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Shake Hands Bend

Written by Binod Gautam

Published on:

The Shake Hands Bend is used to connect two ropes together.

It falls into the category of bend knots formed by interlocked Overhand knots just like the Alpine Butterfly Bend, Zeppelin Bend, Hunter’s Bend, and Ashley Bend.

It’s just as strong as the other bend knots in its group.

What makes it stand out is its neat appearance with the working ends appearing alongside the standing parts.

Let’s break it down!

Shake Hands Bend Details

Type: Bend

Other Names: None

ABoK Reference: Not Available

How to Tie the Shake Hands Bend Knot

  1. Form an underhand loop with the BLUE rope, feed the RED rope from the right and through the first loop, and bring the working end on top of the standing end.
  2. Bring the RED rope behind and feed it through the loop.
  3. Bring the BLUE rope to the front and feed it through the same loop.
  4. Tighten the knot.

You have done this knot right if you end up with the working ends on the same side and parallel to the standing ends.

SHAKE HANDS BEND STEP BY STEP
Image: Shake Hands Bend Step by Step

Application and Uses

The Shake Hands Bend is used in applications where you need to join two ropes together.

It has a streamlined profile which means if you seize the ends it effortlessly passes through the narrow openings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to tie and untie
  • Works on slippery ropes

Cons

  • Tricky to dress and inspect 

Other Knots Based on Interlocking Overhand Knots

Zeppelin Bend

zeppelin-bend

The Zepplin Bend is the most popular bend knot.

It’s strong, easy to tie and won’t jam after bearing heavy loads. 

A solid alternative to the Shake Hands bend. 

Hunter’s Bend

HUNTER'S-BEND-KNOT-DIAGRAM

The Hunter’s Bend has a structure similar to the Zeppelin Bend.

It tends to jam after heaving loading.

Alpine Butterfly Bend

ALPINE-BUTTERFLY-BEND-DIAGRAM

The Alpine Butterfly Bend is popular because of its connection with Alpine Butterfly Loop.

It’s easy to tie, easy to remember, and does not jam even after heavy loading.

Ashley Bend

ASHLEY-BEND-KNOT-DIAGRAM

The Ashley Bend looks similar to the Alpine Butterfly Bend.

It’s strong and secure but tends to jam and may be difficult to untie.


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