Makes a very secure loop in the end of a piece of rope
Poacher’s Knot
Makes a very secure loop in the end of a piece of rope

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History: The Poacher’s Knot (ABOK # 409, p 65.) is described by Ashley as made of horsehair and used to trap Woodcock or Partridge. It is hard to imagine using either the material or the technique today. However, Selden describes using the knot as a Halyard Knot on page 16 of their HINTS AND ADVICE on rigging and tuning of your Seldén mast. When used in this way it will almost certainly have to be cut off – untying it will be impractical.
Names: The Poacher’s Knot is also known as a Strangle Snare and a Double Overhand Noose – because the knot tied round the standing end is known as a Strangle Knot (ABOK # 1239, p 224.) and as a Double Overhand Knot.
Tying it: The technique used in the Poacher’s Knot animation creates a Double Overhand Knot around the standing end. A common mistake when learning is failing to complete the second turn, making only a single Overhand knot which is not secure.
High Modulus Ropes: The Poacher’s Knot is one of the few knots suitable for use with new ropes such as Dyneema and Spectra. Bowlines and other familiar loop knots may not be secure with these slippery high modulus ropes and may pull undone, e.g., at loads as low as 15 – 20% of the rope’s breaking strain.
Stronger Alternative: Ashley also describes the Scaffold Knot (ABOK # 1120, p 204) which is a similar knot with an extra turn, sometimes called a Triple Overhand Noose. Occasionally, people refer to the Poacher’s as a Double, or Two-Turn, Scaffold. The Scaffold Knot is probably even less likely to slip with Dyneema and Spectra.