Page 173 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

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).