Page 222 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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SPECIAL-PURPOSE KNOTS

floats, be fireproof, small, clear, conduct or not conduct electricity,
or have other properties, all of which require different knots. The
traditional knots used in many activities have changed over the
years to match a change in the cordage used, such as the replace-
ment of natural fiber ropes with more slippery synthetics.

By Activity or Pursuit

Many activities are specialized in both application and in the
material of cordage used, which results in a large number of
knots being associated with them. Some pursuits, like fishing or
mountain climbing, have whole books published just on knots for
these fields.

Go Fishing
Fishing is a pursuit that has a particularly rich assortment of
knots associated with it. Many of the knots are similar in style
because of their suitability for the small and slippery monofilament
they are tied in, and many are varied because of the need for dif-
ferent kinds of attachments, that is, terminal tackle. Fishermen often
consult fishing-knot books and other publications to learn new
fishing knots. It also helps to consult printed materials from the
manufacturers of newer fishing lines to get advice on what knots
work best with the new lines.

FACT

Some knots retain their names from the application or
profession they were used for, even though that particular use
is no longer common. The Packer’s Knot was originally a type
of Butcher’s Knot, even though butchers use tape now. And
many knots keep their name from their use on square-rigged
sailing vessels, such as the Bowline and the Buntline Hitch.

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