Page 255 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

Since knot tying is learned much better as a hands-on
endeavor, you will want to have a variety of ropes and cordage for
the students to practice with. You may want to have different sizes
for the students to use so that they can practice with a smaller size
once they have learned the knot. This is especially true of fishing
knots, where nylon fishing line is springy and has to be held dif-
ferently than other tying materials.

QUESTION?

What is a safe way to cut lengths of rope?
As an alternative to using a knife, surgical scissors are useful
for cutting cordage. Tape is a fast way of securing ends from
unraveling—a frayed end complicates the learning process of
knot tying. For best results, tape the rope first, then cut in the
middle of the tape, leaving two taped ends. If you have cut
many lengths for the class, you could have the students
secure the ends by teaching them how to put on whippings
with string.

Here’s a list of additional equipment you might need:

• Wooden dowels for practicing hitches and tying lashings
• Horn cleats for teaching boating knots (cheap plastic horn
cleats are available from boating stores and are easily
attached to a small board for practicing)
• Any other supplies you might need, depending on how the
knots you teach will be used

Teaching Knots in Their Context

Learning the proper crossings to form a knot and the proper way
to snug it down are very important, but are only part of what
should be learned about using knots. Seeing and using knots in
the manner that they will be applied is much more helpful in the
overall learning process.

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