 Blakes Hitch
Traditionally has 4 wraps as per the first picture, the piece that runs across arrowed is called "the bar". As you grip this knot your thumb can open or close the bar to either increase or decrease friction slightly. If it's slipping on you then tighten the bar.
Now I use a 5 wrap Blakes, slips less or less manipulation of the bar required. Some say you tuck the tail at the second wrap and some the third ... my experience shows it doesn't make much difference.
I like the Blakes as you can use same line as your climbing line although I like a different colour as it makes it easier to distinguish what to grab.
The Blakes only works one way. So if you get to the end of your climbing line, re-crotch the tail and want to use the Blakes upside down you are in trouble.
A blakes advances easily enough and is a nice large chunks knot to grab minimising finger burns on descents. |