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  1. #1
    Member PAHikingTrails's Avatar
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    Talking Splices vs Knots?

    Why should I choose to splice my line over tie a knot?
    Why does everyone like to splice line?


    From what I know...

    Splices
    1. Uses a lot more line than a knot
    2. Keeps almost 100% line strength
    3. Tangle less
    4. Cleaner looking

    Knots
    1. A knot degrades line strength
    2. Aids in tangling
    3. Uses far less rope than a splice

    Any other reasons? Thanks!
    "Be Safe & Live the Outdoors!"

    www.pahikingtrails.com / www.georflf.com

  2. #2
    Senior Member firemedic's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHikingTrails View Post
    Why should I choose to splice my line over tie a knot?
    Why does everyone like to splice line?


    From what I know...

    Splices
    1. Uses a lot more line than a knot
    2. Keeps almost 100% line strength3. Tangle less
    4. Cleaner looking

    Knots
    1. A knot degrades line strength2. Aids in tangling
    3. Uses far less rope than a splice

    Any other reasons? Thanks!
    that's the main reason, but noone will fault you for using knots.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Detail Man's Avatar
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    Your reasons are right on target. Some lines like Amsteel don't hold a knot very well, hence the splices are better. There's also the cool-factor knowing how to splice.

  4. #4
    Member PAHikingTrails's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Detail Man View Post
    Your reasons are right on target. Some lines like Amsteel don't hold a knot very well, hence the splices are better. There's also the cool-factor knowing how to splice.
    True...

    Cool-factor, well I'm in!
    "Be Safe & Live the Outdoors!"

    www.pahikingtrails.com / www.georflf.com

  5. #5
    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
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    Splices can be undone after the line has been used. I've redone whoopies to lengthen buries, to make fixed eye loops bigger and smaller and to repurpose the amsteel. Once knots are tight from being loaded, it is very difficult to undo depending of course on the knot. Certainly there is greater chance of damaging the line when trying to undo the knot.
    Last edited by Bubba; 07-06-2012 at 16:38.
    Don't let life get in the way of living.

  6. #6
    Senior Member oldgringo's Avatar
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    In this rush to ditch the wife of 30 years for a younger, sleeker model, don't lose sight of the fact that some cordage simply doesn't lend itself to splicing easily, and even if it does, splicing in the field is oftentimes impractical. Man the toolmaker has been well served by knots since Og tied his kids up with a vine, and they're not going away soon. Learn your knots.
    Dave

    "Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton

  7. #7
    Senior Member Detail Man's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldgringo View Post
    In this rush to ditch the wife of 30 years for a younger, sleeker model, don't lose sight of the fact that some cordage simply doesn't lend itself to splicing easily, and even if it does, splicing in the field is oftentimes impractical. Man the toolmaker has been well served by knots since Og tied his kids up with a vine, and they're not going away soon. Learn your knots.
    That made my afternoon! Still laughing.

  8. #8
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldgringo View Post
    In this rush to ditch the wife of 30 years for a younger, sleeker model, don't lose sight of the fact that some cordage simply doesn't lend itself to splicing easily, and even if it does, splicing in the field is oftentimes impractical. Man the toolmaker has been well served by knots since Og tied his kids up with a vine, and they're not going away soon. Learn your knots.
    Is Og short for Oldgringo?

    The codger is right, lean the basic knots at least. Nothing worse than a granny knot letting go on you when the wind picks up. Whoops! There goes the tarp...

    It also really depends on the line you're using and what you're doing with it. Some hold knots very well and for many applications that's fine.
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

  9. #9
    Senior Member Fish<><'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PAHikingTrails View Post
    Why should I choose to splice my line over tie a knot?
    Because its fun!
    "We do not go to the green woods and crystal waters to rough it, we go to smooth it."- G. W. Sears

    My forum name is Fish<><; I'm in the navy; and I hate sleeping on the ground. If I didn't need ground to walk on or measure resistance to, I think I could happily give it up.

  10. #10
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    About the only knot I use is the Marlin Spike Hitch, a slippery half hitch, and a prusik (which is already tied). For winter camping, the less knot-tying the better. Last winter I was in 17-degree weather trying to tie a simple MSH and it wasn't easy at all, with or without gloves.

    So winter camping is one reason I'm ant-knot. The second reason is I've never had a splice fail, though that could be just a testament to my truly superlative splicing skills.

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