Page 29 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:03 Page 28

34 34 BUNTLINE HITCH
The Buntline Hitch produces a sliding loop that
was originally used to secure the buntlines to the
foot of a sail on square rigged ships. It consists
of an inward-formed Clove Hitch (41) about the
standing part and, because the second Half Hitch
is nipped inside the first when the knot is drawn
tight, it is a very secure hitch – it needed to be to
withstand the flogging of the sail.

35a 35 CATSPAW
The Catspaw is used to hitch a sling to a hook.
It is formed by twisting two loops and then slipping
them onto the hook. Begin by taking a bight of the
sling and folding it down to make two loops as
in 35a. Next twist the two loops outwards (35b)
several times before slipping the hook into place
(35c). The Catspaw cannot jam – it actually
falls apart as soon as the hook is taken away
– and works best with an even pull on the two
standing parts.

35b 35c

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