Usage
A Zeppelin Bend is an excellent general purpose joining knot. It is a secure, easily tied, and jam-resistant way to connect two ropes and it has been said that it may be the best way to connect two ropes that there is. Despite its simplicity, the knot’s unique structure ensures that it can be easily untied, even after bearing heavy loads, making it ideal for a wide range of applications from sailing to climbing. Its name is derived from its historical use in securing airships (Zeppelins).
Warning
Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.
History
The Zeppelin Bend is also known as the Rosendahl Bend and is named after Charles E. Rosendahl, a highly decorated vice admiral in the United States Navy. The Zeppelin Bend was his preferred bend for mooring a Zeppelin. Rosendahl was an advocate of lighter-than-air flight and served on a number of airships during the 1920's and 1930's. He was the commander of the Naval Air Station Lakehurst and witnessed the fiery destruction of the Hindenburg on the night of May 6, 1937 and led the firefighting and rescue efforts.
Also known as
Structure
The Zeppelin Bend is similar to
Ashley's Bend and the Alpine Butterfly Bend in consisting of two interlocking
overhand knots. These bends have different ways of interlocking their constituent overhand knots, as can be seen by inspecting the bends. It's exceptionally secure and shake-resistant in all materials and is perfectly symmetric.
Strength/Reliability
The Zeppelin Bend is exceptionally secure and jam-resistant, yet remains easy to untie after heavy strain, even when wet.
