Usage
The Blake's Hitch is a friction hitch commonly used by arborists and tree climbers as an ascending knot. Unlike other common climbing hitches, which often use a loop of cord, the Blake's hitch is formed using the end of a rope. Although it is a stable knot, it should be backed up with a stopper knot, such as a Figure Eight Knot, for safety. It is used for both ascending and descending, and is preferred by many arborists over other hitches, as it is less prone to binding. The Blake's Hitch can also be used for making and adjustable loop on a tent line or tarp line and is less likely to slip than the better known Taut-line Hitch.
Warning
Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.
History
The first known presentation of this knot was made by Heinz Prohaska in an Austrian guides periodical in 1981; in 1990, he presented it in a caving journal, Nylon Highway. Separately, Jason Blake discovered the knot for himself and presented it to the arborist community in a letter to Arbor Age in 1994, after which it was enthusiastically adopted by arborists. It is now commonly known as "Blake's Hitch".
Strength/Reliability
The Blake's Hitch should always employ a
stopper knot (not shown in the animation) to prevent the free end from working its way back through the hitch. If the hitch does not hold securely due to slickness of the standing line, an extra turn should be made around the line, with the end still tucked only under two. Additionally, the strain should only be applied from "below" the hitch.
Note
The Blake's Hitch has the working end of the rope pass behind the vertical part before emerging from between the two coils. An incorrectly tied Blake's called the "Suislide" has it emerging in front of the vertical part. The "Suislide" is as it sounds; deceptive, unreliable and inherently dangerous.
