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Cepheus
Balance




Registered: 04/19/06
Posts: 8,266
Loc: the space between reality...
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Knots
#13238031 - 09/23/10 08:16 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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I want to learn some useful knots that are simple, strong and easy to remember. I don't really know what to look for though.. any suggestions?
In particular I'm looking for a decent slip knot type knot which tightens under tension such that it can be used like a winch, like those used to strap down cargo onto lorries.
But basically, any knot that would come in useful during a survival / bushcraft situation would be great .
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest



Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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I used to be a wilderness survival instructor. Mose useful knots I've used are all based on the basic slip knot. I recommend the following though.
Use and understand the "Half Hitch" "Truckers Hitch" "Bowline" "Sheet Bend" "Square Knot"
I've never really needed anything other than that handful. They will cover everything from shelter construction, and friction fires. And work well for tying down a load on a pickup too. Never really had a use for any others.
Note that the Half hitch will lock up the loop on a slip knot, thus allowing the use as a truckers hitch. And the sheet bend and the bowline are essentially different applications of the same knot. Theres a trick to using a slip knot to VERY easily tie a bowline, without having to remember some "The rabbit goes around the tree" bullshit. Cant explain it now because I have to go to work.
Hope that helped.
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yutaka

Registered: 06/12/10
Posts: 544
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There are so many knots you should have in your repertoire of outdoor skills.
Off the top of my head you should know:
Square knot, round turn and two half hitches, bowline, double and triple bowline, overhand knot, figure eight knot, strangle knot (clove hitch), vice versa bend, sheet bend, double sheet bend, timber hitch, highwayman's hitch (thief's knot... used for quick releases), half blood knot (for tying lures and hooks), mooring hitch.. for mooring boats, sheep shank, some lashings for poles, trucker's hitch, and taut-line hitch.. this is the one you would use to stake your tent.
Checkout or buy "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework" ISBN: 0-681-60694-0 or a boy scout book handbook and some rope then get to tying.
Any particular knot you're interested in?
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yutaka

Registered: 06/12/10
Posts: 544
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest



Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: Knots [Re: yutaka]
#13239360 - 09/24/10 04:18 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'll disagree. In the 6 years I was a wilderness survival instructor, I learned a lot of knots. But those 5 knots I listed above, properly applied will solve or serve well for damn near anything you come across.
Heres a link to a video, it shows how I tie a bowline. I didn't make the vid, but the method is identical.
Notice that it starts out as a slip knot, with the working end being the side that slips.
Here-
Thats a basic truckers hitch. You can use a half hitch applied from the end of the knot that slips to "Lock" that loop in place and prevent it from changing sizes or slipping.
Im sure the others are out there. Biggest thing about bushcraft is to learn as much as you can, then dumb it down to the bare minimums. "The more you know, the less you need."
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4runner



Registered: 07/16/10
Posts: 15,413
Loc: State of Jefferson
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Re: Knots [Re: yutaka]
#13250873 - 09/26/10 07:51 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
yutaka said: Also this: http://www.animatedknots.com/
Great link, I used to have that one saved... maybe I do? I do know.
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,128
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 6 days, 23 hours
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I learned tons of knots in my scouting days. I still use a small handful of them to take care of almost all applications. I know sometimes there is a simpler or easier or maybe even fancier way to do the job, but I remember enough to accomplish any task.
But is it wrong that the one knot I'll never use is one I never forgot how to tie...a proper Hangman's Noose.
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
Posts: 42,395
Loc: Colorado
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Quote:
Cepheus said:
In particular I'm looking for a decent slip knot type knot which tightens under tension such that it can be used like a winch, like those used to strap down cargo onto lorries.
Bowline might do what you want, or timber hitch. Or maybe prusik knots. But really it won't ratchet like a crank. Get with some boy scouts, then hang out with rockclimbers for a while.
Bowline and variants timber hitch clove hitch half hitch tautline hitch square knot figure 8 / rewoven 8 grapevine That's most of them. The biggies anyway.
And then there's splices. You need to learn splices too.
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