I wouldn't pretend to give lessons to anyone, but I can recommend some
great books on knots and knot work.

One of my favorite books is The Essential Knot Book, by Colin Jarman.
It's very small, practical, and I often carry it on biz trips with a
small bit of line to practice on the plane.  They have a simple section
on splicing braid, twist, and even wire lines.

For more in-depth study on splicing all kinds of line, look to the
Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work, by Raoul Graumont & John
Hensel.  The things some people can do with a simple piece of rope is
nothing short of amazing.  This work is extensive...for example, there
are 427 different type of 'end knots' explained and 168 different types
of splices.  You've got to be 'nuts for knots' to own this one.

There are two others that I like as well, The complete Book of Knots, by
Geoffrey Budworth, a good book with excellent illustration and The
Handbook of Knots, by Des Pawson, another small, but very practical book
with excellent illustrations.

If I had to pick two, it would be The Handbook of Knots and The
Essential Knot Book...for practical everyday knot use and clear
instruction...these two are probably the best.  If anyone has any
favorite knot books 'knot' listed above, please pass them on.  I have a
'hankering' for knots.

Best regards,
Russ


Lee Bell wrote:
>
> Chuck wrote:
>
> > Splicing now (with braided) is a lot easier than it once was with twisted
> > nylon or hemp.  Takes but a few seconds to make a decent eye or end splice
> > with the right tools.  But... I still wouldnt want to do it UW and even
> > though I know how to splice twisted line (that old Boy Scout training just
> > doesnt die) I avoid it whenever I can.
>
> OK, I want lessons.  I make my own dock lines.  It's both necessary and
> economical.  I like 40 foot lines of half inch nylon for one boat and 3/8
> for the others  They're hard to find premade and more expensive than they
> should be when you can find them.  I splice three strand twisted without a
> lot of trouble, usually while I'm watching TV or wandering around the annual
> marine flee market, which is where normally buy my lines.  I have not,
> however, figured out how to splice braided nylon and so far, have not found
> anyone willing to give lessons.  I'd like to use braided because it's more
> flexible than twisted.
>
> Lee