Slippery Lapp Knot: another no-hardware, strap-to-CL option

**cmoulder** · 02-28-2019, 08:21

There is a bit of a convoluted story behind this, starting with HF member Snaps who, during a discussion about the Kalmyk knot, came up with what was thought to be a simple way to tie the Kalmyk, but which turned out not to be a Kalmyk, although nobody knew what it was.

I continued to play with this no-name knot, however, and found that although it is the simplest knot I have ever seen, it worked amazingly well in a variety of applications. But I was very apprehensive about hanging on it because I didn't think it was a "legitimate" knot and that somehow it would fail unexpectedly and leave me with a cracked skull. I half-jokingly called it the "Death Hitch"

I brought it up in another thread (hijacked, sorry!), going so far as to make a crude GIF to show how it is tied. death_hitch_gif.gif

Not long thereafter, HF member Leiavoia did some research and found out that it is the Lapp Knot! Phantom Grappler mentioned it in a HF thread in 2015 regarding another application.

It holds extremely well with Amsteel CLs and any sort of strap such as Kevlar, Myerstech, Venom, Mule tape etc. Doesn't work Amsteel-on-Amsteel.

Used as a bend (to tie two ropes together) it is possible to tie it incorrectly (one tail coming out the wrong side) and it will fail. However, tying it to a CL eliminates this possibility and therefore makes it quite safe. Additionally, I have found it extremely easy to release with Kevlar and Mule tape, and even with Venom and Myerstech it is significantly easier than Becket or J-bend.

**leiavoia** · 02-28-2019, 08:56

(Image shown is actually a sheet bend / becket hitch. Please update!)

**jeff-oh** · 02-28-2019, 09:02

Originally Posted by cmoulder

it is significantly easier than Becket or J-bend.

Really? Slightly differently yes, but about the same effort.

**cmoulder** · 02-28-2019, 10:18

Originally Posted by leiavoia

(Image shown is actually a sheet bend / becket hitch. Please update!)

Dang it, I copied the wrong one! duh Thanks!

**cmoulder** · 02-28-2019, 10:38

Originally Posted by jeff-oh

Really? Slightly differently yes, but about the same effort.

Well I guess it's subjective, but yes, for me it is much easier. Grab the working (tree) end of the strap and the tail of the bight and it pops out super easy. I did all those "bouncy tests" with one end using Lapp/Kevlar for the whole time and it was very easy to release it.

Did you get a chance to hang on it yet? What straps?

I suppose we'll get a better consensus as more people (hopefully!) give it a whirl.

**Tikker** · 02-28-2019, 12:37

I'm trying to see how it's any different from a beckett hitch

like, don't get me wrong, variety is the spice of life, but between a beckett/sheet bend, the marlin spike, and a j-bend, what else are you looking for?

**jeff-oh** · 02-28-2019, 12:45

Originally Posted by Tikker

I'm trying to see how it's any different from a beckett hitch

like, don't get me wrong, variety is the spice of life, but between a beckett/sheet bend, the marlin spike, and a j-bend, what else are you looking for?

The only difference is the Slippery loop is tucked over its line and is tucked in the bite of the hammock CL. vs. Tucking the slippery loop under its line and over the bite.

Simple the tag end it over-under vs. under-over. If you find what you like go for it.
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**Mittagsfrost** · 02-28-2019, 12:55

Interesting knot, thanks! I didn't know it before.
For those who is interested in knots: Here is an article about the Lapp knot.

**cmoulder** · 02-28-2019, 13:40

Originally Posted by Tikker

I'm trying to see how it's any different from a beckett hitch

like, don't get me wrong, variety is the spice of life, but between a beckett/sheet bend, the marlin spike, and a j-bend, what else are you looking for?

Tie it correctly and you'll see the difference. Good diagram there from jeff-oh.

Just another option. I think it has a couple of advantages... a bit quicker to tie because you don't have to pull the tail thru (just the bight) and around, and easy release.

But that's like asking why do we have 5 kinds of mustard and 6 different hot sauces in the fridge. I mean Tabasco, Yucateca, Frank's, Louisiana, Cholula and Sriracha are all the same, right?

**leiavoia** · 02-28-2019, 14:13

Originally Posted by Tikker

I'm trying to see how it's any different from a beckett hitch. like, don't get me wrong, variety is the spice of life, but between a beckett/sheet bend, the marlin spike, and a j-bend, what else are you looking for?

The big upside for the Lapp Knot is that it's an "exploding" hitch (i.e. it quick releases.)

The downside is that ... it's an exploding hitch. This is not what i want in a suspension line knot. I want the suspension line to go through the loop to aid adjusting. However, it has lots of other interesting applications.