I came up with a knot that I later identified as a variation of the Lobster Buoy Hitch (ABOK #58, #1714).
The Lobster Buoy Hitch is an alternative to the Buntline Hitch that replaces the Clove Hitch with a Cow Hitch. (Mind the orientation; this is different from Reversed Half Hitches.) Some sources claim it’s as secure as the Buntline, others slightly less so. It’s also easier to untie.
This version has the following modifications:
- Make an extra round turn around the pole
- Thread the innermost loop of the Cow Hitch through the extra turn
- Pass the tail back around the pole and through the Cow Hitch, such that it lies between the two turns already present
I’ve found this knot to be secure, easy to untie and quite nice-looking when dressed tightly. I also noticed that all adjacent segments of rope are tightened against each other and oriented in a way that, should the knot begin to slip, they would all try to move in opposite directions. This made me think that this knot may perform well with slippery ropes.
Does anyone here know if this knot is documented?
What are your thoughts on its usability?
