Japanese knots flummox me and I don't know how to tie a single one of them. They do look like a form of torture to me and I'll bet they have been used just for that purpose countless times.
One of the best knot references I own is The Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work by Hensel and Graumont. It predates Ashley by 10 years, but has become very scarce. You can buy it now, but when I bought mine I was on a waiting list for two or three years before it became available. It probably isn't as popular as Ashley because it's not a friendly howto book and there aren't always tying instructions accompanying the knots they cover, just pictures that are detailed enough you can figure out how to tie something yourself, without much handholding.
It has THE BEST handcuff knot I've ever seen. Once I figured out a way to tie it, I couldn't believe how secure it was, due perhaps in part to its many crossings, at least a dozen or so of them, yet is relatively quick and easy to tie. It's not covered by Ashley, or any other book I've ever seen. The authors point out that it was used on old time ships to bind prisoners. You can bet your boots that many a man went to the gallows bound by it.
I've given up trying to find it in other books, or even a mention, picture or drawing of it online. If ever the SHTF, we're going to need it! I've been thinking of taking a pic and posting it here myself. It'll put the "handcuff" crap you see in most books, including Ashley, to shame. Not counting your Japanese knot, of course. I would HATE to be tied up with THAT thing!
It looks like an interesting reference book.
Abe books, $12.36 used.
And surprisingly many nearby libraries have it!
8” x10” and about 700 pages, might take me a year to look through it!
Thanks.
PS:
You talked me into it!!!
I was going to wait and talk to #1 Son about this book,but he is out ice climbing.
He’s a history teacher and enjoys this sort of book...
So I fished around under the cushions and in the usual spots for extra change, and went for it!
Thank you for pointing it out.
If I just leaf through all 700 pages and #1 son the same, only A PENNY PER PAGE VIEW!