| Knots - Book Reviews |
|
|
| |
|
| Downloads |
Darren Dowling
|
|
|
|
| Quick Links |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Connected |
|
|
Connected is a central area that provides links to obtain
further information on subjects contained in Scouting Resources.
From here you can go on to websites related to your area of
interest, pick up some further reading in related books and
jot down some contact addresses.
|
|
| The Complete Guide
to Knots and Knot Tying |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| Outstanding....contains a massive amount of useful
knots with clear step by step photos on how to tie them and
a description of their appropriate and inappropriate use. This
also includes some very useful knots that don't seem to be in
some of the other good books.
Even the Further Information section at the back is a mine
of information for those seeking further know-how or how to
obtain rope and cordage (in the UK).
Quite simply a Must Have for any Scout Group
Back to Top
|
|
| Handbook of Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| This is a brilliant book for anyone interested
in knotting (or teaching knotting). Beginning with basic techniques
and terms Pawson introduces you to those important subjects
often missing from other knotting books; Different rope types,
terminology, splicing, coiling and rope care. The remainder
of the book is split into sensible sections such as Hitches,
Bends, Stopper knots etc. All the 'major' knots are covered
and many more, including many that are more decorative rather
than practical. Each knot has a full colour diagram with the
finished knot neatly displayed, an easy to read diagram or two
on how to tie the knot, its uses and any background information.
The diagrams and descriptions are clear and useful enough to
make this a 'direct' teaching aid and is a valuable addition
to any scouters library (i.e. those scout patrol boxes).
Back to Top
|
|
| Top Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
Top Knots
by Colin Jarmon
Barnes & Noble
ISBN 0760726973
|
|
This is a lovely little book. The ring binding means you
can have the book open practicing the knots without needing
to be an octopus. The steps are beautifully photographed and
clear.
Contains most of the useful knots, some basic lashing and
a few others (including the Turks Head).
Recommended if you can get hold of a copy.
Back to Top
|
|
| Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
Knots
by Gordon Perry
Barnes & Noble
ISBN 0760729964
|
|
Over 100 knots, all clearly illustrated (clear diagrams,
not photos). Contains a good deal of knots including some
very useful ones not mentioned elsewhere (the Icicle Hitch
for example).
A nice compact size with many useful knots.
Highly Recommended
Back to Top
|
|
| The Klutz book
of Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
|
This is an interesting one. Consider part of an 'idiots guide
to...' series. It comes with two short lengths of line and
holes in the book.
Each knot has an explanation with appropriate holes in the
other side of the page (the pages are thick card) with a picture
where you thread the rope through and practice the knot while
reading the instructions.
A very novel idea and one that may work well with those struggling
to learn and practice their basic knots.
Limited for general use by the short number (24) of knots.
Back to Top
|
|
| Essential Knots
& Basic Ropework |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
Essential Knots & Basic Ropework
by Geoffrey Budworth
Select Editions
ISBN 1843091593
|
| An easy one to review. This is in fact a cut
down version of The Complete Guide to Knots
and Knot Tying.
Back to Top
|
|
| Pocket Book of
Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| This book has some lovely clear diagrams. It
approaches the layout in a unique manner...grouping the knots
according to uses such as Craft, Household, Sailing, Fishing,
Climbing and Camping.
Not every useful knot is represented but those that are are
clearly explained with useful tips on suitability. The diagrams
are among the clearest I have seen.
Back to Top
|
|
| The RYA Book of
Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| The book contains black and white drawings on,
naturally, the majority of knots that are suitable for a nautical
related use.
Nice clear diagrams although dont expect every suitable scouting
knot to be represented, but those that are are done well.
Back to Top
|
|
| Knots & Splices |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| The smallest of the books here but with some
excellent descriptions. The accompanying text includes not only
instructions but alternative names and methods and uses.
The diagrams are in fact photographs and this does make some
of them difficult to look at and interpret.
Back to Top
|
|
| Knots & Splices |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| An unusal size which would suit smaller (but
longer!) pockets. The addition of some splicing methods adds
a little to the normal variety of knots you would find in such
books.
The diagrams are clear and useful but the notes, while succinct,
are perhaps a little lacking in detail.
Back to Top
|
|
| The Alternative
Knot Book |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| This book attempts to introduce
a new system of knotting. Complete with labelled diagrams it
takes you through some old favourites as well as some brand
'new' knots.
The system can be a bit confusing at first but if you have
the patience it may be rewarding.
There are several useful knots here that are not covered
by the other books and although some of the diagrams need
more steps and explanation the majority serve their purpose.
This book is perhaps better suited to the more experienced
knotter.
Back to Top
|
|
| The New Encyclopedia
of Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| This book came in a video case (but no video
alas) along with several small pieces of coloured string with
which to practice.
Arranged as an alphabetical 'encyclopedia' the book is fairly
comprehensive although there are some obvious omissions.
Each of the 250 entries includes its use and a simple paragraph
describing how to tie the knot.
Some of the knots have a clear illustration.
Again a useful addition to every Scout Groups library.
Back to Top
|
|
| The Knot Book
|
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| The book covers the basics of ropemaking as well
as some history and terminology.
The knots in the main section are arranged according to use
which makes things a lot easier.
The book also includes 'extras' such as rope and knot tricks
as well as explaining some more practical uses of the knots
which some other books curiously seem to omit (e.g. harness,
heaving lines).
Much of the book is well illustrated with black and white
drawings and the explanations are reasonably clear.
A good source of information and cheap enough to buy for
the patrol/individual.
Back to Top
|
|
| Scouting Magazine
Book of Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
Scouting Magazine Book of Knots
by V. C. Barclay
Wednesday Press Ltd
ISBN 0 85165 224 7
£2.90 Scout
Info Centre
|
| This book is a reprint of a series that ran over
13 months in the UK Scouting magazine. It consists of 98 'Knot
Charts', each of which is a single page with basic information
on one or more knots in black and white.
Most pages include a rudimentary guide as to how to tie the
knot along with pictures of the completed knot.
The series includes many of the most useful knots as well
as much information on whipping, lashings, lanyards, sinnets
and even knots for decorative use (e.g. mats and bookmarks)
and nets.
There certainly is a good deal of information and the book
is a welcome addition to any patrol box although some of the
knots would benefit from more information and instruction.
Back to Top
|
|
| A Beginners Guide
to Knots |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| The book came as part of a 'package' picked up
in WH Smith. The box consisted of the book and four pieces of
coloured thin rope.
The book is well illustrated with coloured diagrams and covers
a few basic knots as well as some sennits.
The diagrams are clear and include several steps and the
accompanying text is reasonably easy to follow.
If you can get hold of one you may find them useful for the
younger Scouts or Cubs.
Back to Top
|
|
| Fun with String |
Darren Dowling
|
 |
|
| As the title suggests this book is full of useful
'silly things' you can do with string or thin rope.
There are plenty of magic tricks and pretty looking braids
that you can practice.
The book contains some hand drawn images and could be clearer
in places although it they serve their purpose.
Useful for those rainy days as well as picking up an idea
or two for some more ambitious rope use (e.g. nets).
Back to Top
|
|
