Makes a very secure loop in the end of a piece of rope
VIDEO
Poacher’s Knot Details
Also known as: Double Overhand Noose, Strangle Snare
History: The Poacher’s Knot (ABOK # 409, p 65.) is described by Ashley as made of horsehair and used to trap Woodcock or Partridge. It is hard to imagine using either the material or the technique today. Selden calls the knot a Halyard Knot on page 16 of their HINTS AND ADVICE for rigging and tuning your Selden mast. When used in this way, it will need cutting off; untying it will prove impractical.
Names: People call the Poacher’s Knot the Strangle Snare or Double Overhand Noose. This is because it uses a Strangle Knot tied around the standing end (ABOK # 1239, p 224).) and as a Double Overhand Knot.
Tying it: The Poacher’s Knot animation uses a Double Overhand Knot around the standing end. A common mistake when learning is not completing the second turn. Often, someone makes only a single Overhand knot, and that is not secure.
High Modulus Ropes: The Poacher’s Knot is one of the few knots suitable for use with new ropes such as Dyneema and Spectra. Bowlines and other common loop knots may slip with slippery, high-modulus ropes. They can come undone at loads as low as 15% to 20% of the rope’s breaking strength.
Stronger Alternative: Ashley describes the Scaffold Knot (ABOK # 1120, p 204). This knot is similar but has an extra turn. It’s sometimes called a Triple Overhand Noose. People sometimes refer to the Poacher’s Knot as a Double or Two-Turn Scaffold. The Scaffold Knot is less likely to slip when tied with Dyneema and Spectra.
(Reference source: animatedknots.com)
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