Page 276 - Geoffrey Budworth "The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots"

MATTHEW WALKER KNOT

Purpose

This is a gathering knot, to hold neatly any two matching strands that enter the
knot together and emerge at the opposite end still together. As such it is a

practical yet ornamental embellishment to any lanyard.

Tying
Begin as shown (figure 1) and tie a half-knot to enclose both standing parts

(figures 2–3). Take each working end in turn across the knot (forward facing one
in front, rear facing one behind) and tuck it through its own loop (figures 3–5).

Tighten gradually, with an even tension on all parts, allowing the two standing
parts to swap sides (figure 6). All Matthew Walkers, of which this is but the

simplest, are essentially an assembly of strands, each of which is tied in an
overhand knot.

Knot lore

Prior to the 20th century this knot seems to have been the only one named after a
person. Nobody knows who Matthew Walker was, although it is often suggested

that he might have been a rigger in one of the British Royal Naval dockyards.
Other knots named after people now include Ashley’s stopper knot, Hunter’s

bend, and Asher’s bottle sling, quite apart from the numerous personalized knots
employed by climbers and anglers.