Schwabisch Hitch

The Schwabisch Hitch is a directional hitch used by arborists when ascending or descending the rope.

It is an asymmetrical variation of the Prusik Knot where one side has more turns than the other.

Like other friction hitches, it locks when loaded and slides smoothly when unloaded.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Note: The Schwabisch is pronounced as sway-bisch.

Quick Guide

To tie the Schwabish Hitch, you’ll need a cord to wrap around the main line. You can either use a hand-tied one with Poacher’s Knot on both ends or a split friction cord or a spliced eye with presewn or spliced loops at both ends.

First, wrap the cord around the main line four times. Bring the tail down and tie a Half Hitch Knot around the main line. Make sure both tails exit the knot together.

Finally, clip both eyes with the carabiner.

How to Tie the Schwabisch Hitch

1. Make 4 wraps around the main line.
2. Bring the tail down.
3. Pass the tail below the main line.
4. Feed it through the tail.
5. Bring the eyes in front and clip it together with a carabiner.

Note: This hitch can be tied with different numbers of turns above and below where the rope exits the knot.

Application and Uses

The Schwabisch Hitch is used in climbing, arborist work and saddle hunting for ascending and descending the climbing rope.

It’s also used for the rappel backup as it can be released under load.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie and beginner friendly
• Can be released under load

Cons

• Tends to bind making adjustments a little difficult

Quick History

The Schwabisch Hitch was developed by Bernd Strasser in 1998. Strasser was an eight-time International Tree Climbing Champion (ITCC). 

The name Schwabisch comes from the area in Germany where he lived.

Schwabisch Hitch vs Distel Hitch

The Schwabisch Hitch and Distel Hitch are excellent friction hitches, but they have some differences.

• Tying Process: They are tied in a similar way until the last Half Hitch is tied. In fact, the Distel hitch was created from a mis-tied Schwabisch Hitch.
• Ease of use: Distel Hitch is better suited for one-handed operation.
• Holding power: The Schwabisch Hitch offers strong holding power which can sometimes bind tightly. The Distel Hitch slides more smoothly and is easier to adjust.
• Complexity: The Schwabisch Hitch requires a specific wrapping direction which is slightly complex to tie than the Distel Hitch.

Which one to use?

• If you need a secure, beginner-friendly hitch, go for the Schwabisch Hitch.
• If you prefer a smooth, less binding, and easy to release hitch, try the Distel Hitch.

Other directional Slide and Grip Knots: Valdotain Tresse, Blake’s Hitch, Klemheist, Rolling Hitch, Icicle Hitch

Frequently Asked Question

Is the Schwabish Hitch the Same as the Prusik Knot?

No. They are two different knots.

• The Prusik Knot has the same number of turns on both sides and grips well in both directions.
• The Schwabisch Hitch has different turns on one side and holds well when loaded in only one direction.
• The Schwabisch Hitch releases more easily than the regular Prusik Knot.

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