Ashley Stopper Knot (Oysterman's) Details
Uses: The Ashley Stopper Knot is the name now commonly given to a knot described by Ashley as the Oysterman's Stopper (ABOK # 526, p 86). It is an excellent bulky stopper knot. Ashley's description is that the knot "...has three rim parts, and these are quite symmetrical when viewed from the underside". This 3-lobed structure can be seen in the final Frame.
Similar Knots:
The Ashley Stopper Knot should be compared to other knots commonly used as stoppers including the
Double Overhand, and the
Figure 8.
In boating, the Figure 8 is particularly common, even though it has a tendency to come undone far too readily. In climbing, the Double Overhand is more widely used - for good reason - it is far less likely to just shake loose. It also forms the basis for tying the Double Fisherman's and the Poacher's or Double Overhand Noose.
Tying it: The knot is satisfyingly easy to tie with a diagram in front of you. It is also surprisingly easy to get it wrong - as I found out the hard way by getting the animation wrong initially. It is a pleasure to acknowledge Dan Lehman and Michael Schuh for making me photograph this knot correctly - thank you both!
Tightening the Knot: Ashley emphasizes that to make a secure stopper, the Half Knot (top right in frames 6 and 7 of the animation) MUST be pulled snug first. Then the tail should be pulled, and finally the standing end.
Advantages: As a bulky, secure, stopper it deserves to be more widely known. It is far less prone to shake loose than the figure 8 knot and is the bulkiest of the simple stoppers.
Order Wear Pads
