Schwabisch

Favored by arborists, the Schwabisch is a directional friction hitch tied around a thicker rope to provide controlled ascents and descents. When employing the Schwabisch, it is important that the strain is applied in only one direction. The Schwabisch locks when loaded but allows smooth movement when unloaded. It is typically tied using a smaller diameter cord than the main climbing rope.

The Schwabisch Hitch was first documented in April of 1998 in the Arborist News. Bernd Strasser, an 8 time International Tree Climbing Champion (ITCC), is credited with devising the knot. The name comes from an area in Germany near where Bernd lives.

The Schwabisch is an 'asymmetrical Prusik' with the two legs exiting the hitch at the bottom rather than at the middle of the knot. The cord wrapped around the main line is often referred to as a 'spliced eye, split tail friction cord' and has permanently sewn or spliced loops at each end. In absence of this specialty cord, a pair of Double Overhand Noose knots is sometimes used.

The Schwabisch holds securely under load, but it is crucial that strain is applied in the proper direction to be effective.