Page 162 - The New Encyclopedia of Knots

figure 115.1

figure 115.2

First form a Tom Fool’s knot (see page 173) (figure 115.1), and finish it as for the standard sheep
shank by forming a half hitch at each end, turning it and passing it over the bights at the ends of the

Tom Fool’s knot (figure 115.2).

Sheep shank (pinned): although perhaps more decorative, the pinned sheep shank is no stronger than
the basic version.

Start with a sheep shank formed from a Tom Fool’s knot (see page 173), and make further bights at
both ends from the standing parts. Tuck these through the existing end bights of the knot. Pass pins or
marline spikes through these last bights (figure 116), which are secured in position with a lashing.

figure 116

Sheet bend or becket bend: commonly accepted as the knot with which to join two ropes together.
You should remember that when joining two ropes of different sizes the larger rope should provide

the bight with the bends being made in the smaller.

Form a bight in one line, the larger if they are of differing sizes, and pass the other line through the
bight before taking a turn around the neck of the bight and tucking the end under itself, so that it is
trapped by its own standing part (figure 117).