🚀 go-pugleaf

I agree that there are possible uses for *ANY* knot other than what is 
normally taught.  However, you need to be careful to make sure a knot is
strong enough to do the job, especially if it involves a risk to life or
limb.  In particular, I agree whole-heartedly with the following statement:

In article <KIRAVUO.92Dec21181237@lesti.hut.fi> kiravuo@hila.hut.fi writes:
>
>There is only one thing I am really worried about when teaching
>knots. The improper use of square knot. Every scout book I have
>seen says that the square knot is used for "joining two ropes of
>equal thickness". And this is bunk. The square knot has a
>tendency to unravel, if the knot is disturbed in some way. In
>practice this means that if you join two lines with a square knot
>and use that as a fastening line for your boat, you may
>experience difficulties in finding your boat the next morning. 

Not only that, but it can be very dangerous!  If the two ropes are not
*EXACTLY* the same (in other words, the two ends of the same rope) the
square knot *WILL* slip.  Therefore, about the only purpose it is
specifically suited for is first-aid, where you may tie a bandage on
a victim.  Unfortunately, this not that well known, and because it is
so easy to remember, the square knot has become *THE MOST DANGEROUS KNOT*.

This information is all from a wonderful book I bought a year and a half
ago and used to teach knots to scouts at summer camp.  If any one is
interested, the book is called THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS (or something like
that) and has something like 4000 knots.  I got it for about $45 (US) at
Waldon Books.  I love this book!!!



Weuchsowagan -- Will


Will Turner
ASM Troop 182, Ankeny, Iowa, Mid-Iowa Council
Eagle Scout class of 1987
Vigil Honor member of the Mitigwa Lodge #450, Order of the Arrow
Scoutcraft Director, Camps Mitigwa and Wapello, 1991



-- 
Will Turner,  N0RDV		 --------------------------------
wjturner@iastate.edu		| Whatever the mind can conceive |
twp77@isuvax.iastate.edu	| and believe, it can achieve.   |
TURNERW@vaxld.ameslab.gov	 --------------------------------