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11

Special-Purpose

Knots

JUST LIKE TOOLS IN YOUR TOOLBOX, some knots serve a variety
of applications, and others tend to be associated with specific tasks.
Some activities, like fishing or mountain climbing, have a number
of knots associated with them. This chapter is a brief survey of
special-purpose knots and the activities that make use of them.

For a Special Purpose

There are numerous reasons why particular knots come to be
associated with specific applications or uses. Sometimes the prop-
erties of the knots themselves make them favorites for certain appli-
cations. The shape of an object that the rope is secured to can
result in a particular hitch that will work with that object. Even the
cordage material used can affect the choice of knots.
As you can see throughout this book, different knots have dis-
tinct properties that make them useful for different tasks. Some
knots might be especially secure, while others are good for quick
release. Some might be chosen for their ability to be adjusted after
tying, while others are preferred because they stay locked. Even the
appearance of the finished knot can be important, whether to con-
firm that it is tied correctly, or just for decoration. As a result, some
knots have come to be associated with a particular use just because
they are the best choice for the job.

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