Hunter's Bend

( Rigger's Bend | ABOK #1425A )

Usage

The Hunter's Bend, also known as the Rigger's Bend, is a knot used to securely join two ropes of similar diameter. This knot is particularly useful with modern synthetic, slippery ropes and is known for retaining strength under tension. It is a good knot for joining lengths of yarn or slippery rope because it is not easily untied.

Warning ⚠️

Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.

History

In October 1978, an article in The Times, a British daily national newspaper, presented the Hunter's Bend as a newly invented knot credited to Dr. Edward Hunter. He had used it for years to tie broken shoelaces before discovering its originality through a friend in the 1970s. When it appeared on the front page, it led to much publicity for the knot and also to the formation of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT).

It was later pointed out by Amory Bloch Lovins that the knot had already been presented in the book Knots for Mountaineering by Phil D. Smith in the 1950s. The tying of the bend was described as a modification to the Alpine Butterfly Bend. Smith had devised the knot in 1943 while working on the San Francisco waterfront and had called it simply a 'rigger's bend'.

Although not documented in the original 1944 print of The Ashley Book of Knots, it was later added in 1979 as entry #1425A.

Also known as

Rigger's Bend

ABOK

1425A

Structure

The Hunter's Bend is symmetrical in shape with the tightened knot resembling a cross. It consists of interlocking overhand knots and is topologically similar to the Zeppelin Bend.

Strength/Reliability

When assessed against other bends in stress tests using paracord, the Hunter's Bend was found to be similar in strength to the Figure Eight Bend and stronger than the Fisherman's Knot or Sheet Bend.

The Hunter's Bend can jam under even moderate strain so it should be used where the knot is expected to be permanent since it is not easily untied. In cases where jamming is not desired, the Zeppelin Bend is recommended as an alternative.

When used in climbing or other instances where failure could cause injury, the length of the working ends should be left longer.