Buntline Hitch Details
Uses: The Buntline Hitch (ABOK # 1847, p 310) was originally employed to secure the buntlines to the foot of the square sails. Repeated shaking and jerking by a flapping sail tended to tighten this knot - hence its value.
Structure When complete, the finished knot is a clove hitch around the standing end but the clove hitch is inverted when compared to the clove hitch in a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. However, while it is being tied the first part of the knot should not be called a Half Hitch. Up to frame 5 in the animation the rope merely wraps around the standing end.
Advantages: It is more secure than two Half Hitches and very resistant to shaking loose.
Disadvantages: This knot cannot be tied under a load and, after being heavily loaded, it is more liable to jam and be awkward to release than two Half Hitches.
Other Uses: Although it is not obvious, the same knot is widely used for neckties, where it is known as the Four-in-Hand Knot. The difference is merely in the material used and in the alignment of the final part of the knot so that the two ends emerge parallel.
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