Karash double loop
{{Short description|Type of knot}}
{{Knot-details
| name=Karash double loop
| image= Karash Double Loop.jpg
| names=
| type= Loop
| strength= 49-72% (12.5 mm static)[http://www.karashknot.com/resources/CMC+KarashKnot+test.pdf Karash knot test]
| origin=
| related=
| releasing=
| uses= climbing, rope rescue
| caveat=
}}
Karash double loop is a common name for a knot forming two loops. This knot has been a known variant of the Bowline on a bight per the International Guild of Knot Tyers, referred to as bowline twist or twisted collar bowline on a bight.[https://forum.igkt.net/index.php?topic=1234.0 ABOK #1047 Variant - Karash Double Loop] Accessed: 3/21/2025 The knot is also referred to as nœud de fusion in French references and sometimes called Fusion knot in English.
The name Karash double loop was introduced by Mike Karash, who re-invented the knot to create makeshift harnesses for rescue operations and popularized it among rescue workers.[http://www.karashknot.com/5.html Karashknot How-to] Accessed: 4/27/2012[http://www.karashknot.com/6.html Inventor Background] Accessed: 4/27/2012
Applications
The knot is used for vertical caving using the single rope technique,[http://www.peakinstruction.com/blog/knots/how-to-tie-a-fusion-knot/ Karash (Fusion) Knot – How to tie] Accessed 2/7/2014 particularly by French cavers. It is advertised by the French Federation of Speleology as a safe alternative to the bowline on a bight. Compared to the traditional double loop variant of the figure of eight, its loops remain open under load allowing to clip and unclip carabiners in the loops more easily.
The knot is also popular to create a makeshift harness in rescue operations. The two loops are used as leg loops to sit in. The knot can be further improved by adding two bowlines around a person's body to create a three-point harness.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EyfYyJkZss#t=2m34s Karash Double Loop Harness Video] Accessed: 4/28/2012[http://www.asiteaboutnothing.net/cr_knots-optional.html A site about nothing: The Best Knots: Optional Knots]
Technique
The traditional method of tying this knot starts with a reverse loop (like the Eskimo bowline) then wraps around the standing end (AKA the "tree"), you then finish the knot the same way as the BOAB – Bowline on a bight.
An alternative way as advertised by the French Federation of Speleology and Mike Karash is starting with a figure of eight on a bight, then pulls two strands of the rope back through the bight.
File:Nœud de fusion 57.JPG|Start with a bight of rope
File:Nœud de fusion 58.JPG|Tie a figure of eight on the bight
File:Nœud de fusion 59.JPG|
File:Nœud de fusion 59a.JPG|Pull the loop of the figure of eight over the whole knot
File:Nœud de fusion 61.JPG|
File:Nœud de fusion 61a.JPG|
File:Nœud de fusion 62.JPG|Take the two strands of rope together
File:Nœud de fusion 62a.JPG|Pull back the two strands of rope closest to the loop inside the knot
File:Nœud de fusion 63.JPG|These two form the final two loops of the knot
File:Nœud de fusion 64.JPG|Tighten and dress the knot
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.karashknot.com/ Official website]
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