbers try to use today. Tests showed that the double two. The question is how to connect shortened sling could have a tendency the rope with the pitons. To use two to slip and get longer in synthetic slings for that, one in every piton, is ropes and slings. A use for abseil often recommended (fig. 1). For equal anchors couldn't be recommended. loads on both pitons the angles I sometimes using the constrictor between the rope and the slings must knot in climbing/mountaineering, but also be equal. If the angles are I had no use for the boa knot till now. different, one ofthe slings is too long and has to be shortened. But untying References of climber's knots can be difficult, [1] Lund, Kaj: Bandsel, Leinen, and abseiling is a technique for Trossen. Bielefeld 1975, p.I73

20 Fig. 2

Fig. 3

21 able to add comment, and was sure that Historical they would enjoy seeing the picture. Pictures of the Old Masters often Netmaking provides detail on contemporary activities, such as building techniques, By Richard Hopkins seen in the many depictions of the Tower This picture was spotted in the “Art of Babel, as just one example. The history Source Book” compiled by Nick Rowling and development of woodworking tools in 1987. ISBN 0948872950 I noticed it rely heavily on scenes of Jesus and as a small illustration in the corner of a Joseph the carpenter. page. Geoffrey Budworth noticed that the BAL28599 Men with nets, by Gaston artist has shown both right- and left-hand Phebus laid rope. I found the other details about Livre de la Chasse, (begun 1387) rope and net making also of interest, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France/ wondered if any other members might be Bridgeman Art Library.

22 Knot Gallery

Above - Naval Watchkeeping Telescope Made by Ken Yalden

Below - Turks Head Bracelets 6L x 19B in 2mm Cotton 5L x 17B in 3mm Cotton Made by George Haycraft

23 24 Knot Jewellery, Pendants and Tie Tacks by Dan Callahan Pendants - “wee lighthouse knots” all components 6 strand [Pink] star knot (doubled) [Blue] Star Knot Mathew Walker (the beginning of) Manrope knot Crown Crown sennit 7 lead footrope knot 7 lead footrope knot Tie Tacks - star knots Material 1.4mm venetian blind cord

Left - Macramé bag (one side of) by Joe Schmidbauer Dimensions 305 x 178mm - Material 2mm brown parachute cord Knots various square knot, half knot twist and work

25 Cordage kayaker by Jill Jenner (UK) who is an IGKT founder-member Rear view of Jill Jenner’s kayaker (note the realistic muscle definition of neck and back)

Right - Fenders by Yngve Edell, Sweden The four strand rope is 32mm diameter, the long fender 800mm x 150mm dia. the round pudding fender 500mm dia.

26 27 The Parsimony Principle ATentative Hypothesis by Cy Canuta

Knotting is based upon specific limitations and constraints, leading to the recurrence of common knot-tying manoeuvres and knotted configurations, which collectivelyjustify the description parsimonious.

arsimony in human affairs is heraldic badges and Celtic knot designs defined as: unusual or excessive are incapable of holding their designed P frugality, especially with regard to forms in real cordage. Then again, money~ extreme economy~ meanness~ deliberate entanglements (like those stinginess. In nature, too, there exists a shown in Fig. 1) may be simplified just parsimonious streak whereby, once a by shaking them~ and the manipulations solution to some physical, chemical or that were necessary to create them in the biological hurdle has evolved - such as first place can, when analysed, be reduced the skeleton, hormones, vocal to just three discrete actions - the classic communication, et cetera - that same Reidemeisterl I] moves. solution appears again and again in all The bowline and share a kinds of disparate species. similar layout and this fact encouraged In knotting too - it seems - parsimony Harry AsherIGKTI2l to devise other loop exists. The process of tucking either over knots from bends, and vice versa (Fig. 2). or under (with no other option) combines He also described how, by simply with the simple forms of and loop swapping a working end for a standing to create ubiquitous knotted forms and end, different knots could be achieved textures. The unwanted knots that without altering the basic arrangement. In commonly tie themselves in tangled this way a can be transformed garden hoses and electric leads (the into a . overhand, figure ofeight, pretzel and slip Desmond MandevilleIGKTl3] mapped knots) are evidence of this limited power routes by which bends could be altered, of invention, while the most imaginative one tuck at a time, to yield a series of and pleasing nlacrame designs are nlerely related knots~ and he observed that bends artful combinations ofreefor square knots close together (in terms of tucks) could and clove hitches. have extremely different characters - the Some apparently complex knots reliable sheet bend was only one tuck resolve thenlselves into sinlpler ones, or away from the unbalanced thief knot vanish altogether. For instance, a few which (like Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr.

28 1-1 1·2

1·3 1·4

Fig.1 From complex to simple

29 2 ·1

Fig.2

Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) existed in two fonus, Of the 85 possible neck-tie knots one stable, the other very unstable. described by Thomas Fink and Yong George Russell Shaw[4] had earlier Mao[51, only four are in widespread use considered 20 possible layouts of the (and an analysis of their aesthetic criteria classic carrick and reef patterns tied in revealed just nine further possible two cords, from which he could make candidates for adoption). only eight viable knots or bends, and It is not overly fanciful to imagine a these were linked by a series of tucks kind ofnatural selection which imposes a (Fig. 3). Indeed, the number of species-specific fitness upon some knots experimental knots that prove to be and so ensures they are preferred to others. both useful and good-looking generally Pursuing this neo-Darwinian analogy, it seems to be a small fraction of the total. is possible to state:

30 The Shaw Series Fig.3

3·1 3·2

3·3 3·4

3·5 3·6

3·7 3·8

31 * there are more than enough order that it might, after further knots; consideration by others, be disproved. * they compete for niches in the knotting repertoire; References * individual knot viability varies [I J Reidemeister, Kurt, Knotentheorie over time (depending upon (Berlin, 1932) usage, as well as changing [2J Asher, Harry, A New System of cordage materials and Knotting (IGKT, 1986) construction); [3J Mandeville, Desmond, Knotting * knot tyers select those they prefer Matters, Issue Nos. 4, 10, 18, 19,23, and so determine the 'fitness' of 24, 25, 27, 29 and 34 (IGKT, 1983­ those knots to prevail over the 1991) remainder. [41 Shaw, George Russell, Knots ­ Useful & Ornamental (New York, This evolutionary process has already 1933) been discussed by Pieter van der [5] Fink, Thomas and Mao, Yong, The G"riendIGKTl6J as 'Survival ofthe Simplest'. 85 Ways to Tie a Tie (London, 1999) Those who seek the holy grail of a [61 Griend, Pieter van der, Knots and comprehensive knotting taxonomy Rope Problems (Netherlands, 1992) (classification) are, I suggest, tacitly [7] Tait, Peter Guthrie, On Knots - I, II acknowledging the possibility of a & Ill, Scientific Papers - Vol. I parsimony principle as they strive to (London, 1877-1885) inlpose order upon a fairly haphazard conglomeration of knots, bends, hitches and the rest; for where they discover ROPE ENDS regular and predictable patterns, it may be Untangle this one! argued, parsimony must exist. From the arbitrary knot groupings employed by Knot: an intertwining, looping, writers ofknotting books, and the helpful bending, hitching, folding, gathering cryptic algorithms of numerous Turk's together or tangling of one or more head practitioners, to the abstruse parts of a pliant relatively slender formulae of the knot theorists, the length of something in such a way as foundation underpinning these various to produce a tying together, fastening, architectural styles seems to be a binding, or connecting of the length parsimonious one. on, to, or with itself, another length, In attempting to pin down one aspect or some other thing. of what that pioneer of knot theory Peter Guthrie Taitl71 called 'beknottedness' with Webster's Third New International an apt expression - the Parsimony Dictionary Principle - this hypothesis is proposed (as Tony Doran all worthwhile hypotheses must be) in

32 Cruciform Turks Heads By Harold Scott

t is not every knot tyer who wants to bisects the horizontal even number tie Cruciform Turks Head knots with Turks Head, so that each horizontal arm, Ia single strand. One should have the has the same number of leads; and option oftying CTH's with more than one that there is a difference of one lead strand, and by using coloured cords between two arms of the perpendicular enhance the beauty of the knot. Turks Head. I have purposefully The three tables have been tabulated mentioned the crutches of CTH, for in full to give the knot tyer this choice. I found that if one uses certain sets Each table is the square of the number of of parameters from the tables provided, bights that it represents. The shape at the to tie a CTH with an open crutch, four crutches of a CTH can take two a different number of strands is forms. One shape being hexagonal, which required. I refer to as an "open" crutch. The other For example, parameters shape gives two pentagonal; I refer to this X23L and 25L pentagonal shape as a "crossed" crutch. Y24L The parameters of all three tables have from table "C" each set takes five strands been tabulated with the strand run crossing to tie. Tied with an "open" crutch, it takes at the crutch and in a form that I call a seven strands. Some further examples are basic form. Two other forms being a CTH underlined in the extra table for ten bight Crucifix and Irregular form. open crutch C.T.H. There are other Basic fornl simply means that the examples in the six and eight bight tables, perpendicular, odd number Turks Head, which I have not recorded.

TABLE "A" 6 BIGHT LEA DS Y\X 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 12 5 5 3 5 5 3 5 L 14 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 E 16 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 A 18 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 D 20 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 22 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 24 5 5 3 5 5 3 5

33 TABLE "B" 8 BIGHT LEA 0 S Y\X 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 12 5 5 1 1 3 3 1 1 5 14 3 7 7 3 3 5 5 3 3 L 16 3 3 7 7 3 3 5 5 3 E 18 5 3 3 5 5 3 3 5 5 A 20 3 3 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 o 22 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 S 24 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 26 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 28 5 5 1 1 3 3 1 1 5

More anomalies arise when the "Law multiples of two, or by moving the ofthe Common Divisor" is applied; again horizontal arms in an upward direction. using the ten-bight table for example. An irregular C.T.H. has one horizontal There is a lack of conformity where the arm with fewer leads than the other does. parameters for a C.T.H. are divisible by Example from six bight table "A" ­ five. Only the Y30L row appears to X19L x Y22L each horizontal arm having conform. I have included and circled these eleven leads. Reduce one arm by six leads, X and Y combinations in the extra table. increase its opposite number by six leads, One can well understand the knot tyer i.e. ratio 5: 17. This keeps the six-bight being confused and even discouraged by C.T.H. tyable single-stranded. these apparent contradictions. No doubt a The combination for tying irregular Guild mathematician can supply the C.T.H's are too numerous to record. answers, but please in layman's language. I have proven the correctness of the It is unnecessary to extend the tables tables, by tying, but not in cord. All ad infiniturn to find the number of strands combinations ofX, Y, lead using six, eight it takes to tie a much larger Cruciform and ten bight formers. Turks Head. All one needs are a soft eraser, and a Example: X143Lx 10B=267Lx20B soft pencil. See illustration, mark off the Y124Lx lOB bights on each arm and follow the strand Simply reduce the X, Y leads by run; multiples ofthe number of bights, i.e. 20. 1 - 24 to complete Read off the result in table "C" which is X17L x 6B = 31L x 12B X23L x lOB Y14L x 6B Y24L x lOB single strand C.T.H. When complete, just The larger C.T.H. takes five strands to erase ready for proving more Cruciform tie. Turks Heads. The centres of kitchen foil A C.T.H. Crucifix is formed by and Cling-film are ideal for making increasing the leads of the lower leg by formers.

34 TABLE "e" 10 BIGHT LEA 0 S Y\X 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 16 7 7 3 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 7 18 1 9 9 1 1 1 5 5 1 1 1 20 3 3 9 9 3 3 3 7 7 3 3 L 22 1 1 1 7 7 1 1 1 5 5 1 E 24 5 3 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 5 5 A 26 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 o 28 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 5 3 S 30 5 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 5 32 3 5 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 34 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 36 7 7 3 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 7

TABLE "0" 10 BIGHT OPEN CRUTCH EAD 23 25 27

L E A D 5

5

35 "A"

36 Remove Needle and add further strands as required

Mat 9 bite

37 BOOKS GALORE

ABOOK BY ANY OTHER 6. The Hamlyn Book of Fishing NAME ... Knots, a hardback book, published Since a few of my knot books have (1999) by Hamlyn, an imprint of reappeared with their names and covers Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, changed, I have been contacted by several ISBN 0-600-59840-3: Guild members and asked which is which, 7. The Hamlyn Book of Sailing so that they do not mistakenly buy one Knots, a hardback book, to be they already have. So here is what published (2000) by Hamlyn, an currently is what. There are eight original inlprint of Octopus Publishing editions, namely: Group Ltd, 1. The Knot Book, a paperback book, ISBN (pending); published (1983) by Elliott Right 8. The Book of Popular Knots, a Way Books Ltd, hardback book, to be published ISBN 0-7160-0704-5; (2000) by Thalamus Publishing 2. Knots & Crime, a paperback book, Ltd., published (1985) by the Police ISBN (pending). Review Publishing Co. Ltd, ISBN 085164-017-6; The reprints, revisions, foreign 3. The Hamlyn Book of Knots, a translations and other spin-offs of which hardback book, published (1997) by I am aware are as follows: Hamlyn, an inlprint of Reed 1. Reprinted (1989, 1991 and 1995): International Books Ltd, revised UK format (1997), ISBN 0-600-5919-8; ISBN 0-7160-2084-X; 4. The Hamlyn Book of Knots ­ also available in Dutch Ornamental & Useful, a hardback (Het Knopenboek) and -I am book, published (1998) by Hamlyn, told - German. an imprint of Reed Consumer Books 2. Out of print for perhaps 10 years ­ Ltd, ISBN 0-600-59527-7; but anyone requiring such a 5. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of manual should now look out for Knots & Ropework, a glossy The Forensic Analysis of Knots hardback book, published (1999) by & Ligatures by Robert ChisnalL Lorenz Books, an imprint ofAnness B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. (a past­ Publishing Ltd, President of the IGKT), to be ISBN 1-85967-911-0; published soon by Lightning

38 Powder Company Inc. of (by Five Mile Press). Oregon, USA. 6. Unknown. 3. UK paperback edition (2000), 7. None at time of publication. ISBN 0-600-60113-7; US 8. None at time of publication. paperback edition by Lyons & Burford of New York titled Please do not blame me for any The Complete Book of Knots, misleading title. For instance, The ISBN 1-55821-632-4; Complete Book of Knots is (with only German paperback edition about 80 knots) far from complete; (1998) titled Knoten, similarly The Ultimate Encyclopedia of ISBN 3-8290-0322-6; Knots & Ropework, featuring about 200 Norwegian hardback edition knots, is neither 'the ultimate' nor is it (1998) titled Knoper og Stikk, actually an encyclopedia. The publlshers ISBN 82-516-1675-1; (bless them) dream up these names, often Swedish hardback and paperback contrary to the author's advice and editions (1998) titled Kaiken guidance. maailman Solmut, Geoffrey Budworth ISBN 951-0-22549-5. 4. US paperback edition (1998) by The Lyons Press titled BOOK REVIEW The Complete Book of HEMP MASTERS: Ancient Hippie Decorative Knots, Secrets for Knotting Hip Hemp Jewelry ISBN 1-55821-791-6. by Max Lunger. Publisher - Eagle's View 5. Smaller UK format, soft-cover Publishing Co, 6756 North Fork Road, edition (1999) titled Liberty, UT 84310, US. The Complete Guide to Knots ISBN: 0-943604-57-5 and Knot Tying, This book introduces the reader to ISBN 0-7548-0422-4; hemp jewellery, which is an advance on in addition, the larger original the friendship bands. A short history of work has been re-issued (2000) hemp is given although the writer does by Southwater, an Imprint of not differentiate between the drug and Anness Publishing, as two fibre species of the plant. The text is slimmer individual books titled: written in a light hearted way giving many Simple Knots & Basic Ropework, helpful tips supported by clear diagrams ISBN 1-84215-066-9 and photographs accompanied by step by and Tough & Versatile Knots, step instructions for making 22 projects ISBN 1-84215-066-9, from the basic to the more complex. Wrist for distribution in the USA bands, anklets and necklaces are shown (by Ottenheimer Publishing), with inclusions of beads and buttons, Australia (by Sandstone together with three dream catchers. New Publishing) and New Zealand names have been given to knots known

39 by a more general name and the number of knots included are basic, but a good variety ofstarting and finishing techniques Branch are described. Although this book is about hemp, I am sure that linen thread would produce Lines a very similar effect. An interesting book suitable for all Midlands Branch members of the family who like to tie knots. The Midlands branch has had two Edna Gibson very busy weekends alongside one another. On Sunday 25 June. Bruce. Nick. CREATIVE ROPECRAFT Brian and Bill Newey went along to I feel that I should let you and l.G.K.T. Kinver for our branch meeting. Our Members generally know that my project for the day was to make a original knotting book, "Creative ropeladder for the use at Kinver Scout Ropecraff', first published in 1975, has Can1psite. Maurice kindly provided been republished in a revised and slightly therungs, with the rest of us tackled the enlarged Fourth Edition in August, process of producing the ladder. We ISBN 0-7136-5377-9. finished up with a 12-foot rope ladder. Fun The new edition, in paperback, costing was had by all once we got into a £7.99 retail and the publisher is Adlard routine of who was doing what and Coles Nautical, a Bloomsbury Publishing when. imprint of 35, Bedford Row, LONDON Our next encounter was the weekend WCl R 4JH, www.adlardcoles.co.uk of 1 and 2 of July, again there was Bruce, Their agent in the D.S.A. is Sheridan Maurice and Bill Newey and we were House, 145 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry, there to provide a drop in base for the New York 10522, [email protected] Millennium Pathfinder Kinver Camp. Our My own stock of the hardback 3rd purpose was to show the scouts how to I edition has been exhausted, but believe tie knots in general. We were that the Guild's Supplies Secretary still has demonstrating Turks Head woggles, a few signed copies and Des Pawson of Lanyards and various knots which were Footrope Knots also n1ay have a few left. then tied by the scouts and their leaders. I would like to thank all my worldwide Our next meetings will again take readers and correspondents for their place at Kinver Scout Campsite, they are interest and support over the past twenty September 3, November 4. I fi ve years and assure them that shall be We are also trying to get together to pleased to hear from them at any time by enable us to have a nice Christmas e-mail or postal mail. meal. Stuart Grainger Bruce Turley

40 IGKT-NAB All in all, (and only having been there for the afternoon of the first day), I'd say Members of the IGKT-NAB attended the that we had a fun-filled outing, and that Mid-Atlantic Maritime Festival at St. the Guild was very capably represented Michael's Maryland, on May 19 - 21, and promoted. 2000. I had a great time meeting, and Gerry Moore manning the IGKT booth with, fellow Dale City, VA knothead, Jim Kobe. (The IGKT-NAB thanks all The weather wasn't very co-operative members that assisted to make this - rain and drizzle, on and off n10st of the event a success.) day (Friday), but that didn't dampen our spirits. We n1et and talked with a number IGKT-NAB Membership of people, who happened to wander into Information our tented area. Ifyou are an IGKT (lTK) member you This was nlY first active participation may also wish to join the International in one of our events, and I thought it Guild of Knot Tyers - North American uncanny how most of our visitors started Branch. We currently have approximately their visit in the same manner: "The 130 members. International Guild of WHAT? .. Knot We have held two meetings at New Tyers!...Is there REALLY such a group?" Bedford, Mass in August of 1997 and When we assured then that, "Yes, there 1999. IS such a group, and we're part of it. Both meeting were successful and Certified KnotheadsT' they'd laugh and attended by approximately 75 members. become engaged. Continuing with our The last meeting had as its feature event a patter, we'd say, "I'm not handing you a tour of Clifford Ashley Farm. This year line...or, maybe I am!", as we'd hand each several members attended the Pacific parson in their group a 5' length ofbraided, Americas Branch meeting in San Pedro 1/8" nylon line, (with Butane Backsplice California. We are planning a meeting on each end)...their laughter continuing. general membership meeting for the year We'd then ask, What's your favourite 2001. knot?" or "Show me what knots you can Our dues for dual membership (IGKT tie." Or "What knots do you use?" or (UK) and IGKT-NAB are: "What questions about knots do you have, Individual $35.00 that we may be able answer?" Invariably, Family $44.00 we'd get a response and, as a result, we Youth $12.00 had a ton ofdelightful conversations, with Ifyou wish to renew your menlbership total strangers, about ropes and matters through the IGKT-North American related to knotting. And I can safely say Branch you may do so by cheque. that each person left the booth area with a Cheques should be made payable to better understanding about knots and a IGKT-NAB and nlailed to IGKT-NAB, brochure about the IGKT. 4417 Academy Street, Dearbom Heights,

41 MI 48125-2205. You will receive our However, a recoru 1 ~ ~ till kept of quarterly publication "InterKnot" attendance and note~ are tak.en uuring the If you are an IGKT (UK) menlber and meeting(s). do not wish to renew your IGKT (UK) Our AGM took place In \Llrch and. nlembership. but only join the IG KT­ asat a 11 AGMs. the pa"t ;. (' ar \\ a ~ North American Branch you may do so reviewed. We have been quite hll\;'. apart by sending a check in the amount of$8.00 from meetings. with YanOLl" other to the above address. Please indicate commitments. IGKT-NAB membership only. During the weekend of the 1-l-th and Although I have tried very hard to 15th August a day was ~pent at the ensure accuracy in maintaining the Waterways Museum at GloLlce~ter Docks membership list. I know that mistakes and it was a huge succes~ for all happen. If anyone has had any problems concerned. with membership which have been sent During the time spent there we v/ere to the IGKT-NAB I would like to hear scheduled to give two "performances". to about them and I will do my best to correct the Russe11 Newbury Register. each them. You may contact me by mail at the scheduled to last for about an hour and a above address or use e-mail: half. The hour and a halfwas never ending [email protected] and, as it turned out, we spent most of the John Burke, President day teaching splicing and denlonstrating IGKT-NAB the art of tying knots. The day was a real summer's day, West Country Knotters warm and sunny, and our lunch was The West Country Knotters are still going provided for us on the upper deck of one strong thanks to the support of the of the narrow boats! Couldn't have been stalwarts and, although fairly small in nicer. number, the membership is very Two of our members spent some time consistent. We meet at 1400 on the last at Plymouth Navy Days. One was Saturday on every other month at the representing the Guild and the other Almondsbury Scout Headquarters. working with Sea Cadets. The highlight So much time is taken up with ofthe week was meeting a Guild menlber 'business' at our meetings that the in the Rigging Shed. He was practical knotting seems to get lost in the demonstrating heavy ropework, nlainly nlists. This subject was brought up and it splicing multi-plait and wire. During our was mooted that we dispense with the conversation decorative was mentioned fornlal side of our meetings and, instead, and some of his work has to be seen to be include the happenings in a newsletter. believed! This way we will get more time to spend One ofour annual events is to support with ropework and the members who the Burnham-on-Sea Area Rescue Boat cannot attend will get a better picture of during its open day in mid July. This is what is happening within the Branch. the anniversary ofthe construction, by the

42 BBC Challenge Anneka programme~ of Collins is always an entertaining speaker the Burnham lifeboat station. We usually His talk and demonstration of how to spend a very interesting time on the sea make a Sea Chest Handle was something front swapping yams (sorry about that!) to behold. Not only did he give an in depth with all sorts of people - and getting quite presentation by showing us most of the sunburned to boot! secrets ofthis intricate piece of ropework~ Through events like these we have but he also injected his own brand of suddenly received invitations to make an humour to boot. Shades ofTommy Cooper appearance at other venues. Yacht clubs I think! seem to be at the forefront so far and our We received a request from 'Tugg' calendar for the rest of the year is Ship for some knot boards that he intends becoming quite fill. The problem is getting to give to some Ugandan Scouts. This is newer men1bers to come along and help. an ongoing project to try to help these I would just like to mention in passing that youngsters with their ropework skills. I have learned a great deal about Some of them have never seen the actual ropework, and presentation~ during these knots and 'Tugg ~ asked if anyone could open days. Food for thought! help with this. The knot boards need to be We have, in our branch~ a long­ fairly small-and~ for transportation standing member of the Sea Cadet Corps reasons) un-glazed, showingjust the basic who has forgotten more about ropework knots. So far to date, the response has been than I have ever learnt. A few years ago quite encouraging. he was involved with the Royalist Mast By the time this newsletter is issued training of Cadets. The long and short of the Guild AGM at Weston will be just a it is that he has made a beautiful scaled memory. I will have spent more money down model of the mast he used to train on rope and odds and ends, talked myself the Cadets on, complete with sail and fully blue in the face and thoroughly enjoyed rigged. Dan's mast was on view in the Sea every minute. Cadet Corps recruiting stand at Plymouth Happy knotting, Navy Days and attracted a great deal of Dave Pusill interest, particularly from the Cadets who had actually sailed in the Royalist. During the past two years we have ROPE ENDS asked people fron1 the Guild to con1e Creative cordage along to our meetings to give us a talk on "He met a man. .. who had created a their field of ropework. To mention but a new art form by using knotted string ... I few~ Charlie Smith~ Edna Gibson~ Dennis am, myself, working on a paean Murphy~ Europa Chang Dawson and composed of fifteen miles of coloured Geoff Wyatt have obliged and provided rope which will take an area of two thousand square feet to display to its best us with very interesting talks/ advantage. demonstrations. We also have our own (E. C. Tubb, Stellar Assignment, 1979) home grown sessions and "Jumper'

43 should be able to proYlde this sort of information, so that a local source Postbag of cordage can be suggested to new n1embers who want to see what they The views expressed in reader's letters do not necessarily reflect those of the Council. The Editor are getting, rather than rely on mail-order. reserves the right to shorten any letter as necessary. Richard Hopkins Avon, U.K. Suppliers Directory One for Old Salts An attempt was made about ten years How many ropes are there on a full rigged ago to create a directory of all the rope ship? and cordage suppliers in the UK. When What were once the seven seas? a suggestion that a member in each Reg White county should check their local Yellow Aberystwyth, Wales Pages and send the results in for (Answers in the next issue ofKM) compilation, nothing happened. This prompted me to spend nearly two Sea Shanties weeks in my local library, searching the Not exactly a knotting matter. but Yellow Pages for the entire country at the Guild AGM at Weston-Super­ and compiling a list. I had to check Mare, someone asked me where they many categories. Many ofthese had cross­ could obtain CD's of Sea Shanties. references so it took a ti me to sort For the life of me I cannot remember out. My list was sent off to the compiler who it was. However, they can be and nothing more has been heard of it. obtained from Ken and Jan Lardner. I accept that my list will now be out who run the Shanty Cabin near Preston. of date, and the widespread use of Tel: 01772634737. computers should n1ake searching Bill Meakin easier in the future, but most of the sites Notts. U.K. I found were small and unlikely to appear on a computer search. These Pythagorean Knot? small suppliers are the ones who can Would anyone on the list help me find produce just the very cord for which information about this knot? you have been searching, and whose I have heard it is called the presence should be made more widely Pythagorean Knot. known I believe one of our members has What is its use? recently given up his attempt to make What is its symbol? (symbolic a list of rope suppliers as there was a meaning) lack of information easily available, and Where have you seen it? items were coming to him in a very (context: building, painting, haphazard fashion. As a Guild, we textile,...)

44 Please I would appreciate all the help say "these are the knots we think you you could offer me in order to bring some should teach and use", as I was sure it light on this peculiar knot. would cause much grief to the Perceval Patrick traditionalists. So we decided on a Kent, U.K. "cunning plan". With the help of my colleagues in the Surrey branch we would teach our groups "The Surrey Six" we named them thus after David Monk came up with the name, this would give us pride to say they started in Surrey in years to come. The response among Scouters and their young charges was very good. Every body we have met so far, have said they are a good set for General use (we all accept that there are better knots for The Surrey Six specialist applications, after all we have In reply to Tony Doran's letter in in excess of 3800 to choose from). Km 66. To answer Tony's point about "The Surrey Six" were composed after authority I did not know that any branch a challenge by me as Chairman of the or person should have to ask anybody to Surrey branch. I wondered how knotting promote the art of Knotting. This we have was fairing amongst Surrey Scouts and done over the last six years with great Guides, so at an activity weekend (called enthusiasm, teaching "The Surrey Six" to Scoutabout and held every three years) hundreds of Scouters and we have taken with 5000 Scouts and Guides I Challenged "The Six" to many groups, company's and the participants to a recognition test of 15 other outside organisations. Yes we would easy scouting knots. The results of this love to do the tests to show how good the were that, on average; they could Surrey Six are, but we used our many recognise 6 knots. This got me thinking years of practical knotting skills to come about "The Six Knot Challenge" and was up with what we think and continue to the knots that were taught in Baden­ discover are an excellent bunch of Knots. Powell's time suitable for modem slippery Now you all have an opportunity to rope. The answer was NO. So I better our Six, I challenge all Guild challenged the Surrey Branch to con1e up members to come up with Six knots for with a six knot set that could be used in general purposes for use in modem rope modern rope, for General Purposes, to (these can include some of "The Surrey replace the 6 Scout tenderfoot knots. The Six" if you like). You may send these to results, after many debates, were the New me by mail to 19 Broad Street, Guildford, six Tenderfoot Knots. This I decided Surrey GU3 3AQ, England or bye-mail would be long and arduous to take to to [email protected] I will Gilwell (Scouting's training H.Q.) and collate them and publish the results in

45 Knotting Matters. If you have any vTimber Hitch comments about "The Surrey Six" good, John Kennaugh can't understand (KM bad or indifferent please send them to me 67, page 38) why I prefer the Cloye Hitch as I do not get much mail! to the Tin1ber Hitch for starting square Perhaps one day the whole of the lashings. The holding power of hitches in Guild may wish to endorse "The Surrey this situation depends entirely on the ·" SIX . friction between the rope and the spar. In Howard Denyer this context, the two important factors Surrey Branch Chairman. determining this force are the area of contact between the rope and the spar. The Children's Knot Book two turns of the Clove Hitch would be Is there an up-to-date knot book for better than the one and a bit for the Timber children? Other than those about tying Hitch and the force between the two. that friendship , the only one I know of is, on the tightness of the rope. Also a in the past 25 years was Learn About Clove Hitch can be drawn up tighter than Knots (published in 1976) by Ladybird a . Books. Even the zany Klutz Book of Charles Warner Knots (in 1985) was aimed at adults. Pieton, Australia Ashley persuaded himself there was no need for one and wrote; 'There are few Not New Knots knots that an intelligent boy or girl of KM#67 is rich in new knots that are twelve or fourteen years, who is genuinely not new at all. interested in the subject, cannot tie, Olivier Peron's "The Marion's Knot" provided the description is clear enough.' on page 20 is in fact what Budworth calls True - but what about younger children? a Mooring Hitch (The Complete Book of And how will they come across knotting, Knots, p.46), albeit tied in a very when today's booksellers and librarians ingenious manner. will not locate adult knotting manuals on And James Moore's "Improved the children's sections of their respective Bowman's Knot on page 46 is in fact bookshelves? Ashley's #1045. Personally, I couldn't write such a Rudi Petsehek book to save n1Y life. Sorry, I don't speak California, V.S.A. 'child'. So, if any Guild member does, and fancies writing a knot book for In Defence of the youngsters, take it fron1 n1e there is a Icicle Hitch gap in the market. Whether or not there is Reference Issue 65, Page 25 by Jack a market in the gap, however, you ­ Callton, Australia. (Jack the Rope) aspiring author - will need to ascertain Jack seemed to find tying this new and then persuade a publisher. fangled knot a disappointn1ent, only Geoffrey Budworth succeeding when using different sized Kent, V.K. string tied to a pencil. Jack would not find

46 a knot in his old Seaman's Manual that Though nowadays with modem would be as effective as the Icicle Hitch technology cables are attached to a long in gripping a smooth slippery surface. wire mesh cylinder (Like the Chinese I am a builder and I use this knot in Finger Puzzle) with a metal eye on preference to any other knot for drawing one end, this is slipped over the end of cables through pipes laid underground. the cable, and a rope attached to the metal When laying pipes for ducting eye. underground where cables are to be drawn Ifthe Icicle Hitch has R down side "it through at a later date. A draw rope is left is I wish I had tied it first". in the ducting when at a later date a cable Owen K Nuttall (electric, telephone, etc is attached to the West Yorkshire, U.K. draw rope with an Icicle Hitch. The only difference to the shown tying of this knot Help Please is that the end of the cable is taped to the The following knot was taught to me draw rope to prevent the end of the cable a few months ago by a young able seaman snagging on a joint in the ducting. When on the Express Coastal Steamer. This knot an Icicle Hitch is tied correctly which is is used for the trowingline. relatively easy, the draw rope will break I wonder if any member has before the Hitch will slip. I have shown information about the knot or its name. this knot to various people who have been Jan Fredrik Midtj1aa impressed with its performance. Bruhagen, Norway

47 Knotting Diary

AGM's &1/2 YEARLY MEETINGS EVENTS

IGKT Half-yearly Meeting SS Boyer Maritime Day 14th October 2000, Toledo, Ohio - First weekend of September Beverwijk, Contact John Burke, Tel: 313 562 4393 Netherlands e-mail: [email protected] Contact Willeke van der Ham, Tel: +3 125 121 3285 E-mail: [email protected] SECRETARY: Nigel Harding BRANCH MEETINGS 16 Egles Grove, Uckfield, Dutch Branch Sussex, TH22 2BY Last Saturday of month, Tel: 01827 760425 Rotterdam E-mail: [email protected] Contact Jan Hoefnagel, Tel: 078 614 6002 Guild Annual Subscription rates: e-mail: [email protected] Juniors £5 Seniors £16 Families £20 West Midlands Branch Corporate by arrangement 3rd September and Payable by cash/cheque Eurocard, 4th November 2000-07-09 Mastercard or Visa. Taxpayers in UK - we Kinver Scout Camp, would prefer acovenanted subscription. Kinver, Staffordshire Contact Bruce Turley, EDITOR: Tel: 0121 453 4124 Cofin Grundy e-mail: [email protected] 4 Hanwood Close, Eastern Green, West Yorkshire Branch Coventry CV5 7DZ Tel: 024 7646 8603 19th September 2000 E-mail: [email protected] Beaulah Hotel, Tong Road, Advertising Rates: Farnley, Leeds Members Non-members Contact David Pearson, Full page £32 £49 Tel: 0113 257 2689 Half page £19 £22 e-mail: [email protected] Quarter Page £10 £15

48 Guild Supplies Price List 2000 Item Price

Geoffrey Budworth Knotlore a miscellany of quotes from fact and fiction £2.50 Much Ado About Knotting history of the 1st 10 years of the Guild £2.50 * The Knot Book £3.99 Brian Field Breastplate Designs £2.50 Concerning Crosses £1.50 Eric Franklin Turkesheads the Traditional Way £1.50 * Nylon Novelties £2.00 * Stuart Grainger Knotcraft £3.60 * Ropefolk £1.30 Turks Head Alternatives £2.20 * Creative Ropecraft Hardback £9.95 Knotted Fabrics Hardback price includes UK postage £9.00

John Halifax Something Different with over 50 Button Knots £3.20 *

Harold Scott On Various Cruxiform Turks Heads £2.50 Sliding Template Method for Designing Cruciform Turks-Heads Vol. 2£3.00

IGKT Knotting Matters copies of past editions £2.50 (Some past editions available – contact the Secretary for details) * bulk purchases of these items available at a discount – phone for details

Cheques payable to IGKT, or simply send your credit card details PS Dont forget to allow for Postage Supplies Secretary:- Bruce Turley 19 Windmill Avenue, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9SP email [email protected] Telephone: 0121 453 4124 Printed by Gipping Press, Needham arket. Tel: (0449) 721599. Fax: (0449) 721372