Tying the Knot (Pun may be intended)

[Kallisti]

So for a class I take, we need to construct model bridges, using limited materials dispensed by the teacher. On Monday we're going to test these bridges and rate them. Points are given for holding the most weight and using the least material.

And I just found out that instead of giving us the string in 20 cm lengths like he said he would, he's passing it out in shorter segments--I don't know exactly how much shorter, as I'm currently ill, and participating in the construction by proxy via text messages, as I'm the only group member with internet access at the moment. Just a little complication, to make things more interesting.:smallfurious:

So, my question for you is this: what knot should we use to attach our shorter segments together? It needs to be as strong as possible, and use as little string as possible. Also, you need to be able to explain to me how to tie one--or link me to an explanation--as I can only tie one kind of knot, which I've always called "a knot knot. You know, a knot? What do you mean, there's other kinds?"

EDIT: All right, I just got some clarification. The problem isn't the length of the segments, it's that it's handed out in segments at all. Instead of getting 42 cm of string, we need to take two 32.5 cm segments--the entire length of which count against us, regardless of whether we use all of both--and make our own 42 cm segment out of them.

[blackfox]

If the string isn't slippery, you can use a reef knot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_knot). If it is, try a fisherman's knot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman%27s_knot). If that still doesn't hold, then use a double fisherman's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_fisherman%27s_knot).

[TSGames]

I don't see the pun. What has this to do with marriage? Now, if you said you were getting the 'short end of the string' or something, that may be a pun.

That aside, I know next to nothing about knots, but I've always loved the square knot, maybe it could work for you?

[Mr. Moon]

I recommend looking into Scouting websites for knot databases. Boy Scouts, if you're American.

[Gullara]

I don't see the pun. What has this to do with marriage? Now, if you said you were getting the 'short end of the string' or something, that may be a pun.

That aside, I know next to nothing about knots, but I've always loved the square knot, maybe it could work for you?

Well obviously the teacher represents his parents, the long string represents his girlfriend, and the short string represents a woman his parents want him to marry.

He asked his girlfriend to marry him. When he told his parents they refused to allow it and are making him have an arranged marriage to the woman they want him to marry.

His question is how can he marry his girlfriend without alienating his parents.

...

:smalltongue:

[Kallisti]

If the string isn't slippery, you can use a reef knot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_knot). If it is, try a fisherman's knot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman%27s_knot). If that still doesn't hold, then use a double fisherman's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_fisherman%27s_knot).

Thank you. I'll go have a look.


I don't see the pun. What has this to do with marriage? Now, if you said you were getting the 'short end of the string' or something, that may be a pun.

That aside, I know next to nothing about knots, but I've always loved the square knot, maybe it could work for you?

The pun is just that the title is Tying the Knot, and the thread is about string and specifically knots and the tying thereof, not marriage. Not exactly the wittiest pun ever to pass the lips of man or beast, but I'm currently running a low fever, it was the best that I could come up with.

EDIT: Actually, I like RPGsr4me's explanation better. Let's go with that.

[Melayl]

See Animated Knots (http://www.animatedknots.com/) for all the knot questions you have. :smallcool: