Knots
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[edit] Introduction
[edit] Types of knots
Several types of knots can be distinguished for a variety of purposes. Although in many cases any knot can be used for any specific purpose, these specialised knots have been invented to be able to perform any specific job in the most efficient way (e.g., facilitating untying after a job has been done, ...).
Despite this however, a simplified list of knots can still be presented which keeps a balance between usage for all purposes (stopper knots for permanent fixing, hitches for dragging loads, ...), allowing reasonably good performance (e.g., easy untying, difficulty of laying the knot, ...) and a fair amount of simplification (to avoid needing to learn a great number of them). These simplified knots will still allow you to help yourself out in survival situations and in low-tech construction (e.g. in the developing world).
This list consists of the Double overhand knot, double sheet bend, two half-hitches, slipped constrictor knot, diagonal lashing, and round lashing. A benefit of this simplification is that at times when it is needed the most (urgent, critical situations), one may more easily remember them.
[edit] Types of knots
The list of knots is extensive, but common properties allow for a useful system of categorization. For example, loop knots share the attribute of having some kind of an anchor point constructed on the standing end (such as a loop or overhand knot) into which the working end is easily hitched to using a round turn. An example of this is the bowline.
- Bend knots
- A knot uniting two lines (for knots joining two ends of the same line, see Binding knots or Loop knots (list of bends).
- Binding knots
- A knot that restricts object(s) by making multiple winds (list of binding knots).
- Coil knots
- Knots used to tie up lines for storage (list of coil knots). Another handy coil is here.
- Decorative knots
- A complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns often constructed around and enhancing an object (list of decorative knots).
- Hitch knots
- A knot tied to a post, cable, ring, or spar (list of hitch knots).
- Lashing knots
- A knot used to hold (usually) poles together (list of lashing knots).
- Loop knots
- A knot used to create a closed circle in a line (list of loop knots).
- Braid knots (or plait)
- A number of lines interwoven in a simple regular pattern (list of plait knots).
- Slip knots (or Running)
- A knot tied with a hitch around one of its parts, contrasted. with a loop, which is closed with a bend. A slip knot can be closed, a loop remains the same size (list of slip knots).
- Seizing knots
- A knot used to hold two lines or two parts of the same line together (list of seizing knots).
- Sennit knots
- A number of lines interwoven in a complex pattern (list of sennit knots).
- Rope splicing
- A method of interweaving strands of rope to join sections together. More time consuming but usually stronger than simple knots (list of splices).
- Stopper knots
- A knot tied to hold a line through a hole (list of stopper knots).
- Trick knots
- A knot that is used as part of a magic trick, a joke, or a puzzle (list of trick knots).
- Whipping
- A binding knot used to prevent another line from fraying.
[edit] Additional reading
- Klutz book of knots
- Ashley, Clifford W. The Ashley Book of Knots. Doubleday, Doran & Co. New York, 1944, and Faber & Faber, London, 1947 & 1993 (revised ed.).
- Budworth, Geoffrey. Guide to Knots. Parragon Publishing, Bath, 2005.
- Hopkins, Richard. Knots. Salamander Books, Great Britain, 2003.
- Pawson, Des. Knots & Splices. PRC Publishing, Great Britain, 2001.
- Perry, Gordon. Knots. Grange Books, Great Britain, 2002.
- Warner, Charles. A Fresh Approach to Knotting and Ropework. NSW, Australia, 1992.
