The knot is stronger than my memory of it

[weirjb]

So, about 20 years ago while taking a marine safety course one of the instructors showed me a method of tying figure eight knots in a rope to be used to as a climbing rope.
 He coiled a 20 foot length of nylon braid then made some flip or twist to the first couple of coils. Then he passed the standing end through the centre of the coil.  Then holding the standing end he dropped the coil off the balcony the result was that a figure eight knot was formed at a distance equal to the length of the coils.
 I was able to duplicate this knot a few times shortly after being shown but now after 20 years and countless attempts the only result I have is frustration.
 I would greatly appreciate it if anyone knows how this is accomplished.

Cheers John

[SS369]

Hello John and welcome.

I believe that the Ashley Book of Knots (ABoK) has an answer. It is located in the section named "Tricks and Puzzles" Chapter 33.
Attached is a picture borrowed from that book. You must return it when done please. ;-)

SS

[Mrs Glenys Chew]

Hi,


We also have a thread about that very topic:



 http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=1177.msg8087#msg8087


Glenys

[weirjb]

    SS369. Thank you very much. I hope you don't mind if I share it a few times before I return it
 Thank you MRs Chew I will have myself a read

Cheers John   

[SS369]

You are welcome John.
But, please just share the technique learned, not the picture.

SS

[weirjb]

 SS,  I belong to a Fire Department that has a steep and rocky shoreline as part of our district we often go down over embankments and bluffs. This knot will get lots of use when use of the certified rescue ropes is not warranted. One of the "loan" copy of the picture will go in the utility rope bag for a reference. Thanks again  John

[SS369]

Interesting use of the technique John.
What will you all use as a safety?
Just and inquiring mind.

SS

[weirjb]

SS When we are working over a low slope or grade we will place a ladder on the embankment and secure it to a guardrail tree or similar fixed structure. Having a rope with the figure 8 knot serves as a hand hold. This is a vast improvement in safety over a straight rope. 
Once the risk goes past this level our options are limited for now.
 We have a new member who is certified as a climbing instructor and we just purchased several thousand dollars in harnesses, rope and other gear.  Once the weather improves we will add some climbing training to our training schedule.

Cheers John

[Dan_Lehman]

Having a rope with the figure 8 knot serves as a hand hold.

It's worth pointing out that the same technique
is capable of producing overhand knots instead
--one just casts half-hitches as though making
some greatly extended clove hitch.  These might
prove more easily formed.


--dl*
====

[SS369]

SS When we are working over a low slope or grade we will place a ladder on the embankment and secure it to a guardrail tree or similar fixed structure. Having a rope with the figure 8 knot serves as a hand hold. This is a vast improvement in safety over a straight rope. 
Once the risk goes past this level our options are limited for now.
 We have a new member who is certified as a climbing instructor and we just purchased several thousand dollars in harnesses, rope and other gear.  Once the weather improves we will add some climbing training to our training schedule.

Cheers John

Thanks for the reply John. That was what I suspected.
Let us know what knots the certified instructor teaches all of you.

If we can help.....

SS

[weirjb]

Dan Thanks for the suggestion I will play with that one also.

SS.  I'm looking forward to the training evolution now if it would just stop snowing long enough.

Cheers John