Friendshop knot	Forming the eyes	Two pins	Loose knot	Pulling the knot
Tight knot	Trim the ends	Curve flattened ends	Form hook ends

THE FRIENDSHIP KNOT

By: Tommy Ward

The blacksmith’s bag of tricks includes techniques intended to impart metal with the illusion of being something else and give the observer cause to wonder. A perfect example is this simple bending exercise that suggests the appearance of a rope knot. The knot theme can be further developed into a useful accessory such as a hook for hanging a coat, hat, or what have you. The knot makes for a nice little gift - particularly when the recipient is told the story of its tradition. Walt Scadden performed the knot during his demonstration of nautical ironwork at Tannehill this year, and I was intrigued as much by his account of the knot as I was of the procedure for making it.      

      Walt’s shop in Connecticut is near Mystic Seaport, an area renown for traditional boat building, For years Walt has supplied authentic iron work to the wooden ships that come to the port for outfitting or repairs, and he has made a habit of presenting a visiting vessel with one of his metal knots as a gesture of good will and friendship.  Hence, the “Friendship Knot.”  Walt is passionate about preserving and furthering the craft of blacksmithing, and what better way to honor the tradition than by making a “Friendship Knot” for a friend. And don’t forget to share the story with them.

Note: thanks to Jim Pigott and Ernie Dorrill for helping with photos and set-up.