Knots

"Does anyone want to see a clove hitch?"

For some reason, this query does not generate the anticipated gasps and clamoring that you might expect. Or perhaps I should say that I might expect. But I have a new book on knot tying, and I will not be dissuaded.

There is something intriguing about knots. I think it's the conversion of the rope into something new and different, without actually changing it at all.

With a flick of the wrist and quick tug, a one-dimensional world is bent, transformed. What was once a line is now... well, sort of a lump. But a useful lump. Well, it could be a useful lump, in certain circumstances. If you had the rope with you at the time.

I was describing to a friend a knot I was currently reading about known as the Icicle Hitch. It is so tight, it could be tied onto a descending tapering surface, like a stalactite, and still stay attached with force being applied straight downward. My roommate said, "when will you need to use that?"

Well. Fuck off, then.

Knots are cool. They require skill, and practice. Some are graceful in the making, displaying temporal symmetry that only your hands can understand while you are crafting. Some are beautiful in and of themselves, displaying order from what seemed like chaotic action of looping, tightening and cursing. Some have cool names like "Monkey Fist".

So maybe I don't really need to fasten a Jug Sling to my girlfriend's Nalgene bottle. Maybe I don't need to tie rubber band Cat's Paws onto pens at work.

Maybe I don't need to, but I have the option. And I have the rope.

— Dan Norton)