Author Topic: My most useful knots  (Read 14633 times)

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Offline Old Philosopher

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My most useful knots
« on: April 14, 2012, 04:15:48 PM »
Someone mentioned this video I made awhile back, so I thought I'd post it up again.
For lack of a better name, I call this the "The Rolling Slippery Double Half Hitch", or as my kids refer to it, "the loopy thingy".

My Dad taught me this method of tying this knot/hitch when I was a boy. It's a very fast and secure knot.
The video starts out showing it tied to a post in normal time. I use this hitch for so many things it's hard to list them. Tarp tie-downs, ridge lines, securing the neck of tote bags, the beginning of pole lashings, fire wood bundles.... It's uses are only limited by your imagination.



I'm going to throw in the Power Cinch knot in this same post. I also use this constantly for tying down loads, the business end of ridge lines, in place of a "taught line hitch" for tent/tarp tie-downs, clothes lines, you name it.  You'll see the rolling half hitches come into play in this second video, also.

Between these two knots, I get 90% of my needs met. I'm a firm believer in "slippery" knots. I've done most of my camping in places where the lines were usually wet.




Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline Kep

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2012, 04:25:39 PM »
good stuff OP, i use similar knots myself, i'll put a linky up in another thread shortly of some of my favourites, the power cinch is a great knot, use it all the time.

Offline Barbarossa Bushman

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2012, 05:56:57 PM »
Great stuff OP I remember watching those before and liked them. I love knots.
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Offline MnSportsman

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2012, 08:15:20 PM »
My ol' man taught me the same knot in the first video, & called it the "Roll over hitch".. or something like that... He was USN (Machinists' Mate" , I think they call it, he wore a propeller as a "badge" on his sleeve, if I remember right) in WWII, on a sub chaser. The Ship he as assigned/had a berth on,  didn't have a name, only a Number. Anyway, I remember this as one of the knots I learned as a young lad.


Thanks for sharing...
:)


PS  I want a pair of trousers like the ones in the videos..
;)


The second video reminds me of how I tie a "Roll over hitch" as the first knot & a Modified truckers' hitch for the second one..
:D


I don't know the names of all the knots I have learned, just like I don't know the names of all the traps & snares I have learned.. & so on with much I have been lucky enough to have been shown..




But I sure like seen what others do different, & also like when I see lke methods, & learn the names being used.
:)


Thnx for showing all of us!!
It was nice of ya!
:thumbsup:
I love being out in the woods!   I like this quote from Mors Kochanski - "The more you know, the less you carry". I believe in the same creed, & think  "Knowledge & honed skills" are the best things to carry with ya when you're out in the wilds. They're the ultimate "ultralight" gear! ;)

Offline wolfy

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2012, 08:35:22 PM »
Mn.....I had to smile and nod when I saw your reference to unknown knot-knames :).    It was not until I saw on www.animatedknots.c om that what's known as the Alpine Butterfly to all the 'bushcrafters', was in fact the same knot that I learned from ol' Dean Beldin, years ago.  He was an old local cat fisherman of legendary repute and taught me to tie that knot in the main throw line to attach the droppers to, when I helped him run his lines.   He's probably  :rofl: in his grave to hear it's now called an Alpine Butterfly 8)
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Offline MnSportsman

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2012, 08:45:14 PM »
Wolfy, I must have been 10 -11 before I realized that after showing me all the knots, regardless if I was lashing down something, or tying a fishing boat to a stanchion or pier, or even my damn shoes...
My ol man just said.."Ty 'em like I showed ya.. The hell with the damn names..."...
;)


He was a classic, my ol man was..
:D

 
I love being out in the woods!   I like this quote from Mors Kochanski - "The more you know, the less you carry". I believe in the same creed, & think  "Knowledge & honed skills" are the best things to carry with ya when you're out in the wilds. They're the ultimate "ultralight" gear! ;)

Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2012, 08:50:11 PM »
Thanks!
Ah, the venerable "trucker's hitch". There are probably as many knots with that name as there are people tying it/them. The Power Cinch is what it is, and all that it is. But there are variations on the drop loop, as Kep showed in his thread. I've seen several things called "trucker's hitch", and just about all start out with a figure 8 knot instead of an overhand drop loop (which pulls right out on command), and then do a bunch of twisty, windy things to supposedly made the tag end more secure.  That "animatedknots.com" site has the best clear example of the most common trucker's hitch.
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline MnSportsman

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2012, 08:56:50 PM »
LOL OP.. Doesn't matter to me what it's called. :D
I'm just happy to know how to do it & when to do it.
;)


You ever watch Grumpy old men Or the movie that came after??
That character played by Burgess Meridith?


That is exactly like my old man.. 'cept my ol man had a Virginia mountain drawl.
I'm sure you get the picture if ya ever see/saw the movies...


My Dad was a character... He was.. & If I'm lyin I'm dyin...
:)


Got me "waxin' nostalgic" now...
Doggonit...













I love being out in the woods!   I like this quote from Mors Kochanski - "The more you know, the less you carry". I believe in the same creed, & think  "Knowledge & honed skills" are the best things to carry with ya when you're out in the wilds. They're the ultimate "ultralight" gear! ;)

Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2012, 09:06:03 PM »
LOL OP.. Doesn't matter to me what it's called. :D
I'm just happy to know how to do it & when to do it.
 ;)


You ever watch Grumpy old men Or the movie that came after??
That character played by Burgess Meridith?


That is exactly like my old man.. 'cept my ol man had a Virginia mountain drawl.
I'm sure you get the picture if ya ever see/saw the movies...


My Dad was a character... He was.. & If I'm lyin I'm dyin...
 :)


Got me "waxin' nostalgic" now...
Doggonit...
My Dad and a sense of humor that even escaped him on occasion.
The most sage piece of advice he ever gave me was when he was showing me how to fix the flat tire on my bicycle. He was using a Crescent wrench, and told me, "Make sure you got a tight fit before you screw it, or you'll round the corners on yer nuts."

That advice was useful more than once in my life......
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline MnSportsman

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2012, 09:13:02 PM »

Quote
"Make sure you got a tight fit before you screw it, or you'll round the corners on yer nuts."
ROFLMAOrofl
I love being out in the woods!   I like this quote from Mors Kochanski - "The more you know, the less you carry". I believe in the same creed, & think  "Knowledge & honed skills" are the best things to carry with ya when you're out in the wilds. They're the ultimate "ultralight" gear! ;)

Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #10 on: April 14, 2012, 09:26:15 PM »

Quote
"Make sure you got a tight fit before you screw it, or you'll round the corners on yer nuts."
ROFLMAOrofl
Might skin yer knuckles, too.
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline Gryphon

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #11 on: April 16, 2012, 08:14:07 AM »
I'll have to learn that first one.  Never seen that before.  It's been quite some time since I've found a new knot to learn too!

The second, yeah, I learned it as the packer's knot or a truckers hitch.  That was actually the last "new" knot I found worth learning...20 years ago!

Good stuff, thanks!!
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Offline t43eagle

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2012, 09:23:04 AM »
Mn.....I had to smile and nod when I saw your reference to unknown knot-knames :).    It was not until I saw on www.animatedknots.c om that what's known as the Alpine Butterfly to all the 'bushcrafters', was in fact the same knot that I learned from ol' Dean Beldin, years ago.  He was an old local cat fisherman of legendary repute and taught me to tie that knot in the main throw line to attach the droppers to, when I helped him run his lines.   He's probably  :rofl: in his grave to hear it's now called an Alpine Butterfly 8)

Wolfy - thanks for the reference to www.animatedknots.c om, had not seen that one before!
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Offline easy_rider75

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2012, 10:17:59 PM »
Good post OP be  honest me never been that good at tying knots only  just  kinda starting to learn them this one will come in handy  for sure
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Offline wolfy

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2012, 10:53:40 PM »
O.P. and I were just discussing this knot a couple of days ago and I never really did know the correct name for it, but I ran on to it on another knot site.   I did not recognize it as being the knot in his video until after I tied it the first time.   Upon examination of it after I tied it I recognized it right away as the one I'd been tying per O.P.'s method......which is WAY easier and faster, BTW.  Anyway, it's correct name is the "SLIPPED BUNTLINE HITCH" and you can Google that name and find out more of its' history and illustrations of it so you know what it's supposed to look like after you tie it.  I pulled up this page for your viewing pleasure.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buntline_hitch
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Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2012, 12:25:10 AM »
O.P. and I were just discussing this knot a couple of days ago and I never really did know the correct name for it, but I ran on to it on another knot site.   I did not recognize it as being the knot in his video until after I tied it the first time.   Upon examination of it after I tied it I recognized it right away as the one I'd been tying per O.P.'s method......which is WAY easier and faster, BTW.  Anyway, it's correct name is the "SLIPPED BUNTLINE HITCH" and you can Google that name and find out more of its' history and illustrations of it so you know what it's supposed to look like after you tie it.  I pulled up this page for your viewing pleasure.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buntline_hitch
Interesting that it was used in marine applications.
My Dad learned this knot in the lumber mills. He taught it to me, and when I started working in the mill, it made for an interesting turn of events.
As a rookie kid, I was put off bearing for a resaw that made fence boards and beveled siding. The boards would come of the saw at anywhere between 8' lengths, and 24' lengths. The siding had to be tied in stacks of 6 pieces (3 boards ripped at an angle), and the fence boards were stacked in packs of 6.  The fence boards were for basket weave fencing, and about 1/2" thick.
The saw spit out wood so fast, it was necessary to have a knot that could be tied in a couple seconds, sometimes 4 times per pack.  We used jute twine, and wore "ring knives" to cut it.  The off-bearers stacked the boards, tied them together and cut the cord in one fluid motion.
When they put me on the saw, it was sort of a joke they pulled on every new guy. Within 5 minutes the poor guy would be buried in un-tied boards and they'd have a good laugh while they taught him how to tie quickly.
When they found out I already had the knot mastered, the joke was on them!

Ring knife:

Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline hushnel

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #16 on: April 26, 2012, 05:04:00 AM »
Cool, I like the way you tie that slipped buntline hitch, I haven't quite picked it up yet, being left handed with a pretty screwed up right arm, but I'll get it. I didn't know the name of the knot, buntline hitch, I learned the knot for attaching the halyard to the mainsail head. It's a great knot, taking all the pressure and being as easy to untie as a bowline, it takes up very little space, getting the sail head right up to the top of the mast.

The other I've used for years also, and have been calling it the truckers hitch.

Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #17 on: April 26, 2012, 09:20:30 AM »
LOL! I've been using both these knots since I was 12. Learned their names within the past year.  :rolleyes:
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline wolfy

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #18 on: April 26, 2012, 07:33:33 PM »
One thing I have learned about teaching knots to Boy Scouts over the years, which just makes sense, if you stop to think about it; position your 'student' behind you, so they can watch over your shoulder.  They can then see how to handle the line like they would be looking at it when they tie it themselves, rather than a 'mirror view' when they stand in front of you.   Does that make sense :-\

Hushnel's post made me think about how difficult it would be for him, being left handed and viewing OP's video from the front, besides!  Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies O:-)
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Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #19 on: April 26, 2012, 09:54:17 PM »
One thing I have learned about teaching knots to Boy Scouts over the years, which just makes sense, if you stop to think about it; position your 'student' behind you, so they can watch over your shoulder.  They can then see how to handle the line like they would be looking at it when they tie it themselves, rather than a 'mirror view' when they stand in front of you.   Does that make sense :-\

Hushnel's post made me think about how difficult it would be for him, being left handed and viewing OP's video from the front, besides!  Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies O:-)
LOL! I just tied "my knot" left handed, for the first time ever, in about 2 seconds. Maybe I need to make an over-the-shoulder video for "lefties". <big grin!>
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline hushnel

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #20 on: April 27, 2012, 03:51:06 AM »
"o) I've been left handed a long time, it's become pretty natural to transpose from the right handed world.  I know the knot, it was the technique of tieing it that I wanted to learn, took about 10 minutes to do it without thinking. But like any new knot, I'll have to practice it a couple times a day for a week or so before it's burned in. I'll always know how to tie the buntline hitch even if this technique slips away from me. But I'll probably be able to tie it long after I forget it's name "o/

Offline Old Philosopher

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #21 on: June 05, 2013, 11:12:14 AM »
Bumped for new members.
Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Try spending 30 seconds in my head. That will freak you right out!!

Offline Frugal Bohemian

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Re: My most useful knots
« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2013, 11:15:29 AM »
Thanks for the bump, OP.  I had been meaning to watch this series again but I kept forgetting!
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