The "Twisty Pinch" Method
Until now, no suitable method for tying the Bend version of the ABK had been found. Documented methods for tying the AB EyeKnot were pressed into service, but failed due to their awkwardness and time consuming nature.
Although related in appearance to the well known "Twirly Flop" method, the Twisty Pinch method differs significantly in it's Choreography* (i.e. how the tying steps are executed by the hands). The benefits are improved control and easier handling of the cordage. Props such as tables aren't needed or wanted.
It will be self-evident that the Twisty Pinch method can be used to tie the AB EyeKnot with equal ease. Only the Bend version for R.Handedness will be described.
A Youtube video has been created to further aid in the understanding of this method.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ZJJAowdEcTying Instructions
Step#1} Pair two cords (with Ends pointing away from you) and pinch them between the thumb and fingers of your L.hand about 6 inches back from the RopeEnds.
Step#2} With your R.hand only twist the Standing Lines together two times in a counter-clockwise direction, forming two "X"CrossingParts. The lines may be twisted in either direction, but counter-clockwise is preferred for R.handed tyers.
Step#3} Slip your R.hand between and through the Standing Lines from below the Twisty Segment (don't add or lose any twists), and grab the RopeEnds from behind your L.hand.
Step#4} Place your L.thumb down into the Opening inside the Twisty Segment. Put your L.forefinger down into the adjacent Opening toward the RopeEnds and gently pinch your fingertips together to contain the "X"CrossingPart.
Step#5} With your R.hand bring (or pull) the RopeEnds back through the Standing Lines. You will see two linked paired Loops forming in your L.Hand.
Step#6} Turn(rotate) your L.Hand into the paired Loops and receive the RopeEnds from your R.Hand.
Step#7} Pull the Loops down over the RopeEnds with the R.thumb, then pull the RopeEnds away from the StandingLines.
Step#8} Dress and set the knot.
Note: Each step in the tying process should flow into the next. Most of the steps overlap which increases the tying efficiency.
The Alpine Butterfly Knot can present itself in three distinct forms, or variants, depending on the orientation of the paired Strands** [i.e. in which direction they are twisted(or not) within the knot. The orientations are shared by both Bend and EyeKnot versions:
Variant#1: paired End Strands with Neutral Twist(parallel)
Variant#2: paired End Strands with Positive Twist***
Variant#3: paired End Strands with Negative Twist***
The Twisty Pinch method can be used to tie all variants of the Alpine Butterly easily. By placing three "X"CrossingParts at Step#2 the twisted variants can be formed.
CHALLENGE: Tie the EyeKnot version and see if you can discover how the #3 Variant is formed using the Twisty Pinch Method? (It's very easy and simple, but not necessarily obvious.)
Note: Testing might be considered to determine whether these variations influence the performance of the knot in any meaningful way (eg. ease of untying, strength, security, stability, when tied in materials of different nature) and under both Low Load and High Load conditions.
But wait! There's More! The Twisty Pinch method can be used to discover some new(?) knots with possibly useful properties. Three CrossingParts(Step#2), and placing your thumb and finger into different openings(Step#4), will yield two more unique knots. The knots in the photos below are slightly expanded to better show the cord routing.
Four CrossingParts can render at least three more knots, but the results are probably beyond consideration for practical use.
* the term used by Inkanyezi to eloquently describe the sequencing of hand movements, or gestures, used in tying a knot
** the Strands which exit the knot together as opposed to the Strands that enter the knot from opposite directions
*** related to the total amount of cord torsion in Variant#1
