Commonly we might see a written description of a clove as 2 opposing (half) hitches, at least i have over time. On the surface/ front door/guest this can appear to be correct.
But as far as really categorizing and understanding the mechanix under the hood, is not apt IMLHO. i think that we should follow the mechanics of position, direction and forces, to see these things more clearly than that. Though the 2 parts in question are physically the same, the forces conducted thru them are different. The arraingement clsoest to the Standing, is more of a ‘crossed Turn’ to me, becasue the greater tension part is under the lesser tension, so allows some ‘slide’/slip after friction reductions. But, as the force flows from this device to the next (same construction closer to Bitter End), then we have a greater tension part sitting down on top of the lesser tension (after friction reductions of force). This then would be the hitch/trap proper.
As we take this lacing to the next level, and form a Cconstrictor, then we take the Bitter End (end with most force reduction/least amount of tension force) under the immediate pinch of the Standing (tennsion) End (end at fullest force). This gives even more superiour ‘pinch’ of the maximum force trapping the most minimum force; and also holding the Bitter squarely in that trap; while even maintaining an inline force pattern. All in all, giving a more superiour lacing for a lot of things.
Note how Dan’s link to this ‘Bag Knot’ is so similair, but leaves out the final trap/ Hitch of the Clove, but does have the final, squaring trap of the Constrictor on the Bitters. This being the main mechanic (after frictional force reductions along the way to make Bitter End force so much less than the trapping Standing End force); gives about the same strength and security, easier to slip, less moves (less ‘expense’ for same effect).
i think these are the ways that these ‘knots’ work, and that they should be categorized and viewed by those that wish to know them best.
By whose definition of “half hitch”?
Ashley defines this to be a minimal noose or timber hitch, depending on your PoView
or orientation of the end. But for the Clove, what is opposed, esp. if the Clove is taken
qua binder (ends slack after setting), are Single Hitches.
I’m happy though to dispense with old confused nomenclature in bringing in consistent
use of “noose” where applicable–i.e., where all of the knotting is done around “its
own part”, around the knotted rope (regardless of whether the knot is intended to serve
in the traditional noose sense of sliding–though one might try to discriminate cases
in which this is NOT intended with " noose hitch ".
I’ve been merrily thinking of the “single hitch” structure as a half-hitch, and seeing thus
a lot of “half-hitching” in commercial fisher knotting–the paradigm of which might be
the Groundline H. structure employed as a “seizing hitch” (my term), ends coming
into the knot from either side (or being untensioned, as a miller’s / bag knot).
The Clove is much used in ComFishKnotting. In this photo by Bill Prosser (interested in it
for art’s not knotting’s sake, but the interests can be merged (or be in the beholder’s eye!)),
one sees a curious thing: like metal structures are tied to in three places in the course of
securing a single lobster pot (those cages) to the buoy line; but while two are Clove hitches
w/tucked-secured ends, the third–nearest buoy–is an eyeknot, which looks to be a bowline
w/Oh. stopper securing, but in one case maybe a Honda knot!? I wonder why … ?! (for
the Cloves should be as secure, arguably stronger (irrelevant), better re chafe (more so!),
and pretty easily untied (backing out a tuck isn’t difficult, and a tucked end should prevent
the Clove from too tightly binding).
–dl*
ps: Spydey, y’all south’ners climbing them orange trees to send fruit up north?!
–been much missing my Florida navels these past too-soon-after-hurricanes winters!
i totally agree on the hitch, put half in parenthesis cuz i had heard it said like that too. To me, a hitch formation should have the capacity to terminate force flow with that simple perpendicular crossing by reducing the tension in the line, then setting that lessor under the greater tension to ‘seize’ it/ snub out totally. Now if you kinda stretch that formation out (like a half throw on before a Timber to form a Killick) and still have tension after the crossing that has to be ‘snubbed out’; then Half Hitch. Or if the Hitch proper is around the Standing, after a Turn around a host/mount to make it work; then it’s a Half Hitch. Now the 2 lacings seated against each other to form a What Knot, i say Hitches, for they are not around their own Standing Parts, but rather each other’s. Even these simplest terms Hitch and Half Hitch can be elusive to agree on and chase all forms, the way things have been handed down and around!
edit: In short, a Hitch can the essential Nip by itself; other formations need more.
Groundline is in the Constrictor and Bag hitches construction type, but doesn’t have the same inlineness and center/ squared stabilization of the Bitters nor required to take a Turn around the Standing (upgradeable by converting that key Turn to a Round). But, in Groundline the Bitters can more cross under the Standing perpendicularly, in our original Hitch position!
A Noose can offer a difference by trying not to only bend a Standing to deform or weaken/ raise tension, but a Noose can lend back some stabilizing force, to this destabilized area. Especially if more than 1 Turn in the Noose, but more than 1 Turn around the host/mount can take that stabilization away by lessening tension Stabilizing that area and not self adjusting/ slipping around mount to lowest loading angle.
i think correctly naming base modules by their functions / force -structures can help in understanding and describing these things; as well as group them into similarly tied families, strengths, weaknesses etc. Then, seeing them in such families could show different facets/ aspects of the modules, and how they react in combinations etc. As well as seeing clearly what component/ module could be added on to achieve a certain effect etc.