bowline query

[dbertels]

I have been using the bowline many times over the years but recently noticed that my 'free end' ends up outside the loop while the pictures I've seen so far show the free end at the inside. Does this alter the knot's effectiveness in any way?

[knot4u]

That's a Cowboy Bowline.  Based on what I've read, there is no compromise in security.  In fact, this article says the Cowboy Bowline is more secure during ring loading, and discounts Ashley's claimed advantage of the standard Bowline.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy_bowline

[TMCD]

One of the world's navies use this bowline exclusively, is it the Dutch Navy? They of course claim it to be superior to the regular bowline. Ashley obviously didn't feel that way, but we've also got to realize Ashley's writings are at least 75-80 years old.

I see alot of tricked up Bowlines on this site, but if you tie the Double Bowline and then tie a DOH stopper, I can't see the need for a different bowline. Climbers and cavers use the Yosemite, which I really like, but IMO, the one I described would sufficiently and safely handle all tasks. Sorry to get off track.

[alpineer]

I use the Cowboy Bowline, continuing the bight's tail to form a Figure of Eight for security. I believe this knot is secure "as is" without needing a further backup knot, but "hard" testing needs to bear this out before it can be recommended without the backup knot. Until proven so, I always tie a Double Overhand* on the S.Part.
http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1202.0;attach=897;image
http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1202.0;attach=901;image

*not shown in photos


alpineer
 
 

[Dan_Lehman]

One of the world's navies use this bowline exclusively, is it the Dutch Navy?
They of course claim it to be superior to the regular bowline.

What leads you to assert this?

("Ashley", btw, is circa 1940.)

--dl*
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