Page 259 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

the time it takes to tie a certain six knots in succession with different
ropes for each. The knots are the Square Knot, Sheet Bend,
Sheepshank, Clove Hitch, Round Turn and Two Half Hitches, and
the Bowline. It takes a bit of practice to do these in less than 20
seconds, and in case you were wondering, the best time measured
is 8.1 seconds.
Speed knot tying can involve any combination of knots. For
scouting groups, sometimes the Figure Eight and the Tautline Hitch
are included and the Sheepshank is left out. When lashing is
included in timed games, the goal is usually to complete some
lashed structure, sometimes as a team, and then accomplish a task
with this structure to illustrate its successful and sturdy completion.
This can involve something simple like lashing a tool to the end
of a pole for better reach, or something elaborate like lashing
together furniture.

Testing Skill
Other competitions can be based on skill. One example is com-
paring the strength of fishing knots. Since fishing line can come in
predetermined line strength of just a few pounds, this can easily
be done. Two students can each fasten opposite ends of the same
fishing line to a large paper clip or other object. Then, by each
pulling on one end in a kind of tug-of-war, the weaker knot will
either break or come untied. You might have each person pull on
the end that the other tied, so that when the knot gives way, the
fishing line will fling back at the one who tied it. And, by the way,
you might want a couple of goggles on hand for this. This game
of “knot wars” is also handy for comparing the strength of different
types of fishing knots.

Knotting Projects

There are many kinds of construction projects that are both fun
and educational. The number of crafts that involve knot tying are
limitless, and there are countless books and Web sites devoted to

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