The ashley book of knots books, knots guide, knots. Featuring every practical knot, what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from and how to tie it. Ashley has devoted eleven years to writing this book, and it is based on forty years of looking for, trying out, and thinking up new knots. This mighty tome is one hefty volume and one sizeable download even in pdf format.
Many knots keeping it simple as there are knots, bends, hitches to name just three with differing uses have been superseded by more modern materia. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots first published in 1944 by artist, author and sailor clifford warren ashley. Pdf ashley book of knots download full pdf book download. Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. This is unquestionably the greatest book on knots and rope work ever published, yet it is a valuable reference for anyone from eight.
Supertopos climbing discussion forum is the worlds most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. Today you have synthetic cordage in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Its most common application is in slings used in rock climbing. Knots in books and articles around the world are frequently referenced back to ashley s book. However, it has a tendency to come undone far too readily and the stevedore stopper knot deserves to be better known. Some climbers prefer the ring bend for tying rappel ropes together. Ashley is the definitive and magnificent work on knots and knottying. Saw this mentioned on hammock forums and wanted to share here. Its more than just a knot book however, with all sorts of boat based and occupational uses for cordage. Advantages disadvantages secure can jam badly permanent. Abok the ashley book of knots, clifford ashley doubleday books, 1944 isbn 0385040253 the old testament of knotting efkr the encyclopedia of knots and fancy ropework, raoul graumont and john hensel. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the.
The ashley book of knots cautions against using it and advises to seize or secure the ends to make it safe unless. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. Ashley stopper knot how to tie a ashley stopper knot. Ashley s stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock climb aka. Reliable, highperformance gloves to keep your hands functional in. Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover. Ashleys stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock. The sheepshank knot is mostly used to shorten a length of rope temporarily.
Doubleday isbn 0385040253 this is the definitive book on knots. It contains more than 7,000 illustrations covering 2,000 individual knots with tying instructions, uses and historic information. But i had given no thought atthat time to writing a book of knots. Clifford ashley took notes on knots for over 40 years of his life, and then labored for over 11 years to produce the most comprehensive reference of knots and ropework ever written. First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. The ashley book of knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library. This book is from the popular series on how to rock climb.
Prusik the prusik is a useful friction hitch that slides freely when not weighted, but bites down on the rope when you do weight it. It is similar to several related bend knots which consist of two interlocking overhand knots, and in particular the alpine butterfly bend. Full text of the ashley book of knots internet archive. When macrame became a popular item, i had a definite advantage over most people. The commentary on some knots may fail to address their behavior when tied with modern synthetic fiber or kernmantle style ropes.
Ashley describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. The ashley book of knots by clifford w ashley alibris. Ashleys stopper knot this knot may save your life if you. Born in 1881 in new bedford, massachusetts, clifford w. The numbers ashley assigned to each knot can be used to unambiguously. With 7,000 drawings representing over 3,800 knots by clifford w. The ashley book of knots by ashley clifford w abebooks. The ashley book of knots was compiled and first published before the introduction of synthetic fiber ropes, during a time when natural fiber cordage typically twisted, laid, or braided rope was most commonly used. The ashley book of knots is without parallel when it comes to knot tying. This simple knot is the most commonly used one and finds application in diverse fields. There are over 7,000 drawings of 3,900 knots and their application in the 619 page knot tyers tome. According to the ashley book of knots, it is the simplest of the single strand stopper knots. In this book you will find detailed information with illustrations on the most popular knots used by rock climbers.
Not necessarily the book for you if you want clear stepbystep illustrations of frequently used knots but if youre knotty and want to understand the range of different knots within their almostextinct fields of use it is a fascinating read. The holy grail of knot books ashley book of knots, abok, is now in the public domain. Goodreads members who liked the ashley book of knots also liked. Knot information used for joining two ropes of different sizes together. The book contains exactly 3854 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. Ashley suffered a debilitating stroke the year after the book was published.
The ashley stopper knot should be compared to other knots commonly used as stoppers including the double overhand, and the figure 8 knot. Buy the ashley book of knots by clifford w ashley online at alibris. Asley back in the 1940s when knows ment more then they do today. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to marlingspike seamanship. First published in 1944, it spans 620 pages and covers 3,854 knots. Ashley was an antique dealer and artist, who spent eleven years writing his magnum opus, the ashley book of knots, and died three years after its 1944 publication. What others are saying ashley s stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock climb. Not being a stable knot, it falls apart under too heavy or too little load. The ashley book of knots i have never found a sailor who used or even. The ashley book of knots, authoritative tome of marlinespike seamanship and compendium of the best knots to move farm animals around with, is in the public domain. A chapter in the book is also devoted to some of the equipment used by rock climbers. The subject of knots is incredibly wide as having a glimpse at the ashley book of knots will show.
The book contains drawings and instructions for thousands of different types of knots. Ashley is one of the best and most well known knot reference books. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were. Essential knots for climbing rock and ice magazine.
This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. It is considered by some to be the most complete reference of knots ever assembled. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. The ultimate knot book is called the ashley book of knots by clifford w. The book contains more than 3800 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. Book description the ashley book of knots by clifford w. The book includes 4,000 knots, with all the varieties of shipboard knots as well as knots used by butchers, steeplejacks, electric linesmen, knitters, cobblers, surgeons, poachers and cowboys. I first came across the ashley book of knots in the late 60s when i was a teenager. How to tie an overhand knot variant double overhand knot larger, more difficult to untie. But after a while the storm quieted down, as storms will. Ashley, is the encyclopedia of knots, with over 3,800 knots and 7,000 illustrations, all drawn by ashley.
Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of. Three decades later andrew returns from selfimposed exile to the siding, the place where his life first unravelled. The dude ashley invented some of the knots in the book too. Looking back on the broken strands of his childhood, he tries, at last, to weave them together, aided by his grandfathers copy of the ashley book of knots and the arrival of a wildhaired, tangodancing sculptor a woman with. The subtitle every practical knot what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from, and how to tie it pretty much says it all. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. It is a key reference for knots and other books often refer to the ashley number for particular knots. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of knot tying.
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