The blimp knot is a versatile and secure knot, designed for creating a reliable stopper along the length of a rope. It is made by tying an overhand knot and then passing the working end back through the top loop. This knot is widely used in various outdoor adventures and activities, for its ability to provide a strong and stable grip, as well as to add weight to the end of a line when necessary.
Not only does the blimp knot prove to be an excellent handhold due to its large size, but it also ensures that it won’t seize under heavy loads or extreme conditions. Because of these attributes, it is a highly recommended knot for climbers, campers, and adventure enthusiasts who frequently rely on the strength and safety of their knots in critical situations.
Learning to tie a blimp knot can be a valuable skill for anyone who uses rope for work or recreation. With its reasonably easy technique and dependability, it should undoubtedly be an essential knot in everyone’s repertoire.
History of Blimp Knot
Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin
The history of the blimp knot can be traced back to the era of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a German pioneer in the field of airships. While there is no direct evidence connecting Count von Zeppelin to the blimp knot, his influence on airship technology likely played a part in the development of the knot, which is known for its use in the airship industry.
Charles Rosendahl
The commonly accepted name for the blimp knot comes from its alleged use on airships during the time of Charles Rosendahl, a US Navy officer who insisted it be used on airships under his command 1. Rosendahl recognized the importance of secure and reliable knots in maintaining the safety of airships and their crews. This led him to advocate for the use of the blimp knot, which is known for its efficiency, stability, and resistance to jamming.
The Ashley Book of Knots
The blimp knot gained further prominence with the publication of Clifford W. Ashley’s seminal work, “The Ashley Book of Knots.” Although the blimp knot is not specifically mentioned in Ashley’s book, the zeppelin bend, a related knot, is featured 2. The zeppelin bend is an end-to-end joining knot created by interlinking two symmetric overhand knots, and it shares many of the same characteristics as the blimp knot. “The Ashley Book of Knots” remains an invaluable resource for knot enthusiasts and those interested in the history of knots.
Footnotes
Tying the Blimp Knot
| Start with an Overhand Knot. |  |
| Take your working end and pass it back through the top loop of your Overhand Knot. |  |
| Pass the working end back through the loop you just created. |  |
| Dress the knot and tug it from the standing end and the working end to make the knot secure. | |
Working End
The working end, sometimes referred to as the tail or running end, is the part of the rope directly involved in tying the Blimp Knot. It is important that the rope user handles the working end with precision, as this will ensure the knot is tied securely.
Standing Part
The standing part is the rest of the rope which remains unaffected during the tying process. It is vital to manage tension in the standing part while tying the Blimp Knot, to avoid any slipping or loosening after the knot is formed.
Tying Instructions
- Begin with an Overhand Knot. To do this, form a loop by crossing the working end over the standing part, and then pass the working end through the loop.
- Take the working end and pass it back through the top loop of the Overhand Knot.
- Pass the working end back through the loop just created.
- Dress the knot by pulling on both the standing part and working end, ensuring the knot is secure and neat.
When tied correctly, the Blimp Knot is an effective stopper knot, frequently used in climbing and general rope work. It is important to practice tying this knot to achieve proficiency and maintain a high level of safety during use.
Applications and Uses
Joining Two Ropes
The Blimp Knot is often used for joining two ropes together, providing a secure and stable connection. It is closely related to the Zeppelin Bend, a similarly safe and secure knot for binding ropes together. When using the Blimp Knot for joining ropes, it is important to ensure that the loop is properly adjusted and tightened, as it plays a key role in creating resistance.
Stability and Resistance
One of the main features of a Blimp Knot is its stability and resistance. It is known for being a very secure knot due to its strength and size. When properly tied, the knot is proven to hold a good amount of weight and tension, making it ideal for various applications like creating handholds or adding weight to the end of a line when necessary. Furthermore, the Blimp Knot is considered to be easy to untie, making it a versatile choice for many purposes.
Airships and Tugs
In the realm of airships and tugs, the Blimp Knot has also found its place. Due to its qualities of strength and stability, it is a suitable choice when attaching the standing end of a rope to an airship or tug. With a confident hold, it ensures that the connection between the rope and the airship remains secure even under considerable tension or movement. In this context, the name “Blimp Knot” is particularly fitting, as it highlights the knot’s practical application in the world of aviation.
Related Knots
Alpine Butterfly Loop
The Alpine Butterfly Loop is a strong and stable loop knot often used in climbing, mountaineering, and rope rescue. It is known for its ability to distribute the load equally on both ends of the rope. This knot can be tied anywhere along a rope and creates a secure, adjustable loop.
Butterfly Loop
The Butterfly Loop, also known as the Lineman’s Loop, is another version of the Alpine Butterfly knot. It is used to create a loop in the middle of a rope, allowing for an additional attachment point. The Butterfly Loop has similar properties to the Alpine Butterfly Loop, making it a popular choice among climbers and rescue personnel.
Hunter’s Bend
The Hunter’s Bend is a reliable and secure knot for joining two ropes together. It works well with ropes of varying diameters and materials, and is less likely to slip or become jammed when compared to other knots used for joining. It’s a versatile knot with applications in sailing, climbing, and camping.
Double Fisherman’s Knot
The Double Fisherman’s Knot is a robust and easily adjustable bend knot used for connecting two ropes or cords together. Its strength and resistance to slipping make it an essential knot in climbing and other activities requiring a secure connection between two ropes. The knot’s double structure provides extra security and helps maintain the knot under tension.
Water Knot
The Water Knot is a simple, dependable knot used for joining two ends of webbing or flat material together. Commonly used in climbing and outdoor activities, it provides an efficient and secure way to form a loop with flat materials, such as a sling or a belt.
Rigger’s Bend
The Rigger’s Bend is a robust and versatile knot for joining two ropes together, particularly when both ropes have a similar diameter. It is often used in rigging and other applications requiring a secure connection between two lines. Its construction allows the Rigger’s Bend to perform well under both load and tension, making it a reliable choice.
Characteristics of Blimp Knot
Same and Opposite Chirality
The blimp knot is known for its versatility, as it can accommodate both same and opposite chirality. This means that the knot can be tied using two strands of rope with the same orientation (same chirality) or using strands with opposite orientations (opposite chirality). This flexibility allows the blimp knot to be used in various situations, providing a secure hold in both cases.
Shake-Resistant Knots
One characteristic that sets the blimp knot apart from other knots is its resistance to shaking and cyclic loading. When subjected to repeated movement or tension changes, the blimp knot remains stable and secure, maintaining its integrity and not easily coming undone. This shake-resistant quality makes the blimp knot an ideal choice for situations where the rope may experience constant or unpredictable movement.
Synthetic Rope Usage
The blimp knot is also well-suited for use with synthetic ropes. Synthetic ropes can be slippery and challenging to work with when tying certain knots. However, the blimp knot’s secure and stable nature allows it to maintain its hold even when tied with synthetic materials. This adaptability makes the blimp knot a reliable and practical choice for various applications, including those involving synthetic ropes.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.