One for the Rails……….

Another customer request from the local farmers market. This time a gentleman, who works for the local train company, was looking to add some decoration to a carabiner and a lanyard with a quick disconnect for keys.

For the decoration on the car the customer wanted white and neon orange. I thought I would try my hand at a new type of Turk’s-head that I have not had a chance to attempt. I ended up with a 15L10B pineapple/herringbone. This one took me quite a while to get. I am still struggling trying to understand the core concepts behind the various Turk’s-head knots beyond the a 2 or 3 bight variation. Thank goodness for diagrams from Introduction to Turk’s-Head Knots by Tom Hall.

 

The customer had a cheaper quality carabiner previous which was bending because of the weight of his keys and normal use. Since I don’t sell carabiners he went to the local climbing shop and purchased a screwgate carabiner.

For the lanyard I chose to use a 5/8” sew on plastic side release buckle for the quick disconnect. From the ‘biner to the buckle I did a four strand round crown sinnet in orange and black (the customer wanted this color combination for the lanyard portion).

From the buckle to the end I did a two color long two bight Turk’s-head around a two color four strand round diamond braid. To finish the end I chose to do a two color 3 pass Spanish Ring knot. The long turk’s-head and Spanish ring knot was completed by doubling the four strand round braid back onto itself after passing it through the buckle. I am pleased with how it turned out and being able to adapt my skills to customer requirements has given me great experience.

Thanks David!