I am querying how the double sheet bend is best tied. I think it is possible that the current method that seems to be commonly taught is not the best one.
All diagrams I have come across show ABOK #1434 and give the description of tucking the tail under the first loop over (ie tying a single sheet bend first) before proceeding to loop the tail around the bight a second time and tucking it under again.
When tying any knot, I try and snug it down so it sets neatly and slippage is avoided. For years I have given the first turn of the standard Double Sheet Bend (ABOK #1434 ) a bit of a push to do this. I have assumed that when the knot is under load it would often slip into this position naturally anyway (wrong assumption by the way). If it did not, I think the knot would not grip as well.#488 .
Ashley called both of these a Double Sheet Bend.
At some point I started tying the DSB differently so that this push was not needed to get from #1434 to #488 . I do not tie a single sheet bend first, instead I make the second turn away from the apex of the bight before bringing the tail under both turns.
I could only perform a highly unscientific trial (unknown variable force with few tests, please don’t crucify me for my rough and ready methods) tightening up the knot by tying one end on a cleat and winching the other end, but my longstanding impressions about the 2 versions look to be possibly correct.
#1434 seems much worse, as in my trials there was always considerable slippage of both lines. I was hesitant to apply any more force to see if the slippage eventually stopped.
It was suggested on Cruisers Forum that the slippage was occurring as I had not tightened the knot before putting load on it. The problem was that with older salty stiffer line, the knot instantly loosened as I let go and a tight fit was not achievable.
So my big questions are:#488 a better version of the double sheet bend than #1434 , which is currently in use?”