simplifying knots

DOC-CANADA said:
You mentioned a rescue operation. How about self-rescue? Scenario - you dumped your canoe upstream of a bad rapids. Your buddy throws you a rope, but it's hard to hang onto because the water makes it slippery. So you do a one-handed bowline around your body. You have to grasp the rope above the knot with one hand, and tie the knot (below where you're holding on) with the other.
Doc
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Great point, Doc.

I don't do much sailing, but I've spent plenty of time in canoes. Logically, I know I could tie a fixed loop, but flailing to grab a rope in a strong current while keeping head above water, that could get pretty dicey.
 
Watchful said:
I don't disagree, but I'm not sure your definition of "all" matches others' here.

I can think of one thing a Prussik can do that none of these four can! ;)
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I have seen arborist and have used a taughtline hitch in place of a prusik while positioning in trees, not the best but it can be tied easily with one hand.:)
 
DOC-CANADA said:
I use constrictor knots quite often. One of the problems with constrictors is that they can be very difficult to untie. I find that if I put a toggle (stick) under the knot it makes it much easier to untie, without reducing the usefulness of the knot. (in the picture, it's a stick pen) Pulling out the toggle, loosens the knot.

toggledsingleconstrictor.jpg


Doc
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That's why I love it so much because once it's in place shes not going anywhere. The stick would help to release the knot for sure also just tie it loosely snug.
 
shadowknight said:
I have seen arborist and have used a taughtline hitch in place of a prusik while positioning in trees, not the best but it can be tied easily with one hand.:)
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The blakes hitch is a far better replacement for the taut-line hitch. It will not feed line from the tag end of the knot, plus it wont jam up like a taut-line will when you've had you weight on it for a while. The blakes and the T L are used with the same diameter climbing line whereas the prusik works best when it is tied in smaller diameter cordage than the host line. The prusik has the advantage of being able to be used (loaded) in either direction. They are ALL friction hitches capable of (grabbing) a host line in a climbing situation or when you need to secure a attachment point.
 
adamajc said:
The blakes hitch is a far better replacement for the taut-line hitch. It will not feed line from the tag end of the knot, plus it wont jam up like a taut-line will when you've had you weight on it for a while. The blakes and the T L are used with the same diameter climbing line whereas the prusik works best when it is tied in smaller diameter cordage than the host line. The prusik has the advantage of being able to be used (loaded) in either direction. They are ALL friction hitches capable of (grabbing) a host line in a climbing situation or when you need to secure a attachment point.
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How about a diagram, picture, link?

Doc
 
adamajc said:
The blakes hitch is a far better replacement for the taut-line hitch. It will not feed line from the tag end of the knot, plus it wont jam up like a taut-line will when you've had you weight on it for a while. The blakes and the T L are used with the same diameter climbing line whereas the prusik works best when it is tied in smaller diameter cordage than the host line. The prusik has the advantage of being able to be used (loaded) in either direction. They are ALL friction hitches capable of (grabbing) a host line in a climbing situation or when you need to secure a attachment point.
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:thumbup:I agree< My climbing rig(split tail) is set to go(for emergency/storm hazards) with a blakes speed hitch.
 
The blakes hitch is most commonly used by tree climbers. The other end would go to your saddle and be anchored via splice as in a split tail or by being the end of the main line itself. As soon as I can post pics I'll get some up. The blakes will replace the taut-line elsewhere too such as a tent guy line tightening knot. Anywhere you would want to tighten a line and keep it tight.
In climbing the blakes works best being the same diameter as the host line. If you tie it in much smaller cordage like a prusik it will bind up more.
 
I came across another version of a jug knot. Although maybe not quite as secure as the previously posted one, it is interesting and maybe easier to remember for those that are knot knot-junkies. :rolleyes: I modified the diagram a bit to hopefully make it more clear.

Bottleknot.jpg


Doc
 
I'm knot:D the most experience with knots and I've been copying all of Doc's pictures for reference. I went out this past weekend and practiced using several different knots putting up a new rain fly. I'm in the Army and I like things simple-stupid:D. I like and use the Pro Knot Card, which is laminated and really a decent reference for the knots they present. I really want to build my own set of "cards" and have them laminated. I'm fumbling through most of my favorite knots and trying to see what is easiest and most useful for me. Knot tying is definately a perishable skill and as Jake mentioned, I too carry a section of 550 cord to practice if I have some down time.

ROCK6
 
I have always had trouble with knots more complicated than a half hitch :confused:

I have a book, and I have a bag full of lengths of different diameter cord. I practice a lot, but still have problems remembering the hard ones.
 
I just taught myself a few of the basic knots for camping in the last few months watching youtube. So far I have the bowline, spanish bowline, figure eight, round-turn and two half hitches, taught line hitch, prussik and a few useful binders.
 
Pritch said:
Thanks, John. One of my resolutions this year is to recapture essential knot skills that have faded, and to keep current on them so as to not lose them again.

(You can copy and paste that, Doc - and call me on it next January!) :D
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Well, Mr. Pritch?

Doc
 
i find i use a canadian jam knot quite often... great for sinching up, bedrolls, sleeping bags, and most anything else...
 
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