Joins two ropes using interlocking overhand knots.
Ashley Bend
Joins two ropes using interlocking overhand knots.
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Form a bight in each rope. Interlock the two bights. Pass each end over itself, under both ropes, and then up through the middle staying close to its own standing end. Tightening naturally rotates each end around the other to finish adjacent to the other standing end - as shown in the side view.
Uses: The Ashley Bend is the name now given to a knot described by Ashley merely by number (ABOK # 1452). It is one in a family of knots based on interlocking overhand knots. It is used to join two ropes of roughly similar size. Testing by Ashley indicated that it was a reliable knot with very little tendency to slip. It can be hard to untie after being heavily loaded.
Warning: For the Animation, the ends were left short. For critical loads, e.g., when Climbing, the ends must be left much longer.
Similar Knots:
The Ashley Bend is remarkably similar to several other bends including the
Zeppelin, the
Hunter’s, and the
Alpine Butterfly Bend.
Essentially these knots employ interlocking overhand knots with the ends threaded through or across the middle. David M. Delaney tested these bends and the Carrick Bend for their tendency to jam. He heavily loaded the knots tied in 1/16 inch braided nylon. Tied the way he employed for the testing, the Ashley Bend and the Hunter’s consistently jammed tight and would have had to be cut to release them. The Alpine Butterfly Bend, the Zeppelin, and the Carrick could all be untied easily using fingers and fingernails.
Tying it: The arrangement of the interlocking loops and the path of the ends through the center are critical. To minimize the risk of jamming, the ends of the Ashley Bend should be arranged as shown and observed during tightening to ensure that they rotate to remain adjacent to the other standing end.
Choice: The similarity to other bends employing interlocking overhand knots invites confusion – and mistakes. We recommend the Zeppelin because it resists jamming and the Alpine Butterfly Bend because, uniquely, it is tied easily by wrapping the rope round the hand. The Ashley Bend tends to jam and offers no unique advantage to justify its use.
Knitting: The very feature which is a disadvantage in rope, is highly desirable when knitting. Both the Ashley Bend and the Hunter’s make excellent knots for joining two ends when knitting. The last thing you wish to see is your product unraveling.
