# Double Dragon vs. Double-tucked Angler
**URL:** https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378
**Category:** General Discussion
**Created:** [18 December 2004 18:47 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378 "2004-12-18T18:47:37Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@mchalkley](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/mchalkley)
#### Post date: [18 December 2004 18:47 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/1 "2004-12-18T18:47:37Z")
What’s the consensus on the Double Dragon loop? Is it really a “new” knot?
Also, I see how it differs from a double-tucked Angler’s loop, but I wonder if it would be stronger, more secure or easier to untie. If you’re comparing it to a normal Angler’s loop, yes, I can see that, but not if it’s tucked twice. In fact, it seems to me that the load is a little better aligned with the standing line with the Angler’s, which should make it stronger. Any thoughts?
Just curious…
P.S. After initially posting this, I found the original references to the Double Dragon here a couple pages back, so never mind as to whether it’s new or not. I’m still interested in the questions about strength and security, though. Maybe even Paul can chime in, since he also mentions the Double-tucked Angler in his original post.
Mark
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [18 December 2004 22:35 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/2 "2004-12-18T22:35:13Z")
> What's the consensus on the Double Dragon loop? Is it really a "new" knot?
>
> Also, I see how it differs from a double-tucked Angler’s loop, but I wonder if it would be stronger, more secure or easier to untie. If you’re comparing it to a normal Angler’s loop, yes, I can see that, but not if it’s tucked twice. In fact, it seems to me that the load is a little better aligned with the standing line with the Angler’s, which should make it stronger. Any thoughts?
>
> Just curious…
>
> P.S. After initially posting this, I found the original references to the Double Dragon here a couple pages back, so never mind as to whether it’s new or not. I’m still interested in the questions about strength and security, though. Maybe even Paul can chime in, since he also mentions the Double-tucked Angler in his original post.
>
> Mark
An angler’s loop, even one in which the final tuck is repeated, is unsuitable for most ropework as it tends to jam.
The double dragon, used as an end loop tends not to jam as I recall, but it does have a significant practical drawback. Its method of tying is that of an “on the bight” loop, in that you wouldn’t (easily) be able to tie the loop around or through an object before closing the loop. However, you cannot use it on the bight since the loop will jam when the parent line is under tension.
In other words, it’s strictly an end loop that doesn’t have an easy way of tying like an end loop.
---
### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [18 December 2004 23:37 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/3 "2004-12-18T23:37:47Z")
> An angler's loop, even one in which the final tuck is repeated, is unsuitable for most ropework as it tends to jam.
YMMV with material and setting, and use/load, re jamming. And what is "most ropework"? I see lots of Overhand loopknots used, among other knots that aren't expected to be untied, really.
> The double dragon, ... does have a significant practical drawback. Its method of tying is that of an "on the bight" loop, in that you wouldn't be able to tie the loop around or through an object before closing the loop.
ANY knot can be tied with ends, and the Dbl.Dragon is not especially onerous in this; moreover, like the Bowline and unlike many loopknots, it can be tied completely after sizing the eye--i.e., w/o any pre-tying of a component structure.
As for relative strength, to my eye the SPart of the Dbl.D has more
gradual & _padded_ bends than that of the Angler’s Loopknot.
.:. I wager the DD is the stronger, and quite strong.
–dl\*
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [19 December 2004 00:15 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/4 "2004-12-19T00:15:49Z")
> YMMV with material and setting, and use/load, re jamming. And what is "most ropework"? I see lots of Overhand loopknots used, among other knots that aren't expected to be untied, really.
>
> ANY knot can be tied with ends, and the Dbl.Dragon is not especially
> onerous in this; moreover, like the Bowline and unlike many loopknots,
> it can be tied completely after sizing the eye–i.e., w/o any pre-tying
> of a component structure.
>
> As for relative strength, to my eye the SPart of the Dbl.D has more
> gradual & _padded_ bends than that of the Angler’s Loopknot.
> .:. I wager the DD is the stronger, and quite strong.
>
> –dl\*
I see overhand loops, too… mostly in twinework. 🙂
If you have a diagram of an easy and memorable way of tying the double dragon loop with the end of rope, please share. It doesn’t seem to lend itself to such a method.
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### Author:  [@mchalkley](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/mchalkley)
#### Post date: [19 December 2004 00:47 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/5 "2004-12-19T00:47:21Z")
> If you have a diagram of an easy and memorable way of tying the double dragon loop with the end of rope, please share. It doesn't seem to lend itself to such a method.
If you check out [http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_Hitches.htm](http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots_Hitches.htm) and look at knot #8, you’ll see a version of the Double Dragon that can pretty easily be tied as a “fixed loop running loop” or a hitch. I’ve used it this way to form a running loop for cinching up tight against trees and branches for tree work. It works quite well.
However, I’ve also used the double-tucked Angler’s Loop in the same fashion, which I find a little quicker to tie, and I haven’t noticed any more of a tendency for it to jam than the double dragon. And that’s even when using them with a tractor to pull against them. I agree that the standard Angler’s can be a bear to loosen when pulled that tight, but I haven’t found the double-tucked one to be so.
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [19 December 2004 03:16 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/6 "2004-12-19T03:16:25Z")
> If you check out [http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_Hitches.htm](http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots_Hitches.htm) and look at knot #8, you’ll see a version of the Double Dragon that can pretty easily be tied as a “fixed loop running loop” or a hitch. I’ve used it this way to form a running loop for cinching up tight against trees and branches for tree work. It works quite well.
>
> However, I’ve also used the double-tucked Angler’s Loop in the same fashion, which I find a little quicker to tie, and I haven’t noticed any more of a tendency for it to jam than the double dragon. And that’s even when using them with a tractor to pull against them. I agree that the standard Angler’s can be a bear to loosen when pulled that tight, but I haven’t found the double-tucked one to be so.
Boy, I dunno. That doesn’t look like a memorable knot to tie around or through and object before closing the loop. There are just so many ways to go wrong. I imagine novices would be even more apprehensive.
As for the twice-tucked Angler loop, I was immediately able to make it jam quite hard in 1/4 inch nylon kernmantle by hand, with the aid of a dowel to pull on while I stood on the other end tied to another dowel.
It’s not always high load by itself that causes jamming, it’s high strain. 2000 lbs. on a large rope may not be much of a strain, compared to 200 lbs on a small rope. Also, I think stretchier rope, like nylon, tends to have a higher propensity for jamming.
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### Author:  [@mchalkley](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/mchalkley)
#### Post date: [19 December 2004 03:53 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/7 "2004-12-19T03:53:14Z")
> Boy, I dunno. That doesn’t look like a memorable knot to tie around or through and object before closing the loop. There are just so many ways to go wrong. I image novices would be even more apprehensive.
>
> As for the twice-tucked Angler loop, I was immediatedly able to make it jam quite hard in 1/4 inch nylon kernmantle by hand, with the aid of a couple of dowels to pull on while I stood on the other end.
>
> It’s not always high load by itself that causes jamming, it’s high strain. 2000 lbs. on a large rope may not be much of a strain, compared to 200 lbs on a small rope. Also, I think stretchier rope, like nylon, tends to have a higher propensity for jamming.
Interesting. I agree that strain and load aren’t the same, of course. I was talking about 3/4" double-braid polyester bull rope with a breaking strength of about 20,000 lbs working at about 25% capacity, I’d guess. Maybe it’s the difference between nylon and polyester that creates the jamming issue.
I just took a braid-on-braid 1/4" nylon rope, tied a Double Dragon in one end, a double-tucked Angler in the other, put both on pieces of broom handle, and stood on one while pulling on the other for all I was worth (which isn’t much). In the end, I couldn’t tell which was easier to untie - they were both moderately well jammed (or is that moderately badly jammed?).
I also agree that the double dragon isn’t as easy to tie a running loop in (when you don’t have access to both ends, of course) as many others, but strength is paramount when lives and property are at risk. So, while I’m interested in easy, I’m more interested in strong and secure. And I realize that easy has a bearing on strength and security, because the best knot tied incorrectly isn’t worth much.
Also, for my purposes, a knot that you can’t untie isn’t much use, either.
Thus my interest in hearing suggestions from the “knot heads”…
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [19 December 2004 07:04 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/8 "2004-12-19T07:04:42Z")
> Interesting. I agree that strain and load aren't the same, of course. I was talking about 3/4" double-braid polyester bull rope with a breaking strength of about 20,000 lbs working at about 25% capacity, I'd guess. Maybe it's the difference between nylon and polyester that creates the jamming issue.
>
> I just took a braid-on-braid 1/4" nylon rope, tied a Double Dragon in one end, a double-tucked Angler in the other, put both on pieces of broom handle, and stood on one while pulling on the other for all I was worth (which isn’t much). In the end, I couldn’t tell which was easier to untie - they were both moderately well jammed (or is that moderately badly jammed?).
>
> I also agree that the double dragon isn’t as easy to tie a running loop in (when you don’t have access to both ends, of course) as many others, but strength is paramount when lives and property are at risk. So, while I’m interested in easy, I’m more interested in strong and secure. And I realize that easy has a bearing on strength and security, because the best knot tied incorrectly isn’t worth much.
>
> Also, for my purposes, a knot that you can’t untie isn’t much use, either.
>
> Thus my interest in hearing suggestions from the “knot heads”…
I don’t discount that strength is a good attribute for a knot, but I’ll direct you to some words about the issue with another loop knot, so that you don’t place too much emphasis on it:
[http://notableknotindex.webs.com/figure8loop.html](http://notableknotindex.webs.com/figure8loop.html)
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [20 December 2004 22:20 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/9 "2004-12-20T22:20:36Z")
Re “strain” vsl “load”: I intended “load relative to tensile” in my words
above, which seems to be what is meant by “strain” for Roo2.
But equal such strains can be different in that while they show a
scaling with rope size, the factor that isn’t scaled along with that is
the (would-be, trying-2-B) UNtyer (by which “jammed” is assessed)!
I.e., what might be equally easy for Paul Bunyan (giant) in 3/4" rope to
a normal person’s untying 8mm rope, can be quite a challenge,
requiring tools.
But, to this question, I also pointed to setting: in the case of
the Angler’s Loop, one should set the knot (in part) by pulling on the eye
while resisting at the base of the eye against the knot, so as
to force a significant curve into the SPart. I loaded 3/8 polycombo
laid rope, and 6mm nylon kernmantle with resp. about 600#
& 250#(?–enough to lock the gate on a 'biner): the former
untied easily from both ends; the latter was ptretty unyielding
at the SPart’s nip of the eye legs, but yielded readily at the bends
around the SPart.
www. [layhands.com](http://layhands.com) isn’t coming up for me at the moment,
but NB that the form of the Dbl.Dragon shown there is the UNSTABLE
form!! The (more) stable form has the end exiting the opposite
direction, nipped last–and firmly–between the SPart and the end-side
leg of the eye. In the Dbl. version, one gains security; but
I think I might still prefer the other orientation.
–dl\*
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [20 December 2004 22:54 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/10 "2004-12-20T22:54:14Z")
> www. layhands.com isn't coming up for me at the moment, but NB that the form of the Dbl.Dragon shown there is the UNSTABLE form!! The (more) stable form has the end exiting the opposite direction, nipped last--and firmly--between the SPart and the end-side leg of the eye. In the Dbl. version, one gains security; but I think I might still prefer the other orientation.
>
> –dl\*
Okay, now I’m connected to the site. Re what I mean by the more
stable version, in the arrangement shown in the 2nd step image (2nd from left),
the end should cross OVER and wrap around under, etc..;
in finishing, uncross the legs of the eye bight in the knot.
–dl\*
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [21 December 2004 02:24 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/11 "2004-12-21T02:24:47Z")
I am so easily confused! :-[
> Re what I mean by the more stable version, in the arrangement shown in the 2nd step image (2nd from left), the end should cross OVER and wrap around under, etc..; in finishing, uncross the legs of the eye bight in the knot.
Dan, are you referring to section 3, fig. 2, of this page [http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_SingleLoops.htm#DoubleDragon](http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots_SingleLoops.htm#DoubleDragon) rather than the page [http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_Hitches.htm](http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots_Hitches.htm) in mchalkley’s post?
If so, I’ve got it! 🙂
The new (stable) form of DD, resulting from the change of direction of those turns, removes the concern (perhaps unjustified) that I had with the Double Dragon. Very Neat! Thanx.
Brian.
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### Author:  [@mchalkley](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/mchalkley)
#### Post date: [21 December 2004 16:02 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/12 "2004-12-21T16:02:14Z")
> Okay, now I'm connected to the site. Re what I mean by the more stable version, in the arrangement shown in the 2nd step image (2nd from left), the end should cross OVER and wrap around under, etc..; in finishing, uncross the legs of the eye bight in the knot.
>
> –dl\*
Dan - I’m not sure I’m understanding you, either. But if I am, can the version you’re referring to be tied as a running loop or loose hitch without access to both ends? – Mark
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [21 December 2004 17:16 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/13 "2004-12-21T17:16:12Z")
> Dan - I'm not sure I'm understanding you, either. But if I am, can the version you're referring to be tied as a running loop or loose hitch without access to both ends? -- Mark
To avoid confusion, are you using the terms “running loop” and “hitch” as described on these two pages?:
Running Loop:
[http://notableknotindex.webs.com/bowline.html](http://notableknotindex.webs.com/bowline.html)
Hitch:
[http://notableknotindex.webs.com/glossary.html](http://notableknotindex.webs.com/glossary.html)
---
### Author:  [@mchalkley](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/mchalkley)
#### Post date: [21 December 2004 17:45 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/14 "2004-12-21T17:45:30Z")
> To avoid confusion, are you using the terms “running loop” and “hitch” as described on these two pages?:
>
> Running Loop:
> [http://www.geocities.com/roo\_two/bowline.html](http://www.geocities.com/roo_two/bowline.html)
>
> Hitch:
> [http://www.geocities.com/roo\_two/glossary.html](http://www.geocities.com/roo_two/glossary.html)
With respect to the Running Loop, yes.
With respect to the Hitch, not completely: Yes, in the sense that it anchors a rope to an object, but no, in the sense that it collapses to take on the shape of the object. A sliding loop could become a hitch according to this definition, I guess, but a fixed loop never could, unless it were tied tightly enough to start out that way, which would be pretty much impossible, from a practical standpoint, I would think.
So, I guess I should not have used the term hitch, but I wanted to convey the idea that the loop could be made in such a way that it was formed around the object, or the rope itself, in order to form a running loop without access to both ends.
Mark
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [22 December 2004 00:05 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/15 "2004-12-22T00:05:05Z")
> Dan - I'm not sure I'm understanding you, either. But if I am, can the version you're referring to be tied as a running loop or loose hitch without access to both ends? -- Mark
As Brian catches with "are you referring to section 3,fig. 2, of this page
[www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_SingleLoops.htm#DoubleDragon](http://www.layhands.com/knots/Knots_SingleLoops.htm#DoubleDragon) "
that is the reference intended.
One can’t tie a single part around any object without access to an end;
as for making a “running loop”, well, any loopknot can become that
but simple inversion (making a Larkshead on/over itself)!?
The version I describe can also be tied in the bight.
In "double"d form, the other might be stronger.
–dl\*
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### Author:  [@DaveRoot](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/DaveRoot)
#### Post date: [31 December 2004 19:49 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/16 "2004-12-31T19:49:34Z")
This is the first I’ve heard of stable/unstable forms of the Double Dragon, and I must confess that I’m not seeing why the form described above is more stable. Do these pictures capture the form of the DD which you are saying is more stable?
[http://www.layhands.com/images/Stable\_DD1.jpg](http://www.layhands.com/images/Stable_DD1.jpg)
[http://www.layhands.com/images/Stable\_DD2.jpg](http://www.layhands.com/images/Stable_DD2.jpg)
As the owner of the [http://www.layhands.com/knots](http://www.layhands.com/knots) website, I want to make sure that my information is accurate and useful (bearing in mind that my website is aimed at the “average person” who uses knots infrequently). My pictures of the DD were based on Paul Kruse’s pictures, which can be seen at [http://www.geocities.com/roo\_two/doubledragon.html](http://www.geocities.com/roo_two/doubledragon.html).
BTW, if you spot anything at my knots website which is inaccurate/questionable, I’d appreciate hearing about it!
Dave
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [2 January 2005 04:01 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/17 "2005-01-02T04:01:44Z")
> This is the first I've heard of stable/unstable forms of the Double Dragon, and I must confess that I'm not seeing why the form described above is more stable. Do these pictures capture the form of the DD which you are saying is more stable?
Dave, in the double version, the instability is diminished to the extent of perhaps insignificance; in the single version, however, it's a real concern. Knowing one double version can lead one to its cognate \*single\* form (which can seem fine to quick consideration). .:. Thus, for that "average person" who uses knots infrequently, one can be concerned about an inadvertent slip or adventure into the single form, and ... . Perhaps not just average persons: you have slipped (pardon the pun) into just this case with your Exploding version--a slipped SINGLE (unstable) Dragon. That knot's [cf www.layhands.com/knots/Knots\_Hitches.htm#ExplodingDragon] Fig.5 shows the distortion its instability can yield (more likely in stiffer ropes, which cannot be so snugly set, and in stretchy ropes where distortion is aided by the yield of the material.
> BTW, if you spot anything at my knots website which is inaccurate/questionable, I'd appreciate hearing about it!
Okay, though you might be surprised! One big blooper I noticed in looking over your site is that in the table of knot strengths you have startlingly different values for a couple testings of the (nominal) "Figure Eight Knot": that should make one double-check what's what! This line in the table has mixed data for the loopknot with the stopper, relying too simply on the fickle name similarity (nomenclature in knots is a mess!). The two low values are stoppers, others loops. That was interesting to see, for I was not aware previously of testing of stoppers. As with hitches, though, one must wonder what sort of object is associated with the knot (such details weren't revealed).
A major objection I’ll make is against the Highwayman’s Hitch:
this knot readily capsizes, and that so many knots books present
without a note of serious caution baffles me. You do give the warning
“it doesn’t appear to be secure enough to handle a heavy strain on the rope”
which is good. But why bother with it at all? Because someone
–indeed, many someones, have it in THEIR knots collections.
Clyde Soles’s The Outdoor Knots Book has a simple but effective
variation of it, which has been discussed on rec.crafts.knots.
And, hmmm, the Tarbuck Knot: when you read such assertions as
“Do not use this knot as a hitch around a rigid rope or rail to resist
a lengthwise pull (illustrated in at least one manual). It seems
like a good idea, but it should be remembered that the knot relies for
its grip on creating a dog’s-leg kink in its own standing part (fig. 4).
This is impossible if the line is tied to a separate and unyielding
foundation.” (The Complete Book of Knots, p.67)
why do you repeat it, instead of thinking “Huh?!”??? Afterall,
what part of this knot actually does the work of gripping?
–the coils, as in other friction knots. And how does this knot differ
from the Rolling Hitch (which carries no such qualification),
or other such hitches? (If that qualification applies to any of
these knots, it’s to that “Midshipman’s Knot” (p.65), which
you show tied to a rigid object.) Your putting a stopper on the
Tarbuck’s nice, but is likely more needed in other knots such as the
Tautline, 2HHitches, Clove, Magnus, & Rolling (i.e., that version
of Clove w/extra turn(s)). Also, the stopper should be tied snug
to the knot body to prevent ANY retreat of the stopped end;
this need shows the unique benefit of the Overhand knot (vs. the
Fig.8, Ashley’s (shown w/Tarbuck), etc.–which would require
working the knot to bring the stopper snug).
All for know,
cheers,
–dl\*
---
### Author:  [@DaveRoot](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/DaveRoot)
#### Post date: [2 January 2005 16:39 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/18 "2005-01-02T16:39:56Z")
> you have slipped (pardon the pun) into just this case with your Exploding version--a slipped SINGLE (unstable) Dragon.
I had originally described the "Exploding Dragon" as being a slipped Perfection Loop, but Paul Kruse pointed out that it's really a slipped Tugboat Bowline. Paul refers to the Tugboat as a Dragn' Bowline because it is an essentially useless and unstable knot (http://www.igkt.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news;action=display;num=1081027782;start=10). He did agree that the slipped version of this knot (which I called the "Exploding Dragon") is more stable when dressed correctly due to the two strands running through the center of the knot (as the Double Dragon has), but it has been on my mind to remove the Exploding Dragon from my website after learning more about the Tugboat being regarded as useless and unstable. Brion Toss had good things to say about the Tugboat, but his Tugboat doesn't seem to be the same as Paul's Dragn' Bowline (http://www.igkt.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news;action=display;num=1081370822;start=8 ).
> One big blooper I noticed in looking over your site is that in the table of knot strengths you have startlingly different values for a couple testings of the (nominal) "Figure Eight Knot": that should make one double-check what's what!
Yes, the more I dug around the Internet and books and articles, the more surprised I became at the small amount of test data out there concerning knot strengths. And the data that I found is very inconsistent, often without describing the types of rope used and the types of tests conducted.
> A major objection I'll make is against the Highwayman's Hitch: this knot readily capsizes, and that so many knots books present without a note of serious caution baffles me. You do give the warning "it doesn't appear to be secure enough to handle a heavy strain on the rope" which is good. But why bother with it at all? Because someone--indeed, many someones, have it in THEIR knots collections.
That's a good point, because after seeing the Highwayman's Hitch in a number of websites and books, I was surprised at how easily it capsizes. My original thought was that if it is being described in so many places, then does this mean that people find it useful? My conclusion is that just because people have described it, this doesn't mean that anyone actually uses it. I did add a warning about it, as you pointed out, but I'll probably remove it.
> And, hmmm, the Tarbuck Knot: when you read such assertions as "Do not use this knot as a hitch around a rigid rope or rail to resist a lengthwise pull (illustrated in at least one manual). It seems like a good idea, but it should be remembered that the knot relies for its grip on creating a dog's-leg kink in its own standing part (fig. 4). This is impossible if the line is tied to a separate and unyielding foundation." (The Complete Book of Knots, p.67) why do you repeat it, instead of thinking "Huh?!"
It's funny that you mention this, because "Huh??" was my original reaction to Geoffrey Budworth's statement (which you quoted). But I figured that if he felt that a warning was necessary, then it would probably be best to pass along the warning and let people form their own conclusions.
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [11 January 2005 07:10 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/19 "2005-01-11T07:10:55Z")
> I had originally described the "Exploding Dragon" as being a slipped Perfection Loop, but Paul Kruse pointed out that it's really a slipped Tugboat Bowline. ÊPaul refers to the Tugboat as a Dragn' Bowline because it is an essentially useless and unstable knot (http://www.igkt.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news;action=display;num=1081027782;start=10).
As noted variously, there are different knots that come by that name (a regular problem), some stable, others not so.
> That's a good point, because after seeing the Highwayman's Hitch in a number of websites and books, I was surprised at how easily it capsizes. ÊMy original thought was that if it is being described in so many places, then does this mean that people find it useful?
It's more of an insight into how little examination such things are given, alas.
> My conclusion is that just because people have described it, this doesn't mean that anyone actually uses it.
Like the Poldo Tackle, a reportedly ingenious structure awaiting a purpose! (-:
> I did add a warning about it, as you pointed out, but I'll probably remove it.
Rather, CORRECT it! --break the cycle of bad knots with a decent one. Simply change image to match this change in text, and you'll show the hitch presented in [i][u]Outdoor Knots[/i][/u]by Clyde Soles: [for image-2] ... then take the main part of the rope and [b]put a bight [i]around[/i]the first bight (picture 2). Now take the end of the rope and push a bight through the [i]first[/i]bight (picture 3), ...[/b]. This way, the heavily loaded SPart bears on the [i]nip-bight[/i] instead of on the [i]slip-tuck[/i], and the latter is less severely nipped and the structure more stable. One could also altering step 3 so that one will "take the end around the SPart and back around the object and push it through the first bight" --an alteration that improves the Highw.H. too. Further security can be had by pushing a follow-on [i]slip-tuck[/i] through the bight of the usual finishing slip-tuck and locking the earlier on the later (which can usually remove the loosening problem if the angle of the loaded SPart changes).
.:. In sum, the idea behind the treacherous Highwayman’s H. is good,
but the particular, parroted knot is lousy. It’s fairly easy to
build surer ones. A knot known as the Macreme’ Hitch was used for
a while in the novel recreation of canyoneering,but has
apparently lost favor, as getting it to work consistently with a lot
of rope paid out (over rocks) was problematic. That knot, however,
anticipated the accidental loading of the wrong end by having a series
of such slip-tucks, requiring the loading of alternate ends to
release. (All for the sake of leaving no trace. :o)
> It's funny that you mention this, because "Huh??" was my original reaction to Geoffrey Budworth's statement ...
Good! Keep questioning.
(-;
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/system)
#### Post date: [11 January 2005 10:50 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/double-dragon-vs-double-tucked-angler/2378/20 "2005-01-11T10:50:43Z")
At the risk of going well-off thread, the Highwayman’s Hitch could well do with being forgotten, IMO. It was taught to Commando Forces during WW2 for a specific purpose (nothing to do with horses). It was intended for use with a standard 6 foot toggle rope.
Although taught as a ‘Highwayman’s Hitch’, there are significant differences (use of a martyr and an overhand locking knot) so we might perhaps re-name the version shown in 'Get Tough’and elsewhere as the ‘Commando Knot’.
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