Page 87 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

37-032-6-pp001-pp274.qxd 9/1/2010 2:49 PM Page 72

THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

Interlocking Overhand Bends

A type of joining knot worth learning is the Interlocking Overhand
Bend. In this type of knot, the end of each rope forms an
Overhand Knot, and they are intertwined. Out of the many different
joining knots that can be made from Interlocking Overhand Knots,
four are shown in this chapter: Ashley’s Bend, Hunter’s Bend,
Zeppelin Bend, and Butterfly Bend. These are all excellent bends,
each with its own properties and tying methods.
There are two approaches to tying Interlocking Overhand
Knots. One is to tie an Overhand Knot in one end, and then tie
an Overhand in the other end while threading this end through the
first Overhand. The other method is to ignore the fact that the ends
make an Overhand Knot, and just intertwine both ends as needed
to make the knot. This is illustrated for each of these four knots
in this chapter, along with a figure showing the overhand structure
of each.

QUESTION?

How can I tell if I have tied the bend correctly?
Many bends have a distinctive look when they are tightened. You
can also try loosening them to the point where the structure is
spread out a bit, and then comparing it to a diagram. This is
made much easier if the ropes are of different color.

You should try a number of the knots in this chapter before
deciding which ones best serve your needs. Some work better with
smaller or larger cordage, some tie quicker and easier than others,
and some are easier to untie. In some, the running ends lead out
the side of the knot. In others, they lie along the standing parts.
While some will be fun to tie, others may be too cumbersome.
Whatever your preferences, the only way you will find out what you
like is by trying out all these bends.

72