Page 320 - Geoffrey Budworth "The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots"

The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford Warren Ashley, originally published in
the U.S.A. in 1944, is the ultimate and indispensable guide for all dedicated knot

tyers. Nobody can talk for long about knots without mentioning it. Not only is it
the seminal source of knotting know-how, it is also delightful background

browsing, since its 620 pages and 4,000 knot drawings are enlivened by scores
of amusing sketches, for the author was an accomplished marine artist and

professional illustrator. It is unarguably the best knot book in the world and,
despite a generally high price, great value-for-money.

The Encyclopedia of Knots & Fancy Work by Frenchman Raoul Graumont
and American John Hensel pre-dates Ashley by five years. Illustrated throughout

with monochrome photographs— remarkable when first published, but badly
dated—and with a tricky maze of an index, it does not inspire the same affection

as Ashley (even in those who use it a lot). Nevertheless, it too is magnificent,
with 690 pages including 347 full-page photographic plates, and it is the other

major source of vintage knot-work.
The next step for anyone—novice or expert—eager to learn more knotting

must be to consider meeting other knot tyers. To do so, contact the International
Guild of Knot Tyers.

The International Guild of Knot Tyers

The Guild was established in 1982 by 27 individuals and now has a membership
exceeding 1,000 in territories from Alaska to Zimbabwe. It is a UK registered

education charity and anyone interested in knots may join.
Guild members are brought together by their common pursuit of knot tying.

In Britain two major weekend meetings are held each year, with talks,
demonstrations and expert tuition freely available, where cordage, rope-working

tools and books are also bought, sold or swapped. In countries and regions where
many Guild members are clustered together, local branches have formed and

these arrange more frequent gatherings and activities.

The worldwide membership keeps in touch via a handbook of members’
names, addresses and other contact details, as well as the quarterly magazine