Page 215 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

1133. This page consists of DOUBLE NOOSES, that are used for such

purposes as handcuffing and binding prisoners, and hobbling, sling-

ing, and throwing animals.

The TOM FOOL'S KNOT has long been used and recommended for

handcuffing.

1134. The HANDCUFF KNOT, per se, is, however, a firmer knot, less

apt to spill while being put to work, and consequently to be pre-

ferred to the TOM FOOL'S KNOT. A loop having been adjusted around

each wrist, both ends are pulled on to tighten the knot; finally a

hitch is added to each end around the neck of the loop, close up to

the wrist.

1135. A decorative loop that will prove quite practical in any

place where a DOUBLE Loop is called for.

1136. A DOUBLE NOOSE may serve as a halter with which to lead a

refractory horse. A loop (~1009) or a spliced eye is put in the end

of a halter-length rope. The NECK Loop is held at the horse's throat,

and a SINGLE HITCH is passed around the snout. Although this holds

everything taut it does not choke the animal.

" 34

1137. The SPANISH BOWLINE may be employed as the base for a

DOUBLE NOOSE to be placed around the pasterns of a horse or cow.

This knot will be useful either as a preventive of kicking or an ad-

junct to throwing or slinging. The center of the rope is made fast

to 'l surcingle or sling.

1135

1138. A DOUBLE NOOSE may be evolved from a single bight loop,

starting with the HARNESS Loop. It probably is not so strong as the

knot made with a SPANISH BOWLINE.

1139. A DOUBLE NOOSE based on the MATTHEW WALKER KNOT.

This knot will draw together from three points.

Middle a short line and, holding it in hand with the two ends

uppermost, tie a TWO-STRAND MATTHEW WALKER KNOT, but with

this difference: in the last movement, instead of sticking the ends up

singly, turn them back along themselves and stick up a bight from

each instead.

There are many knots included here for which there appears to

be little present use. But the practicality or impracticality of a knot

can be too much stressed. History teaches us that sooner or later a

purpose is discovered for everything that exists. Old knots long out

of use have a way of coming back into this workaday world with

renewed vigor and usefulness.

1136

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