How To Tie the Blake's Hitch

Usage

The Blake’s Hitch is a go-to friction hitch for arborists and climbers, and it is used for ascending or descending ropes. It grips static ropes securely, giving you control without slipping. Plus, it’s simple—unlike many other climbing knots, the Blake’s Hitch is tied with the rope’s end, eliminating the need for extra gear like loops or carabiners.

Why Learn the Knot

It’s a great alternative to the Prusik Hitch. It’s trusted, easy to use, adaptable, and stable, making it an essential knot for:

• Arborists working at height.
• Recreational climbers needing efficient ascent methods.
• Outdoor enthusiasts handling vertical tasks safely.
• Camp tasks like an adjustable ridgeline loop.

Common Uses

• Arborist Work: Secure climbing systems for tree work.
• Recreational Climbing: Efficient for ascending static lines.
• Boating Applications: Occasional use for grip-and-slide functionality.
• Camping: Useful on ridgelines to create an adjustable loop.

ABOK Number  (Ashley Book of Knots)  Not listed in The Ashley Book of Knots.   Other Names Prohaska Grip Arborist Friction Hitch   Category Friction Hitch / Slide-and-Grip Knot

Notable Features

• Friction Grip: Holds securely on static ropes, ideal for ascent and descent.
• Single-Rope Tying: No need for extra loops or hardware.
• Adjustable Stability: Tailored performance with 4/2 or 5/3 variations.

Similar Knots

Blake’s Hitch vs Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: The Taut Line Hitch is quick to tie and adjust, making it a handy knot for light loads or tent guylines.
• Cons: It doesn’t grip as securely under heavy or dynamic loads compared to the Blake’s Hitch.

Blake’s Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: The Rolling Hitch is ideal for situations where you need the knot to slide in one direction but hold firm in the other.
• Cons: Unlike the Blake’s Hitch, it’s not typically used for climbing applications or supporting body weight.

Blake’s Hitch vs Prusik Hitch

• Pros: The Prusik Hitch provides a strong grip on the rope and works well with a loop of cord.
• Cons: It requires a separate loop of cord and can be less convenient than the Blake’s Hitch for single-rope setups.

Blake’s Hitch vs Klemheist Hitch

• Pros: The Klemheist Hitch is simple and effective for ascending a rope, especially when used with slings or cord loops.
• Cons: It’s less versatile than the Blake’s Hitch, as it requires a specific rope-to-loop diameter ratio.

History

The Blake's Hitch was first described by Heinz Prohaska in 1981 in an Austrian guides periodical. He later presented it in the caving journal Nylon Highway in 1990. Separately, Jason Blake discovered the knot and introduced it to the arborist community in a 1994 letter to Arbor Age, after which it was enthusiastically adopted by arborists. Wikipedia

Security Level

The Blake’s Hitch is highly secure when tied correctly and backed with a stopper knot. Its performance depends on rope diameter and load stability, making it best suited for static ropes of 12-13mm diameter.

Downsides

• Improper Tying Risks: Must be dressed and tied correctly to avoid failure.
• Load Direction Dependency: Performs best under unidirectional loads.
• Requires Regular Inspection: To ensure continued stability under tension.

Structure

1. Wrap the rope around the standing part, creating 4 or 5 upward coils.
2. Thread the tail through the lower coils (2 for 4/2, 3 for 5/3).
3. Pass the tail behind the standing rope and through the coils.
4. Tighten and dress the knot for stability.
5. Add a stopper knot, like the Figure 8 Knot, to secure the tail.

FAQ

What is the Blake’s Hitch used for?

Ascending and descending ropes, particularly in arborist and climbing applications.

What rope diameter is best for the Blake’s Hitch?

It works optimally with 12-13mm (1/2 inch) static climbing ropes.

How does the 4/2 variation differ from the 5/3?

The 4/2 passes the tail through two of the four coils, while the 5/3 uses three of five coils for enhanced grip.

Is the Blake’s Hitch safe for dynamic loads?

It is primarily designed for static loads. Use backups or alternative knots for dynamic situations.

Why is a stopper knot important?

To prevent accidental untying and enhance the hitch's security.

Important Notes on Safety

Always verify the knot’s security before use. Leave a long enough tail to tie a stopper knot. Practice extensively before relying on it for critical applications.