Rosendahl Knot aka Zeppelin Bend - Clover Method

A (new?) method for tying a Rosendahl Knot aka Zeppelin Bend.

An underhand knot,
Is the place to start.
But pinch it into a clover.

Climb the long stem of the clover,
And then bring the end over.
Climb the short stem through,
Then cinch the knot true

• Category

  Howto & Style

[Matthew Du Puy]

I've just added this to my repertoire but I see very little commentary on using this in climbing. I suppose it isn't as controversial as Flat Overhand Bend (which a big wall climbing guide in Yosemite taught me and swears by)? Are there any risks or downsides to the Zeppelin for joining ropes? It is easier to untie than a double fisherman but is it as reliable? Thanks for the alternative method instructions! Cheers.

[numnumbirdynumnum]

Matthew,

I'm not a climber but my understanding is that a bend with tails on one side is more preferable than something like the zeppelin because its less likely to bind through a slot or over a corner. The zeppelin is non-compact by design so that untying is easy (the opposite of the offset water knot aka flat overhand bend). The ZB is more appropriate for rigging than climbing IMHO. Good luck. Be safe.

[numnumbirdynumnum]

Matthew,

I remebered a nice little book on climbing knots that you should take a look at. Its called "Knots & Ropes for Climbers" by Duane Raleigh. ISBN0-8117-2871-4. Its got lots of standard climbing knots but also some notably safer variations on knots that climbers typically don't use.

[numnumbirdynumnum]

AT8, I've never heard of a zeppelin loop. Have you seen this documented somewhere before?

[tmcd21475]

I'm glad you've found a "new" way to tie the ZB but IMO, anything outside of using the 6&9 method or bq method is just over complicating the tying process. I'll bet if you showed 50 people your method or the very simple bq method, the bq method would stay with them MUCH longer than a complicated pattern of tying would. I am a knot tier too and there's just so many knots to learn that I'm into the simple forms because it allows you to learn and move on to the next knot.

[numnumbirdynumnum]

I agree with you that 69 method (aka bq method) is simpler to remember but I found three good reasons for exploring an alternative method. The first reason is that with a larger gauge of stiffer rope (like 5/8") the tails tend to spring back out of the holes instead of flopping into them. The second reason is that I found to very difficult to tie the traditional method with one of the ropes under tension. The third reason is probably just geometric/mathmatical vanity. Thanks for watching!

[Matthew Du Puy]

Cool, thanks for the suggestion! I'm pretty familiar with all of the standard climbing knots but always happy to learn variations and methods for tying. Of the 3 common methods on the zeppelin I've seen, yours is the more convenient. Thanks again!

[ANDYT8]

Also one of my favourite knots - better then the similar Riggers bend.

I agree the "69" method is easy to remember. However a big advantage of this method is that it only uses the one working end (69 uses two) which makes this single proceedure applicable to both a Zeppelin Bend and also a Zeppelin Loop at the end of a line. You simply tie the first overhand knot with a long free end and use this free end to tie the rest of the knot and you get a loop. So 2 knots for the price of one method.

[kevjay777]

This is my favorite bend by far. It unties much easier and the symmetry of it gives you the confidence to trust your life with it if you had to. Before I was taught this knot I used a Sheet Bend usually or a Perfection Loop, but the Zepplin is far superior to any other knot or bend for joining two lines or a loop.

The knot faded from history with the passing of the Zepplins, but I'm glad to see it making what appears to be a comeback thanks to guys like you posting vids. Big thumbs up to you.

[numnumbirdynumnum]

I find the BQ Method difficult if ether of the ropes is under tension because all of my digits are in motion tying the bend. The Clover method allows you to grasp the clover very tightly (that rope can be under tension) and do the tying with your other hand.

PS Don't drink and knot!