Knot passing knots - discuss

[Cantclimbtom]

While I hope to never use either during SRT, IMHO (from mine SRT, mountains and artificial structures) that Italian hitch (aka Munter hitch) and Blake's hitch are the 2 to keep up your sleeve. I don't believe people need to learn a million knots but I think if "it" hit the fan those 2 could save your bacon and deserve to be practiced. Assuming of course you're someone daft enough to be out SRT'ing on your own

 

[mikem]

Blake's hitch - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[paul]

Is a stopper knot on a bight the Capuchin knot?

Damian, who knows his onions, uses the Capuchin in the end as joining to it popular. I find it a bit disconcerting, a knot with a hole larger enough to thread the rope through just feels a bit risky.
In the same way abseiling on 9mm for the first time felt risky if you're used to 11 mm.

Using the Capuchin was shown to me by Dave Elliot. I think he knew a bit about SRT and knots...

 

[Ian Ball]

Now that is a name drop.

Ive heard a rumour of a rope join coming undone on a Elliot/Lawson rigging guide research trip, different diameter rope rethreaded fig 8. So yes, someone who has extensive knowledge and experience of failure process.

I need to ask again, can the capuchin be used with different diameter ropes? Does the diameter matter between ropes as in upper rope has to be bigger?
And how do you make a loop to clip into when passing?

Edit: best check I'm not spreading rumours there

 

[Fjell]

I have so far never failed to untie a double fishermans. It is a reliable knot for different rope types and you are not loading it that much. I will cut the end off if it comes to it, rather be happy on the rope.

A marlin spike does wonders for stiff knots.

 

[Fulk]

I'd endorse what Fjell has to say about the double fisherman's (and a marlinspike!).