I’ve known about sheepshank knots since I was a kid, but never had a use for one. Bowline, three-ring bowline and the clove hitch have secured many loads for me.
Besides the square knot, the sheepshank is the only Boy Scout knot I’ve ever used in my adult life, and that only once. I could still do a clove hitch, but if my life depended on doing a bowline-on-a-bight……AAAAGGGHHHH!!
The sheepshank has no purpose. Just tie the rope shorter. No one seems to know the taut-line hitch – moves easily when slacked, holds under a strain. Essential when lashing things down.
It has been so long I really don’t remember, but back when it was time to teach my 9 or so Cub Scouts a whole page of different knots, I think I threw in tying a proper dress tie and bow tie (just as for balance we DID walk on railroad tracks) but I was careful to watch for them and told them not to try without a parent. I had many unconventional projects.
Being the rebel that I was, it’s surprising that I went from leader, to leader coach to assistant supervisor (except that even then, volunteers were hard to find).
Speaking about tying loads (truckers maybe?) If I had known some use for those knots when teaching them, it would make it easier to teach (and to get attention of the kids). Nick is around my age (I’m guessing) as my youngest grandson is possibly older than Ruthie.
JayBluE over 10 years ago
The Sheepshank “Redemption”….
38lowell over 10 years ago
HA!At this age, a shoe tying knot would be plenty.God bless them!
38lowell over 10 years ago
OMG!Another Boy Scout skill gone, like the DODO bird.Just shorten the ship loading chain!
kab2rb over 10 years ago
And what is wrong with Mr. Rogers Neighborhood!
jimcos over 10 years ago
I’ve known about sheepshank knots since I was a kid, but never had a use for one. Bowline, three-ring bowline and the clove hitch have secured many loads for me.
pschearer Premium Member over 10 years ago
Besides the square knot, the sheepshank is the only Boy Scout knot I’ve ever used in my adult life, and that only once. I could still do a clove hitch, but if my life depended on doing a bowline-on-a-bight……AAAAGGGHHHH!!
Ermine Notyours over 10 years ago
She sells sheepshank by the sea shore.
hippogriff over 10 years ago
The sheepshank has no purpose. Just tie the rope shorter. No one seems to know the taut-line hitch – moves easily when slacked, holds under a strain. Essential when lashing things down.
vldazzle over 10 years ago
It has been so long I really don’t remember, but back when it was time to teach my 9 or so Cub Scouts a whole page of different knots, I think I threw in tying a proper dress tie and bow tie (just as for balance we DID walk on railroad tracks) but I was careful to watch for them and told them not to try without a parent. I had many unconventional projects.
Being the rebel that I was, it’s surprising that I went from leader, to leader coach to assistant supervisor (except that even then, volunteers were hard to find).
vldazzle over 10 years ago
Speaking about tying loads (truckers maybe?) If I had known some use for those knots when teaching them, it would make it easier to teach (and to get attention of the kids). Nick is around my age (I’m guessing) as my youngest grandson is possibly older than Ruthie.
locake over 10 years ago
Other strip—— Someone 5 months pregnant with twins would be MUCH bigger than she looks.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member over 10 years ago
Ah, Mr. Rogers! What a dear dear man!
Dry and Dusty Premium Member over 10 years ago
Ah, Mr. Rogers! What a dear dear man!