Expert Tuesday (Tying Knots) by Dwight Myers
Knots are knot the answer to all of life’s problems, but many of them. For that reason everyone needs to take the time to learn a few knots. These will be helpful in a variety of situations. Whether you are a fisherman, or working on the farm, or trying to figure out someone’s personality; you need to know your knots.
(On that last note: When I was dating my wife I tied her to a tree, when I was playing Cowboys and Indians with her little brother. If you ever tie your prospective mate to a tree (and then leave them), you will indeed find out what they are really like. You will also make good use of your knot tying skills).
Tying knots in fact is an art! The methods of tying knots have been passed on from generation to generation. This is no different for me. Today I'll show you how to tie the "Truckers Knot" which my father always used, and which I could never figure out. However, now that I have, I use it regularly. It’s good for cinching things down. (You know like the load of hay you need to get in the barn before it rains). So go get some rope and try it! …its knot hard.
The Trucker Knot
1) Make a loop
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2) Pull the bottom loop over the top
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3) Twist it
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4) Pull the rope through the loop
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5) Make a final loop
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6) Pull the end of the rope through and pull tight
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And there you have it one of the most useful knots you'll ever learn to use! (The beauty is it is so easy to get out once you are done.)
Also, go buy yourself a good book.
Comments
This was good reading indeed. I have some friends that are getting married and we are trying to plan something special the night before the wedding. Its ironic, because so far the only plan is to take them deep into the woods, tie them to trees facing each other... then leave them there awhile so they can have some alone time. (afterall, people tied to trees don't need chaperones)... anyways, I checked and I can get that book at the library here. Thanx! (and melanie, if you read this... don't worry, I'm not talking about you ;)
Posted by: emily | December 14, 2004 02:19 PM
Very nice bit on the usfulness of different knots. Most people don't realize just how much a knot can weaken a rope, string or fishing line. I like giving someone a piece of fishing line and having them try to break it, then tie a knot in it and it's quite easy to pull it in two. KNowing the strength of a rope is important easpecially when using it for something like tying someone to a tree. (Don't worry Melanie, I'm not talking about you either;)
Posted by: Jason | December 14, 2004 03:45 PM
Excellent, though I think I missed something on that trucker knot. Belive it or knot, (hah!!) I tie knots at work from time to time, and its true you can tell a hard working person from a lazy person by his knot. A hard working person knows how to tie a good knot, one that will hold, and well a lazy person often just does the granny knot over and over till the ropes a jumbled mess. Thanks Brother Myers for at least helping seem to be a hard working guy!
Oh, and I'll be sure to tie my prospective mate to a tree.
Posted by: What, You're Expecting My Name Here? | December 14, 2004 05:17 PM