knotology (Very pic heavy)

[Resolute]

I've really enjoyed reading this article, and I've learned a lot. I'll have to dig up my various lines and see what I can come up with.

To keep this on topic, if there was one knot book you would recommend getting, which one would it be and why?

[Lenny]

I've really enjoyed reading this article, and I've learned a lot. I'll have to dig up my various lines and see what I can come up with.

To keep this on topic, if there was one knot book you would recommend getting, which one would it be and why?

It seems like there is ALWAYS some kind of discount book on knots at Barnes & Noble or other big book chain. Every couple of months I'll see a "how to" picture book for $5.99. I'd start there. Also now there are tons of great tutorials on line for knots. Hope that helps. Lenny

[ninja-elbow]

Ashley Book of Knots http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780385040259-0

It's kind of "the main book" or Bible of knotology really. I feel like a wannabe because I 'aint got one. Should remedy that soon.

As Lenny said though, hit them chain bookstores and there is always some kind of knot book on sale for $4.99. Start with that and find out what you really need to know and go from there. Ashley's has almost everything in it.

In my library I have a book on decorative knots and a book on common useful knots. I need more obviously.

[Squirrley]

I'm in the same boat as ninja, in that I feel like a poser cause I don't have the Ashley book

I do have this book which I love, and its been the best so far for me. Doesn't have any fancy stuff in it really, but for basic knots its got all the ones you'll need and it very clearly illustrated and written. I have been able to tie every single knot in it on the first try. It would be my recommendation.

Checking the bookstore for a cheap one is a good idea, just make sure you sit down and read through a couple of the knots in it before you buy it. Most books are good, with understandable written directions and illustrations; but I've come across a couple that were written by a monkey that had mad ADHD, while it was tripping on somethin.

Also, don't forget google - there's plenty of sites out there, and a couple of them are even really decent with animations and all, like this one. Don't forget the ZSS feed, either!

[AmirMortal]

+1 to everything in the last three posts.

I too recommend getting one of the cheaper, smaller books to start out with. I have purchased several at random interval and at random places. One of the cheaper ones I have still (I always seem to give them away) is "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework". It's a pretty good book and it was under $10, has large, clear pictures, and moderate descriptions. I think I got it from B&N.

I own the Ashley Book of Knots, and it is pretty definitive. Copy written in 1944 this book is still very much pertinent. "Over 7300 illustrations of over 3900 knots". I have to admit that for a novice this may be a daunting book, as in where the hell do I start? This is why I recommend the cheaper book, partly because it allows one to attain the basics first.

Another book that I consider to be in the same tier as Ashley's is "The Marlinespike Sailor". This too may be a bit over the beginner's comfort level.

Both of these texts have a plethora of beautifully, and sometimes funny, hand drawn illustrations.

[Lenny]

*%@#!*&^#*&# splicing!!!! I made an attempt to do a splice on 1 1/2 and !&$*#$ it all up. It has been a year and half since I last spliced and I hate it it! I am a lousy "Boats".....I am demoating my self back down to Seaman Recruit, I hate splicing.....!&$#$&^%#$$!!*Mother^%$#^@@!

[AmirMortal]

*%@#!*&^#*&# splicing!!!! I made an attempt to do a splice on 1 1/2 and !&$*#$ it all up. It has been a year and half since I last spliced and I hate it it! I am a lousy "Boats".....I am demoating my self back down to Seaman Recruit, I hate splicing.....!&$#$&^%#$$!!*Mother^%$#^@@!

That pretty well summed up my feelings about spicing! I've gotten moderately good at it a few times, and always let it go again.

[Squirrley]

3 strand or braided? I can get most 3 strand stuff to cooperate after a while, but haven't even thought about trying any braided, or rope-to-wire, or anythin like that.

[Lenny]

3 strand or braided? I can get most 3 strand stuff to cooperate after a while, but haven't even thought about trying any braided, or rope-to-wire, or anythin like that.

Dbl Braided Nylon.Grghh

[ninja-elbow]

Screw all that double braided, sheathed nylon crap!

3 strand natural fiber for life.

[AmirMortal]

Screw all that double braided, sheathed nylon crap!

3 strand natural fiber for life.

I've had many-a-mile of "hemp" splinters in my hands, I'll take synthetic please! Although certain grades of Nylon will do the same thing, overall synthetics are much stronger, have a longer service life, and don't trash my hands as much.

Enjoy yer 3-strand braid natural fiber.

[AmirMortal]

BTW: Everyone please feel free to post pics or links of your various projects.

[AmirMortal]

So a few years ago I was on my way home, when a friend/neighbor ambushed me with a camera and a rope saying "Your going to be the subject of a project for my class. I have to make an instructional video." and this was the result. There was no plan, it was improvised, and well it was for a project so forgive the quality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW6E5msVEjo

[Lenny]

So a few years ago I was on my way home, when a friend/neighbor ambushed me with a camera and a rope saying "Your going to be the subject of a project for my class. I have to make an instructional video." and this was the result. There was no plan, and well it was for a project so forgive the quality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW6E5msVEjo

Can I disagree on one thing?

I like to use a slip clove hitch with a lock hitch vs. the half hitches, other than that. Great video!

[AmirMortal]

So a few years ago I was on my way home, when a friend/neighbor ambushed me with a camera and a rope saying "Your going to be the subject of a project for my class. I have to make an instructional video." and this was the result. There was no plan, and well it was for a project so forgive the quality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW6E5msVEjo

Can I disagree on one thing?

I like to use a slip clove hitch with a lock hitch vs. the half hitches, other than that. Great video!

Got a pic or link? I just did a quick search of my brain, and while the slipped part makes sense, the lock hitch is eluding me.

In my line of work, clove with a half hitch or two is the industry standard.

[muscleman_coffeemesto]

Someone needs to post a pic on how to tie a bowline one handed. It's pretty easy actually.

[AmirMortal]

Someone needs to post a pic on how to tie a bowline one handed. It's pretty easy actually.

Here's my own attempt (ignore my girlfriend's comment on her cinematography in the second one):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svaDwfXWZz0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK7HE-z0jLU

Others may do it differently, but that's my way, at least for now.

EDITED: For proper punctuation.
Re-EDITED: My ability to tie that knot has gotten me out of a few different tight spots.

[shrapnel]

Here's my own attempt (ignore my girlfriend's comment on her cinematography in the second one)

Yeah, god, who is that girl, and why is she casting aspersions on your knots?

[AmirMortal]

Ok, after consulting with Lenny, we've put together a few pics. This is a cool knot, it seems pretty secure and is quick-release. While I wouldn't recommend this knot for overhead lifting (because if the quick-release tail were to snag while in motion, loss of your load could occur), I do plan to use this hitch for a few non-critical chores.

So without further ado,
Begin by tying a Slipped Clove Hitch






Thank you Lenny for you awesome contribution. This is exactly why I thought this thread may be useful and it's fun too. Yay, I learned a new knot!

[E]

man i love this thread. Found an pdf version of the ashleys book last night, been playin with a piece of rope (line? lol) for the past couple hours. Great book, it just takes a couple minutes to figure out the pictures sometimes.

[AmirMortal]

man i love this thread. Found an pdf version of the ashleys book last night, been playin with a piece of rope (line? lol) for the past couple hours. Great book, it just takes a couple minutes to figure out the pictures sometimes.

Practicing with a small bit of line is a great way to pass time while building muscle memory. Just for fun sometimes I practice tying knots in the dark, or behind my back, or at awkward angles and backwards, also with my weak hand. *Yep, I'm a dork*

You've got a great text there, practice, practice, practice! some of the chapters are fun. I like that there's a whole chapter devoted to parlor tricks!

Have fun,
-Amir

[Tetra Grammaton Cleric]

Awesome thread.

I love how in the youtube video from a few years ago you manage to put together 4 mins of matierial on the fly. You can tell you're in the biz.

Only a member of the roadcrew can improv during a mic-check 5 mins of stand up that's funnier than the actual talent has to offer even when the talent has a writing team of twelve and two months of rehearsal to get it together.

Seen it a thousand times my man. We are the road crew.
-

[AmirMortal]

I love how in the youtube video from a few years ago you manage to put together 4 mins of matierial on the fly.

My friend, you have no idea. If I had a proper video camera and an accomplice, I could easily crank out at least a couple of hours worth, and keep it moving. Like I said, I'm a dork.

ETA: That youtube vid started out as like 15 min, my buddy edited it waaay down. I think the project was supposed to be 2 min.

[ninja-elbow]

man i love this thread. Found an pdf version of the ashleys book last night, been playin with a piece of rope (line? lol) for the past couple hours. Great book, it just takes a couple minutes to figure out the pictures sometimes.

Practicing with a small bit of line is a great way to pass time while building muscle memory. Just for fun sometimes I practice tying knots in the dark, or behind my back, or at awkward angles and backwards, also with my weak hand. *Yep, I'm a dork*

You've got a great text there, practice, practice, practice! some of the chapters are fun. I like that there's a whole chapter devoted to parlor tricks!

Have fun,
-Amir

I usually practice fundamental knots on Sunday mornings while I get some reading in and have coffee and before I head over to the comic shop.

ETA: ...and I'm still working on putting together a tutorial on eye-splicing or long-splicing some 3 strand. Been a bit of busy chaos over here on my end lately.