Originally posted by Dadatwins
I would put the TL and blakes in the same class in my opinion.
i think you can put a micropulley under any of the hitches for tending Boss; even TL. i think that TL is the oddball; all the rest have ~2 round turns uninterupted for a crown and small alterations on the base to differentiate.
Seeing as 1 leg of Blake's is trapped like an anchor hitch and will not move; i think the coil (of 2 round turns) is pulled from that leg as well as the termination leg on saddle connection somewhat. So, even though it connects with 1 leg like a TL; it still pulls from both legs, from both ends of the coil like a mid ground between TL and other hitches.
i think that the Distel is a great trasition hitch to more advanced hitches. It can be even made in a piece of 1/2" to try. It laces in a clove formation like a TL. A TL is like a 2/2 Clove connect to bottom tail, Distel 4/1 Clove-connect to both tails. The familiarity, yet slight differance giving confidence and exploration at the same time. Distel is prolly simplest, non-jamming, most familiar for changeover.
Once again i prefer the other self tending hitch (Iciclcle); the mentioned Knut to me is very good for same; and 1 step away from Distel for continued simplicity when ya get that far! i like my Icicle laced in 3/8" Tenex. Self tending Icicle might be simplest to tie overall! But perhaps more persnickety about dress & set sometimes, but an easy lacing! Tenex is stronger for a less diameter line than host, and it lays flat , so grips and releases differently to me. Even worn it is better to me than other cords.
Aside from the TL, differentiatin between the rest of the hitches is easier i think once you make out/ filter out the double round turn and see what it left that alters that hitch from the rest. A Schwab to a Distel is only altering the direction of the bottom ring; To go to a Knut, tuck the right leg etc. Once learning the different finishes to the Double Round Turn strategy; you can put a Knut or Icicle finish under a VT to lend some self tending with the 'pusher ring' each provides at the base for the self tending function.
Barrel/dbl. fisherman eyes work for me, more bulky on end, but shorter than splice. The friction hitches are a family of similar working and built 'knots'; that don't need to be confusing. The 2 round turns still exist in a TL , but are split apart (like in 4 coil standard prusik); unlike the 'advanced hitches'.
i don't know if a list is needed, only understanding of mechanics and familiarity. The 2 legs connected allows the use of a smaller diameter cord for friction device for better grip, that allows using more slippery lacings i think, 1 less coil perhaps; that releases easier/ less comlplicated for tending up. i think the double round turn will give fairly positive stop (like it is a short 7 coil frenchy), and the finish of hitching underneath this coil insures stopping, and doesn't pass enough load to the double round turn coil to make the coil sieze.
Or something like that,
:alien:
