Did you know - Woggle

The woggle is really just a Turks Head Knot.

This knot has been in use by mariners for centuries, and for much the same purpose as what Baden-Powell chose to use it. (Of course the knot has hundreds of purposes) DaVinci purportedly even included how to tie it in one of his documents

Today what is considered a "Fancy Knot" was in its hey day one of the most practical knots to be used on a ship, as a stopper, grommet, marker, friction device, decoration, grip for handrails and wheels, and the list goes on.

Today the most common use of the turks head except in scouting that I know is with leatherworkers on whips and saddles, and with horsehair plaiters. Ships still use a knot to provide grip to handrails, but now they use the easy (and lazy) french whipping.

What's the diference between the turks head and other knots or plaits(braids to some)? Only one strand is used to create the turks head, while other plaits or knots require two or more strands!

More then you cared to know I'm sure!

Shawn Elder - Sunapee, NH