GUILD SUPPLIES BOOKS Geoffrey Budworth The Book £4.99 Plaited Moebius Bends £2.50* Knotlore 2 - a miscellany of quotes from fact and fiction £2.50* Knot Rhymes and Reasons £1.50* The Knot Scene £2.00*

Brian Breastplate Designs £3.50* Concerning Crosses £2.00*

Eric Franklin Turksheads the Traditional Way £1.50* Nylon Novelties £2.00*

Stuart Grainger Knotcraft £4.00* Ropefolk £1.30* Creative Ropecraft (Hardback - 3rd Ed.) £9.95 Knotted Fabrics (Hardback) £9.00

Colin Jones The DIY Book of Fenders £9.95

Harold Scott A Guide to the Multi, Single-Strand Cruciform Turk’s Head £4.00*

Skip Pennock Decorative Woven Flat £12.50*

* Bulk purchases of these items are available at a discount - phone for details 2 Knotting Matters Knotting Matters 3 Knotting Matters The Magazine of the International Guild of Knot Tyers Issue 90 - March 2006 www.igkt.net

Except as otherwise indicated, copyright in Knotting Matters is reserved to the International Guild of Knot Tyers IGKT 2006. 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 £32 £49 Half Page £19 £22 Quarter Page £10 £15 Features

COVER PHOTOGRAPH A covered bottle by Björn 12 Continuing our 26 Learn about the Malmbeck (Sweden). The series for the Young quaintly termed rhubarb bottle is covered with from ‘Tuffy’ hitching of hemp (2mm) and at Heart, learn how to decorated with one Turk´s twirl a . Turner. head (2mm hemp) and another Turk’s head with 4mm Rock climbers and 27 Roger Fuller hemp. The cork of the bottle 14 creates a quadruple is a 4L x3B Turk’s head glued rescue personnel take to the cork. monkey’s fist from an their knots seriously as Ashley drawing Rob Chisnall explains about tie in loops. 28 Vince Brennan gives the first part of 21 Knots have formed a tutorial on making a heraldic devices for square-knot belt. hundreds of years. 35 Indian farmers have Maurice Smith writes a traditional knot on about his own county their bullocks as Satish version. Patki explains. 2 Knotting Matters march 2006 3

EDITOR 36 There are many 41 The Hanson Patent Colin Grundy ways to tie knots, Dick is not new, c/o 16 Egles Grove Uckfield, Sussex Clements shows an as Heinz Prohaska England TN22 2BY alternative for the Tel: 07946841157 explains. Email: knot [email protected]

Guild members 42 That ingenious SECRETARY 38 Nigel Harding are often shown ‘new knotsmith Owen K 16 Egles Grove knots’, but George Nuttall comes up with Uckfield, Sussex England TN22 2BY Aldridge can see the more variants on bends Tel: 01825 760425 benefit of this one. for you to try. Email: [email protected]

PRESIDENT Ken Yalden 3 Latchmore Gardens Cowplain, Hampshire England PO8 8XR Tel: 02392 259280 Email: [email protected]

Annual Subscription Rates Juniors £5 Adults £23 Families £27 Group £10 Corporate - by arrangement Regulars The IGKT is a UK Registered Charity No. 802153 Notes from the Secretary’s Blotter 4 PRINTED BY 10 Knotmaster Gipping Press Ltd. Needham Market 22 Knot Gallery Tel: 01449 721599 44 Branch Lines Fax: 01499 721372 46 Postbag ISSN 0959-2881 4 Knotting Matters

the future, when other groups may ask Notes from the same question. This would be not so much for the benefit glorification the Secretary’s of our own Guild, but for the benefit of global knot tying and friendship, which Blotter in is one of the primary aims of the t doesn’t seem five minutes since I was IGKT. You thoughts please ladies and Ilast making a note on my blotter, but gentlemen. since then Christmas has been and gone, I am sure that you do not need and we move into yet another year in the reminding that our membership twenty first century. Thus another winter fees went up in January. The current is showing signs of fading, with the first application forms that many of you have signs of spring apparent in the garden. for distribution at your own talks and This may all appear very strange when demonstrations, are now out of date. you read this, but what you have to realise We are still awaiting delivery of the new is that there is a lead in time of at least forms, so in the meantime, I do have a six weeks between me writing this and quantity of the yellow notice that was the final version arriving through your inserted in KM89, advising of the new letterbox. So enough of the waffle... rates. If you would like some, please give So far, I have received no inspiration, let me know, and I will send you some. or suggestions for sponsorship or other In the early days of the Guild, the late means of financing the grand 25th Frank Harris wrote a short article in one birthday celebrations next year. For the of the first Knotting Matters, suggesting moment, therefore we are debating the that members may wish to remember the option of an attendance fee, which is Guild in their will. So far, I only know of likely to be in the region of £10 - £20. one member who has done this, the late This will depend upon how many visitors Ian Murray, who was a long-standing we expect, and whether such a fee would member from Sunderland. We are very discourage members from attending. grateful to Ian, from whom we have Regrettably, this falls into the category of received a gift in excess of £3000, which ‘whatever we do won’t please everyone’, will be clearly seen on our published however we need your comments, ideas accounts. We would like to thank the and opinions to help us make the final administrators of Ian’s estate for the decision. receipt of this bequest. For the moment at It has come to our notice, that we are least, we shall ring-fence this sum, until not the only association with an interest we have identified a suitable project or in knot tying and , although we specific purpose for the expenditure. are the leading English-speaking group. Now that I have got into my stride....I One of these other organisations, which had better stop otherwise I shall have run represents a significant group of non off the bottom of the blotter, and will find English speakers has suggested affiliation myself writing on the table itself. I must with the IGKT. At present we have no also get on with the notes for the AGM mechanism for this, and would have to and the 2006 Membership Handbook, modify our constitution accordingly. We and ...... if I get the opportunity to come are open to suggestions as to how we up for air, I will see you all at the AGM should tackle this, as we do not want in Shrewsbury to lose the opportunity, either now or in Nigel Harding march 2006 5 Col’s Comment

elcome to the ‘new on the subject of the The Knot Gallery has Wlook’ Knotting diary, let the editor know also taken on a new face. Matters, I hope you like what is going on in your I am hoping to show work it. The layout of KM has area with Guild events of individual members been the same for a few and branch meetings, so occasionally, along with years now, and as we are that we can inform the information on their steadily approaching our rest of the membership knotting interests. In this 100th issue, I thought it and hopefully attract issue, we feature the work about time for a bit of a new members to your of Robert H. Black of the facelift. meetings. Remember USA. Most of the regulars are though, KM is produced Finally, the Knotting still here, Guild matters quarterly and there is Matters office is on the from our Secretary and about a six week lead move again so see below President, Knotmaster, in before goes to press, how this will affect post Branch Lines and the so plenty of notice is and email submissions. Knotting Diary. While appreciated. Knotting Matters Takes to the Water!

notting Matters is ‘Lucky devils’ I hear you who will forward it on Ktaking to the water, say. to our location. Emails quite literally! Jane and This will have an effect may not be answered I are preparing to follow on our magazine in so quite so quickly, as the steps of some of our much as we shall not we will not have a other Guild members have a permanent postal landline with broadband and live aboard our address. All postal mail connection. I shall still narrowboat Slow Gin on therefore should be sent be able to pick up emails the English canal system. via our Hon. Secretary, on a less frequent basis from Internet cafes and libraries. I don’t expect our change to a more nomadiclifestyle will affect publication of Knotting Matters. I know others who follow the boating lifestyle, still able to produce magazines for various organisations. Please with us through this transitional period. 6 Knotting Matters March 2006 7

subject, the public think of this even if they come in ‘left field’. When you find you really can’t answer a question, ask President’s our Guild man/lady next to you (never any shame in asking) when the answer is given, then the two of you will have Letter learnt from them. If you live miles from another knot tyer and you have an idea to go it alone ot a formal education moment but a to join up with your own local show, the Ngolden opportunity to learn. words you say to the organisers are “I During my time with the Executive shall wave my fees on this occasion if Council of the IGKT much has been you let me have a free stand” said and written about the education of My first show, I was on my own with knot tying, from formal instructional a wallpaper pasting table, but now years weekends in an educational environment, later we have the Solent Branch and we to informal gatherings were-ever use two large tents. possible. Again during my time, ‘What events?’ I hear you ask, well mention has been made of awarding folk there are boat shows, Scout meetings, with certificates to show their ability in country fairs. All these things the knot tying. this has proved complicated public attend as they want fun and because with the constant questions enlightenment, not to mention air shows, of who checks the checker and who is church fetes, and even fishing clubs, now willing to give up a weekend, drive miles you think of some. to get the correct tutor together with the When joining your fellow knot correct student, plus the right subject, tyers at a show I suggest you take your this has proved a problem. favourite knot book, your favourite piece In the mean time, if you want to of and your membership handbook learn knot tying I have some news “it as it is surprising just how many is up to you”. Knotting Matters and the attending shows are from out of town, IGKT web site are having a campaign and I have always found this invaluable to publish as many “local events” in for putting people in contact with other their events diary as they can. So they knot tyers. Always remember, the public are relying on you to inform them where ask questions because they assume you you are and what show, then others may know more than they do so you’re half read all about forthcoming shows and way there to start with. events. Just one warning, and this must be Now to the learning bit - the best an English thing, because I have never way to learn, in my opinion, is to teach. found it outside of the UK, there is Why not contact your local group or always a man who will stand in line for branch and say you will attend one of 20 minutes just to ask if you know the the events even if you have reservations . I usually pass him on to Jeff concerning your own abilities. What Wyatt, unless it was Jeff who sent him to you have to do is stand next to the one me in the first place. If you want to learn talking; “look bright and attentive” and the thief knot - I know a man! you will be drawn in to the conversation. The knots that are generally asked for Don’t worry about what knot or what at shows - the waggoner’s or trucker’s 6 Knotting Matters March 2006 7

hitch, Scout woggle (Turk’s head). Anybody interested please contact me. At boat shows in particular, a wife or Most shows in the UK are dependent girlfriend is often led to us with the on our glorious British weather, were instruction “teach them a and a else can you get sunstroke and trench , then they can come on my foot at the same time? Even if the crowd boat again!” fails to turn up you still get a good knot This year once more the Solent tyers meeting and even more time to Branch will be in attendance at the learn. Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is So, over to you, what better learning on Butser Hill Hampshire 8th and 9th environment can you want bags of July 2006, all my fellow knot tyers will stimulus lots of teachers and good be most welcome to join us there. We camaraderie. will have the ‘Six knot challenge’ which Do please let Colin know how you get is always a crowd puller, if not the stop on. watch bit, the dangling lines always get Ken Yalden. folks talking.

ADDENDUM from Geoffrey Budworth issing from the jargon-busting A-to-Z booklet The Knot Scene, published Mearlier last year by the IGKT, is the term ‘’; so please read the following and accept my apology for failing to include it. Bight The word is an ancient one, meaning in Old and Middle English a bend or angle, as well as any flexed anatomical joint such as an ankle, elbow or armpit. In rope handling it is, of course, the slack between standing and working ends; and the expression ‘tied in the bight’ refers specifically to knots such as the artillery loop (or man-harness knot) and the Alpine that are created in that section of a line without using either end. But sailors may have adopted the word ‘bight’ from early chart-makers who employed it for coastal indentations or bays so wide that they could be sailed out of on a single tack whatever the prevailing conditions. It was a crucial need-to- know detail for masters of square-riggers whose ships, unable to beat effectively into an adverse wind, were liable of becoming ‘embayed’ and unable to regain the open sea. This may be why some early writers on seamanship assert that a bight in rope is wider than a semi-circle. Any tighter and, strictly speaking, it becomes an ‘open loop’; but language evolves as terms mutate, so that nowadays a bight seems to include any U-shaped tongue of rope. An , for instance, may perhaps be ‘tied in the bight’ when it is made in a doubled end, but not actually with that end. Do shout if you disagree. 8 Knotting Matters march 2006 9 2K7 IGKT Silver Jubilee.

The date of our three-day special celebration for the Silver Jubilee will be on 24th 25th & 26th May 2007. In Furnham Hall, Fareham, Hants UK. The present executive council of the IGKT is concerned at the expenditure of such an event. The concern is that it can only be attended by a limited numbers of Guild members, and as such they have stipulated that this event must be self-funding. ‘To that end’ as with many groups and societies, a conference fee will be levied, of which more details will be supplied at a later date. The AGM of course is exempt from fees as it is a constitutional event and will be held in the lecture room at Furnham Hall from 11am until 12.30 on Saturday 26th. The Hon Sec will give notice of the AGM in due course. However, should members then wish to attend, arrangements can be made for payment to the conference pro rata. To ensure the best value is obtained from our booking of the hall, the timing of events has been revised. We are aware the Guild did not use the facilities to their fullest potential for 2K2. At that time we had a leisurely set up on the Monday, and on most days we closed to the public just at the time they were finishing their days work. We really threw the baby out with the bath water, by clearing the hall completely on the Friday to set up for the AGM the next day, and then closing again after the AGM to set up for the knot supper. So the plan this time is: -

THE PLAN (This is the first draft for times.) Thursday 24 Set-up 8.00 - 12.00 open to the public 1230 - 2359 Friday 25 open to the public 0900 - 2359 Saturday 26 open to the public 0900 -1045 open to the public 1300 - 1900

CALL FOR PAPERS Gordon Perry will co-ordinate lectures and discussions in the lecture room. (These are lively sessions that help build the Guild for the future).

NOTICE FOR CONFERENCE Branches and individuals that wish to display and demonstrate during the conference please notify Ken Yalden - this is the main part that will be viewed by the public, as well as a good point of exchange for Guild members.

LIST OF ACCOMODATION Will be published in a future Knotting Matters.

KNOT SUPPER on 26th at 20.00 Will be in the Red , Fareham. 8 Knotting Matters march 2006 9

EARLY ARRIVERS For knot tyers who wish to make a week of it. The Red Lion Hotel is willing to accept impromptu gatherings of knot tyers in their spacious foyer: - The Solent branch will be on hand to receive IGKT members as they gather for the main event. The manager of the Red Lion says they are waiting for the return of the American Ambassadors of Knot Tying called Gerry, Keith and Dan. Soothills Bakery has had a refurbishment and Abbott’s Brewery has had advanced warning!

SPONSORSHIP Yes please we need it, have you any bright ideas?

RED HAT TOURS (East Anglia and the Knot Museum) Des Pawson has some wonderful ideas. Have you any? These should be before and after the main event. As with most things it is the enthusiasm of the attendees that keeps the cost down and the venue viable.

or month on a regular basis, so that those members who want to keep in IGKT Knot touch with others and have a chat can do so. I will post a ‘meeting Chat schedule’ on the web page and he IGKT web-site at igkt.net ‘reserve’ for any branch that would Tis now equipped with a ‘Chat like to use this facility. A ‘date/day/ Room’. time’ slot which will be theirs - please ‘IGKT Knot Chat’ - which has discuss this with your members and taken over from the room that Dan let me know your preferred schedule Callahan (Alaska - as soon as possible. The whole USA) has provided for members of Sunday GMT/UTC is reserved up until now. There are two regular for ‘Worldwide open chat’ for all sessions in existence - one on members and Wednesday 1700 to Wednesday evenings GMT/UTC 2359 GMT is reserved for the Dutch (Knoopenpraat) for the Dutch Branch. Otherwise, first come first members and one all day Sundays served. which is world-wide - where IGKT If you would like to discuss members get together and talk knots this further, send me an email to (among other things) and keep [email protected], giving me a date abreast of what is going on. It also and time between 0700 and 2300 gives members (especially those GMT please and I will meet you in outside the UK) the chance to talk to the Chat Room. a Council Member. Just go to the IGKT web page This new site is open 24/7 - so I www.igkt.net and click on the link would like to encourage Branches ‘IGKT Knot Chat.’ to use this facility, perhaps to hold Gordon Branch e-Meetings say once a week Local Acting WebAdmin 10 Knotting Matters march 2006 11 Knotmaster Series No. 28

‘Knotting ventured, knotting gained.’

Bull hitch Knotting Matters of the line and fold (issue No 47, it down to create Unlike a bale or January 1995) twin loops, one ring hitch - tied in where he called it somewhat larger an endless sling, the Piwich knot. than the other (fig. with the load 4). Wrap the larger falling equally Method one (tied of these two loops upon both legs with an end): around, behind, - this hitch is Apply a half-hitch then forward and designed to have to the ring, rail, across the front only one standing post or other to its own side part. It is more anchorage (fig. 1), again (fig. 5). Slide muscular than the then wrap and the resulting knot , hence tuck the working onto the intended its name, although end as shown (fig. anchorage point readers may recall 2). Tighten (fig. 3). and tighten it (fig. its introduction Method two 6). by Guild member (tied in the bight): Robert Pont, Make a bight in of France, in the working end 10 Knotting Matters march 2006 11 12 Knotting Matters march 2006 13 ‘YOUNG AT HEART’

LEARN to twirl a rope longer than you are tall. tight sliding knot at the or lariat like a rodeo The hole in the middle other end. Your lariat is cowboy or cowgirl. It’s of the bead or washer now ready to use (fig. 1). really easy, once you must be large enough to Slide the loop knot along know the secret. let the cord twist and until the single bit of Thread a metal washer turn easily inside it. Then line, called the spoke, is a or a big bead onto a tie a simple knot to keep little more than half the length of braided cord the thing from coming length of the closed loop. that is no thicker than off one end, and make Lesson 1 Grip your little finger and no an adjustable loop with a the end of the LOOP between the thumb and first two fingers of one hand, so that your lariat hangs upside-down. Twirl it by drawing small quick circles in the air with your finger tips and a relaxed wrist (fig. 2). See how the cord bends, forming a kind of elbow at the sliding knot, so that the spoke comes up straight and level with the floor. Feel it happening. This is how to spin rope. Use your left or right hand and spin the rope either 12 Knotting Matters march 2006 13

HOW TO TWIRL ROPE

clockwise or counter- circles in the air with properly, settle down clockwise (it doesn’t your finger tips to wake to a gentle rhythmic matter which). it up. At the same time, hand action, no faster or Lesson 2 Now make these circles a big stronger than needed to swap ends and hold the bigger too. This should make your lariat work. bead or washer between teach it how to behave. Hey! Look at you!! thumb and fingers (fig. Once it is going around You’re twirling rope!!! 3). Take care that the knot can turn freely. Twirl as before, so that the rope bends at the loop knot, causing the loop to lift up and (hopefully) open out into a circle (fig. 4). Often it works first time. Just make the lariat bend at the knot. If the loop won’t open right away - make sure the end knot is turning freely inside your grip on the bead or washer, not catching on the thumb or fingers. If the loop still refuses to open (sometimes it does) make a few quicker or slower 14 Knotting Matters march 2006 15

any thanks to Casper de Boer for Mhis comments and query in KM 88 regarding the security of (Postbag p44). It is serendipitous that Heinz Prohaska commented on the security of a variation of the bowline with an incorporated figure eight structure in the same issue (Bowline Failure p19). Climbers, cavers, rope access technicians and rope rescue personnel use the figure eight end loop (aka figure eight follow-through, trace-8, re-woven figure 8 and retraced figure eight) and numerous variations of the bowline to secure a harness to the end of a belay or safety line. Over and above ease of tying and visual checking, convenience of untying after prolonged and severe loading, and even relative strength, the security of any harness tie-in knot is of paramount concern. But what are the characteristics of a knot that makes it more or less secure than other knots? (This discussion is specifically aimed at harness tie-in loops, although reference will be made to related formations.) The Security of Bowlines and Figure Eight Loops as Harness Tie-Ins: The Principles of Pre-Knotting, Post-Knotting and Concatenation Rob Chisnall

High-Strength Loops instances, under particular conditions, Loop knots like the taut-line hitch formations of this kind can have a 100 or Midshipman’s hitch, Tarbuck knot percent knot efficiency (i.e., they break (Knotmaster Series, 2004) and the at 100 percent of the absolute breaking modified Tarbuck knot (Chisnall, 2005) strength of the cord or rope itself). certainly form strong end loops. The However, such knots are not as secure standing part has no sharp bends or bights as loops with knotted standing parts. in it before it wraps around the anchor It is even possible to untie the Tarbuck point. All of the knotting is performed or modified Tarbuck while loaded, after the line has passed around the something that is impossible to do anchor point and the standing part runs with figure eight end-loops, and nearly straight and true once loaded. In most impossible to do with bowlines. 14 Knotting Matters march 2006 15

redundancy, with varying success, the simplest of which is the humble half hitch (Fig. 3; The Alpine Journal, 1892). However, Pam Spence was using an extra half hitch when her bowline untied from her harness. More recently, Will Gad mentioned the death of a friend in Gripped (2005) resulting from his bowline untying. The problem Fig. 1 with a post- bight knot, like Bowlines the bowline, is The standard bowline (Fig. 1) is a that the rope can post-bight end-loop knot in that the straighten out standing part is tied after the working topologically end is wrapped around the anchor point under certain or passed through the harness (Chisnall, d e f o r m a t i o n 1995a, 2005). It is possible for the regular and loading bowline to invert or capsize into an conditions most overhand slip loop and come undone (Fig. notably, any 2). This has lead to a number of accidents through- loading and deaths. Several decades ago, the now of the loop proper or a realignment of defunct Off Belay climbing magazine the working end if it gets snagged or reported an accident involving bowline yanked in an inappropriate direction. failure. When Pam Spence’s harness Over the decades, the solution has been tie-in bowline inverted and untied, she to add more elaborate security measures fell to her death at Lover’s Leap in and keeper knots. In increasing Colorado. (I cannot recall the exact issue of approximate relative security, these or date.) There have been other incidents include: but tracking down all published accounts would take considerable time.

The single overhand keeper (Fig. 4), The working end wrapped several times To increase the security of the bowline, around the actual loop and secured with climbers and riggers have added extra a half hitch (Fig. 5; The Alpine Journal, security knots or keeper knots for 1928), 16 Knotting Matters march 2006 17

The double o v e r h a n d k e e p e r , (aka half fisherman’s or grapevine knot; Fig. 6),

The tucked bowline (aka Yosemite tuck or tie-off; Fig. 9; Forrest Mountaineering, 1974; Chisnall, 1985; Prohaska, 1988)1, And the The double loop bowline (aka double double bight knotted bowline or ; Fig. bowline (Fig. 7; The Alpine Journal, 1928), 10; Prohaska, 1988).

Of course, even these versions of the bowline can be persuaded to invert, loosen and untie under the right conditions. For example, the tucked bowline if inverted twice will capsize to form a figure eight . That is why some users further The clove secure the hitch bowline wend to the (Fig. 8), standing part with a double o v e r h a n d keeper knot. D i f f e r e n t t e c h n i q u e s can be c o m b i n e d to enhance security. For example, the 16 Knotting Matters march 2006 17

double knotted bowline can include a ring or stopper bowline (Fig. 13) with tucked end as well (Fig. 12). its working end running on the outside of the loop where it is prone to catching “Somehow, her bowline tie-in had on obstacles and its variants have been in worked itself lose.” vogue for this reason. However, the fact that the bowline can be untied so easily always raises red flags for me. The King Another example of an enhanced of knots can be dethroned if the user is bowline tie-in technique coming undone not cautious. was reported in Rock and Ice (Tuohy, Rock & Ice 2005). In this case, it was the double In the same issue of that knotted bowline that came loose. While reported the Joanne Tuohy near-miss, top-roping, Joanne Tuohy narrowly Duane Raleigh (2005) discusses ways missed injury or death owing to knot of making the double loop or double failure. “Somehow, her bowline tie- knotted bowline more secure. The author in had worked itself lose.” The article emphasises the need to always tie the advises that the figure eight tie-in “can be bowline correctly, dress it, add a backup safer” because it is “slightly stronger.” It knot, and to test it. He also states that “ also states the need to dress and tighten . . . you’ll find the trace-8 [figure eight the knot beforehand, especially if the follow-through] is the least likely of the rope is new and stiff. As well, the benefit knots [including versions of the bowline] of a redundant backup knot like a double to untie itself.” (p107) and that although overhand keeper knot, grapevine or half “the double-loop bowline . . . has fisherman’s is highlighted. Tuohy did not worked flawlessly millions of times for employ a keeper knot, but she apparently climbers and sailors worldwide . . . if tucked the tail back through the knot in the knot is causing accidents, maybe we some manner, which is not made clear in should rethink it.” (p106). that article. There are many other ways of further Sport climbers, in particular, like to securing the bowline, and climbers have use the bowline because it is easy to been very inventive about this because untie after it has been loaded many times. the bowline has been known to come This is important because sport climbers loose and untie from harnesses probably rehearse extremely hard moves on steep more frequently than what has been and overhanging terrain. Typically, they reported in magazines and journals. Fig. may fall several times during attempts 14 shows one variation reported by David Climbing to climb a Pegg in (2001), the double given route. bowline with a bowline backup (DBBB, Figure eight end-loops are hard to untie after this kind of loading, so the easy-to- untie bowline has been popular for decades. Even the less secure 18 Knotting Matters march 2006 19

for short). This and knots like it add more loop is a pre- wraps and bights, and the working end is bight knot tucked out of the way to make the overall in that the knot more secure and compact, while standing part allowing the climber to untie the knot is knotted after falling many times. But the extra b e f o r e wraps and tucks add extra steps to the the wend tying process, and the finished product is is passed often difficult to check at a glance. t h r o u g h the harness Figure Eights ( C h i s n a l l , Most North American rescue personnel 1 9 9 5 a , apply only figure eight’s to moving parts 2005). of the safety system namely harnesses, When it stretchers, and so forth. If bowlines are comes to used, they are reserved for immovable safety and the preservation of life and parts of the system, like anchor points, limb, even the figure eight end-loop where it is unlikely a moving knot will or follow-through (Fig. 15) should be invert while rubbing against an obstacle backed up or a neighbouring piece of equipment. with a Unlike the bowline, the figure eight end- security knot. Two popular m e t h o d s are, again, the double o v e r h a n d knot (Fig. 16) and the keeper tuck or Yosemite tuck (Fig. 17). Of late, some folks have been erroneously tucking the working end into the lower two bights, closest to the loop proper (Figure 18). If the loop is through- loaded, or some other u n f o r e s e e n c o n d i t i o n arises, this 18 Knotting Matters march 2006 19

version of the Interestingly, the compromise bowline tucked figure eight shares its structure with the one-way can invert and knot (Figure 24; Wheelock, 1967). The become partially c o m p r o m i s e untied.2 bowline can H e i n z be tied in two Prohaska (2005) fundamentally illustrated how different ways: the compromise one with the bowline (Fig. 21) wend reeved can invert and outside the come untied (Fig. loop (Fig. 21; 22). Even though it is called a bowline, Prohaska, 2005) I include it in this section because its and the other primary structure is a figure eight. The with the wend compromise bowline is identical in reeved inside structure to the single the loop (Fig. (aka the single 25). These variants display differences bowline in the in security, depending on how either bight or the version is dressed and how the bights are in-line eight; arranged.3 Ashley #1058, Even though 1944, p191; the compromise Smith and bowline is a Padgett, 1996, pre-bight knot, p49) when the inversion is loops are tied possible. The in the end of reason the the line. It is c o m p r o m i s e similar to the bowline can invert other version is because the of the bowline in the bight (aka the wend forms an rover noose or three-quarter figure-of- open bight inside eight loop; Fig. 23; Ashley #1057, 1944, the knot. The wend is unknotted and does p191; Wright and Magowan, 1928, p126; not cross itself in any way. What does Budworth, 1999, p186). this tell us? 20 Knotting Matters march 2006 21

Footnotes 1 Note that the tucked bowline can also be tied on the bight and the working end forms a loop to which a belay device can be attached, which makes the knot quite secure (Figure 11; Chisnall, 1985). 2 Once, I was teaching a rescue course up in Thunder Bay when the discussion focussed on appropriate bends for connecting rappel . Climbers try to use secure knots that will not jam in cracks when the ropes are being pulled during retrieval. One such bend is the side eight or indirect figure eight bend (Fig. 19), which has several benefits and is also fraught with security concerns, not the least of which is gradual inversion while moderately loaded. An insecure side eight could ‘migrate’ off the ends of the two lines. There have been various ‘solutions,’ some better than others, but the most dangerous I’ve ever seen was presented at this particular rescue course. One participant had been in the habit of tucking both working ends into the lower two bights, the ones closest to the standing parts, in a fashion similar to that described above for the figure eight end-loop or follow-through (Fig. 20). Try this knot out. If you give the standing parts a few tugs, the whole thing can come undone almost instantly! The fellow who showed me this bend, and who had made several successful rappels using it, blanched noticeably when I demonstrated this. 3 Similarly, the one-way knot can be tied with the ends running opposite to one another (Fig. 26). I have found the latter to be slightly more secure than the Wheelock version (Fig. 24) but it is hard to quantify this.

To be concluded march 2006 21

an , although the French know in a Knot it as the simple knot. It Most people who live in are familiar can be tied in the end of a with the Stafford Knot. Although it is frequently rope as a , or referred to as the Staffordshire Knot, it is more away from the end to give correctly called the Stafford Knot. a grip. When tied around an article the overhand knot becomes the first S Maurice Smith half of the well known . Two Stafford Association. It is also his is because of or overhand knots tied used by both the borough Tits long association together to join two lines and county councils of with the Earls of Stafford form the Fisherman’s knot Stafford, appearing as a who adopted it in the which would have been on the Stafford early 15th Century as an used by Staffordshire’s in 1583. for use by own Izaak Walton. Joined Over the years its use has their servants and others in a different way they gradually spread beyond offering their allegiance. would create a True the Stafford family and The knot can be found in Lovers Knot, and in yet it has been adopted by several locations which another way they form commercial undertakings have had connections Hunter’s bend. This last and other clubs and with the Stafford family. named knot was feature organisations. Several It is most prolific around in The Times newspaper public houses have used Staffordshire but can in 1978 and was the it, sometimes calling it the be found elsewhere in catalyst which brought Staffordshire Knot and churches, castles and about several meetings even at times illustrating museums, and even leading to the formation it incorrectly. The North Exeter Cathedral. Look of The International Staffordshire Railway out for it locally on Guild of Knot Tyers in Company used it in the lampposts, bollards, 1982. The Guild now has mid 19th Century as an policemen’s helmets, about 1,200 members on its rolling and of course on local worldwide and, needless stock, and the railway authority vehicles and to say its badge or logo became known as the stationery. More recently is also a knot, in this case Knotty. Legend has it it has appeared on wheelie being a Turk’s head knot. bins. that the knot was devised The emblem was, by a thrifty Sheriff of and is still used Staffordshire to enable This article by with permission of him to hang three men the late Maurice Lord Stafford by the at one time using just SmithIGKT originally Staffordshire Regiment the single rope, but there appeared in The (whose journal is called does not appear to be any Staffordshire County the Stafford Knot), the evidence to support this Magazine. and is Staffordshire Agricultural story. reproduced with kind Society, Staffordshire The knot is also known permission of his Police Authority, and as a thumb knot, or more widow, Pam. the Staffordshire Guide generally world-wide as

march 2006 23

became interested in fancy rope work Key Fob Horsehair Iwhen I bought a small sail boat about This is one used to demonstrate what ten years ago. I thought that I would can be done with scraps left over from never become a good sailor if I did not other projects. I take a strip of leather 1” learn something about the men and ships wide and 4” long, stamped with simple during the great age of sail. In many of stamping tools, dye it and fold it over the books that I read, I noticed pictures around a bundle of horse hair. Then I add of fancy rope work on ship’s wheels, a twice-passed Spanish ring and Turk’s bell lanyards, mats and all manner of heads with a Gaucho interweave for the other decorations. Right then and there I final decoration. decided to adorn my little craft in such a Light House Key Fobs way that a seaman from the bygone days Material is 1.5mm mini blind cord of of sail could come aboard my little craft various colours. Beginning at the ring and feel right at home. end - three strand folded to yield 6 I stumbled on the IGKT quite by strand Matthew Walker knot, knot, accident about six years ago. My first twice passed crowning over a tapered meeting was the 20th anniversary piece of wood and finishing with a celebration in Fareham. Wow! double diamond with under one - over Did my eyes get opened to not only one pattern. great knot work but to great people too. Ditty Bag Lanyard Life has never been the same since. I love Material - #36 cotton. The loop in the end to tell the seaman’s story and what fancy is a Portuguese sennit covering the four rope work mean to these men. strands that attach to the bag itself. Then I teach and write about fancy rope 8 strands to do a twice passed crowning work at every opportunity. This past beginning in the centre of the handle year, I have published several articles working to each end. One end is finished and produced five DVD’s on the subject. with a double diamond (under one, over In 2006, I will be publishing a DVD two, under one pattern) and the other series for young people too. My goal end is the Ashley’s #880 button with 8 is to do what ever I can to help keep strands. There is a Turk’s head slide that this wonderful craft alive while helping is not shown. others enjoy it. Bolo Tie Material is Kangaroo leather. Overall braided length is 38” A four-strand braid is shown, but a 6 or 8 strand Photographs braid will also work well. The ends are covered with 7L x 6B Turk’s head Key Fob with Tassels. with a herringbone interweave and a I use 3/32” lace, dyed to get the colours contrasting colour. The slide is a 7L x 6B I want. I used a 4 strand braid (8 inches Turk’s head with a Gaucho interweave. in length) to get the length. The ends The matching bracelet is made from the covered with 4 bight gaucho knots, same materials. Its length will vary with then any other knot combination that the person’s wrist size. The ends are looks good to hold the folded assembly covered with the same knots as the bolo together. In this photo, I used twice tie and the switch-backed braid is held passed Spanish rings and 7L x 6B Turk’s together with twice passed Spanish ring heads with a Gaucho interweave. knots (3L x 5B Turk’s head).

26 Knotting Matters Knotting Matters 27 like Ashley, take the end Rhubarb Hitch back the other way over one and under one and out. However, I finish off ‘Tuffy’ Turner by taking the turn under which the end passed out back over the turn the end t one of our East or rather stumbled upon has passed under. This AAnglian Branch what I have always called makes the more attractive- meetings, many of us gave the rhubarb hitch, for looking hitch shown as a liberal interpretation of want of a better name. #1684, my rhubarb hitch. the topic for discussion I said I had never found It can be as easily tied by “My first working knot”, it in any book until my starting either under (as illustrating how we first wife bought me Ashley Ashley) or over the spar. came to an appreciation a few years ago, when I The rhubarb hitch is of what the Victorian found it (#1684 on page quite secure even without tradesmen called the “art 292) albeit not tied as I stopping or half-hitching and mystery of our craft. tie it. I would go back the end to the standing I talked of my early a page and start with part. It has the great steel-erecting and rigging what Ashley calls the virtue of being the least experiences in my mid- studding-sail bend (#1678 liable to jam I have ever twenties, 40 years ago, on page 291). I too start used. Even two round when I worked with old with a fisherman’s bend turns and half-hitches sailors from both the (really a hitch, of course) cannot compare. I have Royal and Merchant Navy and take the working won many pints of beer and learned the basics of end back as usual under over the years by having knotting and splicing. I the two turns round the several men pull on a told how I had devised, spar or whatever, and, rhubarb hitch, and then untying it with my (now arthritic) fingers. The secret is that, the more weight hat is put on the standing part, the (slightly) more the bight, formed by the tucked end, opens. Knotting Matters 1

Quadruple Monkey’s Fist Roger Fuller

fter seeing the split it possible, I put eight Turk’s heads or the other Aor double monkey’s small screws into the globe or ball knots (like fist in the last few issues ball aligned with the Ashley’s #2216-#2219) of KM, I decided to try radii of the ball passing since the knot must be it myself, and produced through the corners of tied with the full number a couple of nice ones, an imaginary cube just of turns in each cycle as using the flattened layout touching inside the ball. opposed to being tied method of Ashley #2207 The screws keep the as a single strand and which I determined was in multiple strands of each followed around. If the fact the same knot. I then cycle in position as the monkey’s fist you tie decided to try to split the knot is tied and can be doesn’t completely cover cycles again and produced removed when the knot the object, you have to the quadruple monkey’s is done (or nearly done start over from zero, while fist in the photos. These to get them out of the on the other knots you were tied on various size way). I find these knots can just follow it around wood balls. To make more frustrating than again. 28 Knotting Matters march 2006 29

A (very) rough Square-Knot Belt Tutorial Vince Brennan

The Belly Hook It’s called a bellyhook because when you’re working in a standing position it’s line goes around your waist and it sits in front of your belly. The belly hook can be any number of differing shapes, sizes and made of almost any stiff material. It’s purpose is to hold the standing or filler lines in tension when square-knotting so as to give you a firm base to make the square-knot and keep them all the same size. You could do the same thing with your toes (New Guinea natives making sennit routinely sit crosslegged and use the big toe for the same purpose) or by sitting on the line, or wrapping it around your beltbuckle. One of the main components of a neat job is the tension applied to the filler lines as this controls the neatness of the knot. To hold the filler lines you’d need a third hand and that is really all the hook is... a third hand. The simplest of all is formed by cutting the head off an old standard toothbrush, putting a notch in the shaft (at the end where you cut off the head) which is large enough to accept three or four lines but which narrows down to a point. Then just take the line into the notch and make a turn to hold it. The disadvantage is that this hook will handle at most two set of fillers. More elaborate is my hook setup which is made of a 3⁄4” wide piece of bamboo with a four or five inch piece of a round chopstick lashed and glued to it about 1” from the end, forming a “cross” shape. The best way to put line(s) onto this hook is just like making up to a cleat, without the locking turn(s): lead the line from the gripe, under the right arm, around the front of the upright, over and behind the left arm, around the front again and over and under the right arm, and back around the left, with the second time going behind the upright (as shown). Holding your lines flat on the first pass will give you an easier working surface and the lines will “lock” themselves in quite securely. 28 Knotting Matters march 2006 29

Making the Belt Most belters will work in a standing I use an old rocking chair arm as a position with the work level with their stanchion. To the arm I have lashed a eyes and a long drop at their feet. I prefer 11⁄2” square piece of wood and to that to sit down. (2) Shows the larks-heading lashed two upright large baking skewers. of the lines onto the skewer preparatory Another skewer skewered beneath those to starting the belt. lashings allows me to have a clamp for work in progress. (1)

For a larks-head direct to the belt buckle attachment, measure out EIGHT times the desired length and then “middle” the line into the larks-head. For a belt where you will be attaching To begin a belt (for real), one would a buckle at a later time, measure FOUR larks-head the number of lines to be times the length of the belt for each line. used around the fixed end of the buckle, Allow some extra for the work being sure that the tongue is in the of attaching to the - proper position and that the larks heads buckle (about a are all facing up. Here I have done this half-yard) and start Tip: #24 line used be direct to a skewer, since this is only a your work FROM low, for which 16 lines demonstration belt and have lashed that that allowance point. gives approx 1-3/8” width belt. Smaller line on top of a piece of cardboard to provide It’s MUCH better to will permit more sets a focal plane as well as a bit of contrast waste some material across for the same for the pictures. (2) than to come up short! width. 1-1/2” is about max normal width! 30 Knotting Matters march 2006 31

To start the belt, take ALL the lines in should look like (5). If you don’t get this your RIGHT hand and drop the FIRST part right, just stop and work at it until on the LEFT, then hold the next two and you do. drop the FOURTH and FIFTH, drop the next two and so on, until you’ve reached the other side. (3)

Now, take line ONE and pull it THROUGH the double bight formed when you completed the step above. Pull Smooth all the lines from the gripe it completely through at this time (6). toward your belly and make them all up (as flat as possible) on your belly hook, just like you were making up to the pier. You want to get an equal (or nearly so) tension on all lines. Right. Now, there are those who say the only way to make a square knot is to take the two lines and do the “Right Over Left” method, but I use the “Loop and Pull” method, which is much faster. (7) Shows what you now should Also, I don’t get so confused by all those have after going through the previous “lefts”, “rights”, “unders” and all that lot. gyrations. (For picture clarity, and to preserve your (putative) sanity, I am only showing ONE set of filler cords!)

(8) SNUG up the top part of the knot to the lark’s head, then...

Take the line FOUR and make a loop UNDER lines TWO and THREE as shown in (4). Push the standing parts of line Four up around lines Two and Three and pull them through the bight you formed with the LEFT hand. This 30 Knotting Matters march 2006 31

are formed: to either side of the filler cords there is one loop facing UP and one loop facing DOWN: The UP loop determines the orientation of the knot, so an UP loop to the RIGHT is ‘facing’ STARBOARD and an UP loop to the LEFT is ‘facing’ PORT. The next row is made by dropping lines one, two and three, picking up four and five, dropping six and seven, picking up eight and nine, etc., until you have 3 pair of standing parts. Start the knot row as described previously, but reverse direction at the second set. Again, this gives you a “common theme” for the belt of 2L/2R; 1L/2R; 2L/2R and so on. TIP: We’re not (9) SNUG up the trying to strangle Aunt bottom part and Matilda here, so don’t you’ve got the first REEEEELY tighten the of the many, many knots up, just get ‘em nice and snug.) If you knots required to DO over tighten you’ll build the belt. have uneven rows and (10) When sloppy-looking knots. you reach the third set, reverse the direction of the initial loop and you’ll have a symmetrical set of knots. Making the B elt Lo op You’re going to want to put a belt loop on the belt about five or six rows from where you cast onto the buckle... this retains the tongue if you’re wearing pants with only a few loops on them and also is just a nice detail.

(11) Shows the first row of square knots with two facing to port and two facing to starboard. Note how the knots

Usually, ten or eleven knots in a row of whatever material you may be using for the belt will give ample clearance for a second thickness of belt to slip inside it easily. I prefer to have too large a loop as 32 Knotting Matters march 2006 33

opposed to one that you have to fight with to get the tongue into it. In the #24 size line used in these belts, I like to start by using two and four toothpick spacers to create a space for the belt to go through and secure the loop to the belt.

use the two-toothpick spacer, knot, the four-toothpick spacer twice and you’ll basically have a “mirror image” of the other end. Again, the last knot should be snug but not tight. (16) Check for width across the belt... you should have two extra knots (or three in really small material) projecting beyond the edge of the belt to give it an “arch” (14) Starting the loop itself, allow when it’s completed. about four inches of line and put an Time for some fun. Turn the entire belt overhand knot in all four lines, then put over so that you’re now working on the one square knot about an inch from the BACK of the belt. overhand and pull it up snug but not real tight... you’ll need to untie this one later on. Use a four-toothpick spacer and put it on as shown.

You’ll be taking the standing or filler pairs and passing them through the loops formed by the four-toothpick spacers. The loop formed by the two-toothpick spacer will act as a “hinge” to allow the Bring both working lines outboard the loop to fold easily. spacer as shown and make one square (18) This shows one filler pair as it knot behind it, bringing this knot up comes through the top of the spacer loop. TIGHT to the back of the spacer. (15) Cross the next two lines and then tuck it Move the spacer and do another of through so that it comes out just like it these, then use a two-toothpick spacer went in. Do this with all four sets of fillers and make one more square knot. These in all four spacer loops. Once you’ve got should all (except the first) be nice and all four sets of fillers threaded through the tight. spacer loops, you’ll make a square knot Now do a row of ten or eleven knots, below each one to continue the belt fabric one right on the other, all tight, then and lock in the belt loop. 32 Knotting Matters march 2006 33

the lines they cross... don’t go crazy with the “Crazy Glue” and you’ll probably not even see the glue discoloration on the “working” side of the belt.

TIP: Decapitate a toothpick and then cut Bring your knots up a shallow notch in the snug but do not (now flat) end, sort of a very shallow over-tighten... “VEE”.... use this to check to see ‘poke’ lines through tight you have a fairly spaces. straight line of knots when you’ve done all four. While this will be If you wind up with sharp points from hidden by the tongue of the glue, you can take an emery-board the belt, a neat job is a neat job, (DON’T steal your wife or girlfriend’s after all, (nearly done, now.) nail board.... buy one for yourself unless OK Now that you’ve got the knots you want to sing soprano!) and smooth snugged up and you’re ready to go on off the sharper points and rough surfaces. with the belt, you just have that great Works like a dream, but don’t overdo it. lot of line to deal with. Either untie the Belt loop all finished and ready to go. square knot in the loop end or just cut the Continue with the belt. (21) line short as shown. (19)

Trim off these lines carefully, so as not That’s it for the basic belt. Just keep to cut anything else. The real goal here is on knotting in rows; remember to do the to cut the lines so that they almost meet pattern. each other, just as though they were a When you get to the end of however continuous line. long you want the belt to be, knot 4 I get this about one-in-three but usually across, knot 3 across, knot two across and I have a gap... no disaster, that’s why God knot the last centre one for a point. made methacrylate. Put your glue on the Basically you will be making a simple lines where they run across the belt and overhand hitch (half hitch) around a use just enough to secure these lines to “core” line and you’ll note that each set 34 Knotting Matters march 2006 35

front of the work. (23) Second row added

of two hitches forms a clove hitch. A very basic schematic of the hitch as it looks from the front of the work. From this little s k e t c h Once the lines have been trimmed you you can can varnish the back of the belt-tip or use see the methacrylate (SPARINGLY!) on the back parts of of the tip to keep it from coming apart. the half- (24) hitches: t w o h a l f - hitches around a core and the remainder of the line from the hitches is the tailing.

Note: methacrylate, even the “clear” type, as well as varnish and most other glues/finishes will change the colour of the material, so do it only on the back of the tip and then only use just enough to hold it.

CLEANING: Hand-wash in cold water, (A light scrub-brush is just fine but try not to attack the belt too harshly!), rinse in a 10% solution of white vinegar and water and hang out on a line to dry IN THE SHADE! The “lead” comes UNDER the core and around and over the top, then goes behind the core ABOVE the lead and In the next issue, Vince will explain comes out underneath. When you do two how to create a pattern. For the of these in a row you wind up with a clove hitch with the crossing part underneath complete tutorial, visit: the core and the turns showing in the www.frayedknotarts.com march 2006 35 The Application of Knots in an Indian Context Satish Patki

his knot employed by the TIndian farmers for tying the mouths of their cows and bullocks. Both the triangular knots appear to be the same on the obverse side. However the left knot is a three part in the bight (ABOK #1097)and the right knot is a typical Indian knot yet to be found by me in any of the books. The loop on the left hand side and the two ends on Obverse the right go around the neck and are fastened together. The mouth of the goes through the central eye of the knot and the two triangular knots adorn the cheeks.

Reverse 36 Knotting Matters march 2006 37

An Alternative Technique for Tying the Sennit Knot Dick Clements

n their article Knots for Climbers I(Alpine Journal, vol 40, 1928) C E I Wright and J E Magowan introduced a new bend which they called the sennit knot. The bend is an attractively symmetric bend. However, the tying method given in their article, shown also by Geoffrey Budworth in his recent article (KM 88), is, I believe, sufficiently complex and unmemorable as to discourage the use of the sennit knot. This article presents a simpler and more Cross over the two working ends as easily memorable tying method. shown by the full lines in figure 4 - it’s easy to remember which way to cross them because it’s the natural order in which they’ll cross after you twist the righthand loop. Finally tuck the working ends through the two loops parallel to the two standing parts as shown by the dotted Start by forming a whatnot as shown lines in figure 4. You now have the knot in figure 1. Now swap the two working as illustrated in figure 5. ends to obtain the alternative form of the whatnot shown in figure 2. Grasp the two loops, one in either hand, and rotate the righthand loop through 180° anticlockwise by rotating the right wrist towards you so obtaining the form shown in figure 3. 36 Knotting Matters march 2006 37

bend whose working ends naturally fall tidily parallel to the standing parts. The knot is also secure (resistant to loosening under intermittent load and/or vibration). It is relatively easy to cast off even after it has been under great tension - grasp the paired working end and standing part of one cord close to the knot and push Finally, to work the knot tight, grasp firmly back through the end loop formed the paired working ends and standing in the opposite cord. Repeat this with the parts and pull firmly away from each other paired working end and standing other to place the knot under tension. part. The knot will now be sufficiently Now, to complete the tightening, first pull loosened to enable it to be worked slack firmly on the two working ends (this will and untied. deform the bend into a tight ball which is The sennit knot is easily learnt and remembered using the method described. It is an attractive knot which is readily identified and it is also easy to recognise that it has been tied correctly. This bend deserves to be better known and more widely used.

References not the final form of the bend) and finally Budworth, G, The Reever and Sennit take the two standing parts and place the Knots, Knotting Matters 88, 2004, pp4-6 knot under full tension. The knot will Wright, C E I and Magowan, J E, Knots then extend a little to look like figure 6. for Climbers, Alpine Journal, vol 40, The sennit knot is a flat and compact 1928, pp120-141

The Cobbler Should Stick to His Last

he distinguished 20th century geochemist Victor Moritz Goldschmidt was Trumoured to carry a capsule of potassium cyanide, when planning his escape from Nazi Germany, with which to commit suicide if he failed and was captured. When a friend in the engineering department of their academic institution expressed his interest in doing the same, Goldschmidt is said to have replied, ‘Cyanide is for professors of chemistry; but you, my friend, are a professor of mechanics and must carry a rope’.

(from EUREKAS AND EUPHORIAS The Oxford Book of Scientific Anecdotes, by Walter Gratzer, published [2002] by Oxford University Press) 38 Knotting Matters march 2006 39 Ray’s Jib Sheet Knot George Aldridge

t a Waterways event, at which the Knot Tyers were exhibiting, I was Aapproached by Ray Buksh who, explained that he was involved with teaching sailing, also as a Scout leader. He asked if I would be interested in seeing a knot that he had invented, or discovered. My first thought was, oh, not another new knot! But as he demonstrated the knot and explained how it was used as an adjustable jib sheet knot (in place of the rolling hitch), its usefulness is in the fact that it is easily adjusted. It allows the dinghy to be sailed single-handed; I began to see the value of the knot. I have not seen this knot before, although I confess I have not checked all the pages in Ashley. It can be used in the slipped version by tucking a bight instead of the end, and is even being used by Scouts for guy lines, and even as a ‘not-so-safe’ bowline. Has anyone seen this knot before? It is similar to a few knots in Ashley, but not the same. I would be interested in comments from readers. 38 Knotting Matters march 2006 39

Easily adjusted when loose (Fig. 5). Locks when tight- ened (Fig. 6)

As a bowline. As adjustable mooring lines (Fig.s 8 and 9). 40 Knotting Matters

As a , which can be locked.

The knot can be used as a rolling hitch (Figs. 10 and 11). To loosen again, and for undoing, just pull down on the ears.

The knot is extensively used for adjustable guy ropes and tying jib sheets on sailing dinghies. march 2006 41 Ram Head Knots Heinz Prohaska

notting Matters 84 published an One of the variations studied within Karticle on the Hanson patent knot the scope of this development was based [1]. Drawing 12 showed the Hanson bend on a simple fisherman’s knot instead of (fig. 1). The patent was awarded Hanson the double one. in 1987.

Fig. 1 Hanson bend (ram head knot)

The author had the idea in the mid Fig. 3 seventies. The matter was as follows: The Making untied the double ram head double fisherman’s knot doesn’t come knot undone, but it is difficult to make untied after use. The behaviour of the is contrary. The problem was to This variation is identical with the later develop a knot consisting of half a double Hanson bend. It’s a little smaller than the fisherman’s knot and half a Carrick bend double ram head knot, but in smooth and/ in order to connect the advantages of or stiff ropes less safe. both. The best solution was the double As said above, the work was made ram head knot (fig. 2). The simple way of in the mid seventies. The double ram making it untied is explained in Fig. 3. head knot was published in a German mountaineering magazine in 1977 [2]. Sorry, Mr Hanson.

References [1] Anonymous: The Hanson Patent Knot. Knotting Matters No. 84, 9/2004, pp18-21. Fig. 2 [2] Prohaska, Heinz: Wichtige Knoten. Double ram head knot Der Bergsteiger, 4/1977, pp245-246. 42 Knotting Matters march 2006 43 Knot To Be Slipped At Owen K Nuttall

ost bends can be Yet two slip knots The three slip knot Mclassified as safe by joined together face to bends are not easy to pull being recognised or just face can be very secure, into shape. The knots look safe. The crucial test and unlike a lot of bends two and three fall into is whether on tightening is relatively easy to untie. what the late Harry Asher the knot, its capability can To me best bends fall called Broach knots. be assessed. By tying Fig. into four categories Number four shows how 1 it is quite obvious that 1 - Easy to tie the two slip knots are this knot is dangerous as a 2 - Secure when tied joined together more secure bend. 3 - Easy to untie easily than the first two. 4 - Bonus if it looks good When these slip knot bends are pulled up very tightly, they are very secure and can be undone quite easily. I don’t recommend them for serious bends Fig. 1 in rope. To me the three slip knot bends are just an experiment, do not take some knots on face value. Knots are like shape shifters, they can turn into other knots. The late Desmond Manderville was an expert at this type of knot work with his Trambles. Have fun

Fig. 2 42 Knotting Matters march 2006 43

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

The two slip knots interlinked 44 Knotting Matters MARCH 2006 45

by his Hon. Secretary (Derwent ‘Tug’ Shipp) and Hon. Treasurer Branch Lines (Richard Hopkins). An informal exchange of West Yorkshire members are welcome news and views from ast November we Our next meeting is on the members included Lheld a meeting with 19th March 2006,the discussion of a possible a theme of “Mats and theme being “Splices knotting commitment at Macramé” and despite & Stopper Knots”. Any Lulworth Castle in Dorset, the fact that we had enquiries regarding future fund-raising, inadvertently clashed with this meeting, please and our commitment to Remembrance Sunday contact Graham Smith continued involvement in we still had around 01484-846785, or the national affairs of the twenty attending. We are [email protected] Guild (including its silver attracting people from David Pearson jubilee celebrations in even further away as we 2007). had a member visiting An interval for tea or from the Solent Branch. West Country coffee was all the better No names given as he Knotters for cakes and may be a traitor to the ur first meeting of cheesy bits made and Solent or he may have O2006 was held on donated by Christine been sent as a spy. We Saturday 28th January, Haines, after which we had Bill Meakin to give between 1pm and 4.30pm, viewed the exhibition of a talk and demonstration in the Almondsbury Scout members’ decorative knot on interwoven mats, he HQ, just a kilometre or work (notably this time is dry in his humour and two from the M4/M5 from ‘Tug’ and Eddie very willing to explain his junction to the west Maidment). techniques. of Bristol. Seventeen The highlight of the For our macramé we members came from as afternoon, however, was requested a Lancastrian far away as Cornwall, a workshop by Christine to visit (People who South Wales, Wiltshire and Jonathon Haines on know about the War of and the United States of making fancy key fobs. the Roses will know that America (Jim and Cindy Their preparation and this is not done lightly) Wolf, here in the UK planning had resulted Sue Morris is the most courtesy of the US Navy). in a travelling boxed prominent member in Many of us dutifully display board consisting the north who specialises clutched Chinese plafond of prefabricated step by in macramé and gave a knots which we had tied step stages leading to the very well planned and from illustrations in the completed product, all of informative talk. Whilst newsletter notifying us of which could be detached, these meetings started the meeting. handed round and studied out primarily for West A brief business close up. They had also Yorkshire members agenda was smoothly produced an instruction there are a lot of people dispatched by our able booklet, illustrated in attending from outside the yet unassuming Chairman colour, featuring lists area and I reiterate that all (Vernon Hughes), assisted of the requisite knots, 44 Knotting Matters MARCH 2006 45

tools and materials, tying So, one way or another, and well! techniques, as well as it was an enjoyable, Here, in Washington contact details for cordage illuminating and State, just below the 49th supplier KJK Ropeworks worthwhile day out. parallel, it has been a (proprietor: Kevin by our SW England stringer long, dark, wet, winter. KeatleyIGKT). Copies of Yes, I know many IGKT this were sold at the cost members are far closer price of £1.00 each. Pacific Americas to the pole. We are just t is very odd experience far enough North to have Everything needed to administer a branch I very long nights and just was provided, from which is geographically far enough South to be cordage and thimbles to so large, over 3400 miles required to do all the day mandrels (or formers) on from our most northern to day tasks.. only now which the knots would member to our most in the dark and wet. Our be tied. Nothing had southern member. We summer is the season of been overlooked. Several don’t even want to address shows and events and determined souls sat longitude... Mid Pacific public exposure. This down to attempt, with to East Central USA. The last quarter has provided Jonathon’s guidance, distances are so vast that us with no opportunities the actual tying of key I will never meet even to be “out and about”. fobs, while the rest of us half of my membership. Personal triumphs gathered round to observe Yet to subdivide by have been many. New and absorb the techniques. geography would leave us skills, new posting to a membership of “one” Christine and Jonathon the electronic sites, new in many sub branches, also handed round a papers hatched for future not a good idea. Thanks catalogue from the firm publication... good times must therefore go to our of Proops Bro’s Ltd. all... but nothing to post Knot News editor, Joe of Fleckney, Leicester, here. England, which included Schmidbauer, for holding the universal work- us together on paper so I did have a fellow holders (catalogue that every member has member visit my home... numbers H4069 [with a connection with the the first since I joined presentation case], Guild. My thanks also IGKT-PAB about nine H4070 [nylon] and go to Lindsey Philpott years ago. That was quite H4071 [aluminium]) for being the defacto an experience; to have which a number of Guild president in California someone else in my knot members use as jigs for and helping to keep the loft so like minded that tying monkeys’ fists of Southern members active. we could just sit chat various sizes and in large I really could post our about the rope and forget numbers. Vernon, who whole member roster clocks and food. is no mean wood-turner, for “special thanks”, for It is the separation of showed us a prototype although we are far apart geography that makes for a different monkey’s on the face of the earth IGKT and IGKT-PAB so fist jig he has designed to we are linked in the spirit valuable to me. Without sit atop the solid sinnet of knotting. I get E-notes the Guild I’d still think braiding tables produced and snail letters from I were the only person and described by him in many members and can keeping these skills alive! KM65, Winter 1999. say that the branch is alive Roy Chapman 46 Knotting Matters March 2006 47

emerging from the same highlights. On the side of the knot instead next page, click on the Postbag of diagonally opposite collection highlights. The each other as they do in cards are the last item, The views expressed in reader’s letter do not necessarily reflect those of the Council. the reever. Following number 48, so view in The Editor reserves the right to shorten any the lines as they double sixes, not singly, and go letter as necessary. back at the knot’s ends, to page 8. one of the vice versa’s The museum has not lines crosses over itself unreasonably chosen Any relation? and the other line crosses to show the whole set under itself, while in eorge Russell Shaw of cards, but at the the reever both lines dedicated his book expense of detail. There G cross over. Thus the pull Knots Ornamental & is supposed to be a zoom on both standing parts Useful, first published feature, but mine didn’t is symmetrical for the in 1924 (reprinted 1933 work. However, the whole reever, but not for the vice and 1973), to his brother thing is about hunting versa. Unsurprisingly, the Robert Gould Shaw. Can [i.e. the “dog collars” reever, being symmetric, a KM reader tell me if he are nothing to do with is the better knot. Un-tuck was related to the heroic the clergy]. The “double both ends and it remains 26-year-old Colonel ” are said to be an excellent (double Robert Gould Shaw who tethers. In neither harness) bend. Do the in 1863 led the 54th case could I see any knot same with the vice versa Massachusetts regiment structure. and it falls apart. of volunteer black soldiers Any knot historian in the historic but ill-fated Rudi Petschek who really wants to know charge on Fort Wagner Nevada City, California, USA about this stuff may have where he and many of his to visit New York or ask men met their deaths? We someone to look on their knottologists need all the Suit of Cards behalf. knot lore we can discover. n KM75 [June 2002], Robin Gray Geoffrey Budworth IRichard Hopkins Ascot, Berkshire, UK Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK mentioned a 15th Century pack of playing cards, the suit symbols for which Hammock Edges were “horns, dog collars, am hoping you can help Reever and Sennit double nooses and ropes”. Ime. I am trying to make n The Reever and He hadn’t been able to a Mayan style hammock. ISennit Knots (KM-88, find an illustration. I I kind of have the sprang p.4) Geoffrey Budworth recently did so. These weave figured out, but states that “The Reever cards are on display in the hammock sides are knot is obviously the Metropolitan Museum eluding me. identical with the Vice of Art in New York and I need to join three Versa devised by the late there is a picture on their lines in such a way that Harry Asher.” In fact, the website. To find it open they will take strain vice versa has one of its www.metmuseum.org/ perpendicular to the lines standing parts and end and enter, then go to and not shift or unravel. reversed, with both ends The Cloisters and view I looked in three knot 46 Knotting Matters March 2006 47

them. Finally though, I managed to obtain it from an equestrian supplier! Alan Hemmings Sherbourne, Dorset, UK

Snelling a Hook was given The books, and on the net, but a tarry substance runs IHandbook of Knots by I am not finding how to off. It is then collected Des Pawson for Christmas do this. in a container. In the In this book is a knot I have tried playing past it was used for that binds a line to a hook, with three lines, just waterproofing boats and and is called “Snelling a to see what I would used for prolonging the Hook” get by doing a 3-way life of ships rigging. Do you or your colleges “repeat” (don’t know It was also used as a have any information on what to call it), and I got mosquito repellant and as the naming of this knot or something that looks an antiseptic (Ray used it its origination. like a Turk’s head, but I for making a hand made As you can tell from don’t think it will take the pair of skis waterproof). my surname I find this perpendicular strain well. If you cannot wait for the very intriguing Can you give me some repeat on TV you will Keith Snelling clues as to what direction find it in Ray Mears latest Via Email or name of knot I should book on Bushcraft. Hope be looking for, or suggest this is of some use to Alan who to ask? Hemmings. The big black circles Owen K Nuttall Knotting Matters are the unknown tying I Huddersfield, W Yorkshire, recently did a display/ seek. Italk in the Ropery Robert Dye at Chatham Dockyard, Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA and one of the guides Stockholm Tar - asked me if I knew who Finally had left a number of Stockholm Tar ong interesting phone Knotting Matters behind tockholm Tar is pure Lcalls and letters have presumably from the Sorganic substance come from members in meeting at Chatham. derived from old pine the UK, Sweden and the They are numbers 35-73 roots. It was shown how USA. Thanks, this shows and were in a plastic bag. it was made in Ray Mears the benefit of being a I will keep them until Bushcraft series on T.V. member of the IGKT. someone claims them (or in the episode on Sweden. The problem now is not after a period of time, try Old pine roots are dug where to get my tar, but to find a good home for up and cooked in a kiln, how. ‘Flamable liquids, them) when the kiln reaches paints, varnishes’ - the Derek Chipperfield 430 degrees centigrade Royal Mail can’t carry Gillingham, Kent, UK 48 Knotting Matters

Midlands Branch 10th April & 10th June, 2006 Knotting Diary The Old Swan (Ma Pardoe’s), Halesowen Road, Halesowen Contact: Bruce Turley GUILD MEETINGS Tel: 0121 453 4124 24th AGM Email: [email protected] 13th May 2006 Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury North West Branch Contact: Alex Carson 19th-20th August 2006 Tel: 01743 356466 Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Nr. Manchester Email: [email protected] Contact: Dave Walker Tel: 01244 682117 Half-Yearly Meeting 14th October 2006 Solent Branch France 11th April 2006 Contact: Graham macLachlan The Traveller’s Rest Inn, Tel: 0033 233 076 704 Newtown, (Nr Wickham, Hants) Email: [email protected] Contact: Gordon Perry Tel: 023 9259 2808 France Email: [email protected] IGKT France AGM 2nd April at 1000 hrs. Surrey Branch Contact : Graham macLachlan 3rd April & 5th June 2006 Tel: 0033 233 076 704 Guildford District Scout Centre, Email: [email protected] Nightingale Road, Guildford Cotact: Peter Goldstone Tel: 01483 763045 BRANCH MEETINGS Email; [email protected] UK East Anglian Branch West Country Knotters 8th April 2006 7th May & 9th July 2006 Museum of East Anglian Life, Almondsbury Scout Hall, Almondsbury, Stowmarket, Suffolk Nr. Bristol Contact: John Halifax Contact: ‘Tug’ Shipp Tel: 01502 519123 Tel: 01275 847438 Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected]

4th Annual East Anglian Meeting 3rd June, 2006 from 10.30am Buffet lunch at 12 noon Non-UK Branches Eaton Cottage, High Street, Alaskan Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LY Every Wednesday evening 6.30-8.00 All Welcome, possibility of camping , Anchorage Senior Center please check. 1300 East 19th Avenue, Alaska Contact: Duncan Bolt Contact: Mike Livingstone Tel: 01485 512508 Tel: 907 929 7888 48 Knotting Matters

Netherlands WoW - Wild over Water 29th April, 27th May, 24th June 2006 24th-25th June 2006 De Hoop, Nr Rotterdam Maritime The Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port, Museum, Rotterdam Cheshire Contact: Jan Hoefnagel Contact: Dave Walker Tel: 078 614 6002 Tel: 01244 682117 Pacific Americas Braunston Historic Boat Show 11th April, 9th May, 13th June 2006 24th-25th June 2006 Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Braunston Marina, Northants San Pedro, California Contact: Colin Grundy Contact: Joe Schmidbauer Tel: 07946841157 Tel: (909) 737 4948 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Saul Canal Festival 30th June - 2nd July 2006 EVENTS Saul, Near Frampton on Severn, UK Gloucestershire Skipton Canal Festival Contact: Ken Nelson 29th April 2006 Tel: 0783 6722198 Contact David Pearson Email: [email protected] Tel: 0113 2572689 Email: [email protected] Non-UK French Knotting Day. Crick Boat Show Saint-Malo, Britanny. Crick Marina, Northants 1st April 2006. 27th - 29th May 2006 Set up in the morning, open to the public Contact: Colin Grundy in the afternoon 1400-1800 hrs. Tel: 07946841157 Mairie annexe de Paramé, Email: [email protected] Place du Prieuré, 35400 SAINT-MALO. Solent Branch Contact : Graham macLachlan 8th - 9th June 2006 Tel: 0033 233 076 704 Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Email: [email protected] Butser Hill, Hampshire German IGKT-Members Meeting Contact: Ken Yalden 30th June - 2nd July 2006 Tel: 02392 259280 Exhibition and Displays of Ropework in Email: [email protected] Kressbronn-Gohren at beautiful Lake Constance, Germany Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival Contact:Peter Willems 17th-18th June 2006 Email. [email protected] Middlewich, Cheshire Contact: Dave Walker Australia - Advance Notice Tel: 01244 682117 9th - 12th February 2007 Australian Wooden Boat Festival Stainforth Canal Festival Hobart, Tasmania 24th June (provisional date) Opportunity for Australian IGKT members Contact David Pearson to meet - visitors welcome Tel: 0113 2572689 Contact: Frank Brown Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]