Page 28 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

22 THE ULTIMATE book of dEcorATIvE knoTs

This next tool is a pusher, commonly sold with The pricker of which I spoke earlier is
a Samson® double-braid splicing kit. Basically, it is photographed here. It is one of my particular
a stiff wire rod, which can be used to make a small favourites, not only for its shape, but also for the
hole under some previously tightened cords, that weight distribution in my hand, which helps to
is large enough to pass a subsequent cord through. balance the tool when in use, and the helpful tip,
This is not the most used tool in my box, but it’s which slides so easily under cords. You can also use
helpful just the same! a flat-bladed screwdriver as a pricker (you don’t have
The third tool in the list is a pair of very sharp, to buy everything especially for this hobby!).
spring-action scissors, which are sold at fabric
stores and normally used for sewing. These can
be used to cut thin cord very close to the place
where you want it to end. I have found them to be
invaluable for all kinds of cord and they are a staple
of my personal toolbox. The orange clip in the
centre holds the spring-action scissors closed, so
that you won’t cut your fingers accidentally.

The next essential tool is a pair of shears, which
are similar to scissors but typically larger. This
particular pair was made in Germany and has very
sharp blades and a short blade length in comparison
to the handle, for best leverage.

The Swedish fid, or hollow fid, is a vital tool
in my toolbox, useful for any time when I want to
make a hollow space to insert a cord. A word to the
wise: Don’t ever use the tip of this tool as a lever
unless you want a bent tip! For some work you
can use a drinking straw or a pen tube as a hollow
fid. However, note that the hollow fid sold by rope When you have finished your piece you will
companies for splicing hollow braid is not the same have to sew the ends of the cord or glue them out of
thing as this hollow Swedish fid. Their fid actually sight. If you are sewing, these needles are made by
has a closed body and a hollow end. Smith of England and are perfect for those small
jobs requiring a stiff needle that will pass readily
through rope, cord, or sail cloth. The cross-section
of the needles is triangular, so they are not as greatly
impeded by passing through whatever you are
sewing. They are, of course, larger in size than the
regular sewing needles, so they can be used for jobs
requiring a little stiffness and leverage.