Double Sheet Bend
( Double Becket Bend | Inside Double Sheet Bend | ABOK #1434 )
Usage
The Double Sheet Bend, like the Sheet Bend, is recommended for joining two ropes of unequal size but adds an extra measure of security, particularly if the size difference between the two ropes is disparate. The thicker rope should be used for the simple bight. It works equally well if the ropes are the same size.
History
The Double Sheet Bend is cited by naval authority Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce in his textbook Seamanship (1863).
Luce, regarded as one of the U.S. Navy’s most distinguished officers in the fields of strategy, seamanship, and professional development, founded and served as the inaugural president of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He also co-founded and later led the United States Naval Institute in Annapolis, Maryland.
In his textbook Seamanship, Luce dedicated a full chapter to 'Knotting and Splicing, etc.', demonstrating that proper bends, hitches and splice work (such as the Double Sheet Bend) were formalised as core naval seamanship skills rather than just sailor’s lore.
Also known as
- Double Becket Bend
- Inside Double Sheet Bend
ABOK
- 1434
Structure
When the Double Sheet Bend is correctly tied, the two tails lie on the same side of the knot and is more reliable than if the tails lie on opposite sides. The version shown here is referred to as an 'Inside' Double Sheet Bend due to both wraps being tucked. The 'Outside' Double Sheet Bend (not shown) only tucks the second wrap and is slightly quicker to tie and untie.
Strength/Reliability
While the Double Sheet Bend is more reliable than the basic Sheet Bend, it can still slip.
