OK so we've got some other diehard old schoolers here....
They give the following reasons for their continued use of the TL....
1) has never failed me and it's automatic and can be tied with one hand without being able to see it.... GM
2) one bad turn on the blake and it turns into a suicide knot so I don't mess with that one. Can't afford all the new gismo's so the TLH is my knot
3) this simple, effective hitch.... works for me.... MB
In response to Guy's point that the TL is reliable, what he's used to, and can be tied in tough spots.... I can't argue with the reliability of the TL.... The VT can loose it's bite and fail if not tied properly. So it requires some practice, adjustment and awareness.... To me that's still a good trade off for all the benefits it offers.... The increased efficiency of advanced hitches is awesome. You won't really get it until you try it in the tree....
You're used to the TL..... Remember back when you were used to the dial up telephone... You'd probably still be using one if you had never tried or seen the new phones.... Anyone out there still using an electric typewriter.... Not on this site, because you wouldn't be here without a computer and once you try the computer, you won't go back...... EVER....
In response to Guys point about one handed tying behind his back.... I ask... how often do you need to tie it one handed???? How many times a day do you tie it anyway??? The reason you need to tie it one handed is cause the other hand is busy... That WILL NEVER HAPPEN WITH THE ADVANCED HITCHES.... You tie it once and that's it.... The hitch stays on the rope all day.... You can move your tie in point ten times without touching the hitch... Its as easy as unclipping the spliced eye, putting it through the new TIP and reclipping the eye... That can be done in as little as 5-10 seconds...
Our second old schooler thinks the Blake is dangerous and doesn't want to spend the money on the new gear.... To tell you the truth, that's one of the things I love about Big Jon.... he lets me try out his gear for free, so I can see if I like something before I buy it... If you get paid by the hour with no regard to productivity, it might make sense to stay with the TL.... Each job will take a lot longer and you with therefore make more money.... If you followed that theory though, you'd want to cut everything with dull saws and make as many trips to the truck as possible...
And finally MB thinks the TL is simple and effective.... So is walking... it'll get you there eventually everytime... no need to worry about vehicle maintenance or fuel bills... but cars are faster... a lot faster
