Page 174 - Randy Penn - The Everything Knots Book Step-By-Step Instructions for Tying Any Knot
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                                                     8




                              Knots That Bind















                       WITH A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF BINDING KNOTS, a small rope
                       or stout piece of string becomes a multipurpose tool. Whether for
                       decoration or emergency  repairs, you  will be glad you  learned
                       these basic binding knots.


                       Basic Applications

                       A binding knot can be used to grip and confine a single object.
                       The most common example of a binding knot is the one you use
                       to tie your shoes. Binding knots can also be used to combine and
                       restrict a group of objects, like a bundle of firewood.


                              ESSENTIAL

                          Knots used for binding should generally not be used for
                          something else, such as a bend or hitch. Binding knots like
                          the Reef or Square Knot need to stay flat against a surface,
                          and they lose stability when subjected to the uneven forces
                          that are at play with bends or hitches.


                          Making temporary  repairs is one of the applications where
                       binding knots really show their worth. Using knots that can hold
                       tension on a binding can be especially useful. The tremendous grip



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