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The knot itself, the monkey's fist is perfectly legal. The problem is that slungshot are illegal in many places. Whether anyone likes this or not, it's a fact. Everyone should educate himself and make choices and accept the consequences of those choices.
If you have it as a keychain or necklace don't tell the officer that you have it due self defence it's "decorative" because the California penal code doesn't expressively states this unless the law changed in the passed two years. The same fits with those long nylon straps that turns your keys into a deadfall are legal because they allow your to attach your keys to your belt and put them in your pocket after expressively stated to be legal. This is CA penal code I found at a law office website and maybe different in New York which states that and monkey's fist has to be in a hollow or wooden core to not be considered as a sap.
Legal in Ohio, as are brass knuckles, switchblades, sap gloves, billy clubs, etc. They become illegal when used as a weapon. If used in self defense, it's up to the prosecutor. In other words, you better be able to prove you were under attack.
@@tommyc5740 Texas Penal Code Section 46.05 prohibits the possession of an explosive weapon. An explosive weapon is defined as an incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or, mine.May 17, 2019. Pyro is OK. So a monkey paw is OK, batan, taser, black jack etc.. is OK but an explosive device carries ax3rd degree felony. Of I need a hand grenades as a civilian, I am in the wrong neighborhood. 😆
It's a mini-industry about paracords, it's like those very rare jigsaw puzzle hobbyist or slingshot hobbyist or stamp collection hobby, obviously one would only show their best entry.
@@ghillies3796 You wouldn't sink, I'll toss you a line using the monkey fist :D that's it's primary function anyway, as a weight at the end of a rope for throwing.
People in general are just infatuated by the illusion of security. As a former law enforcement officer (I was a CO at a max security prison), and have read a ton of inmate case files, crimes done "because I can" are so rare that there weren't any guys in my facility of over 2,000 because of that. Crime is caused from economic and societal problems, which is broken down into the psychology of criminals. Patching the symptoms from the root causes with bandaids like banning some ball wrapped in rope are only going to have a giant wound that's still festering but with a bunch of IOU's. The whole point of being able to carry weapons concealed is so that you are as anonymous as anyone else. Crime isn't caused from concealed carrying weapons. If you want to stop crime, then you need to address the reasons why it happens. Thieves and dealers do it because it does better than an actual job or because no jobs want them or their society pressured them and they feel forced to keep themselves alive, which is the saddest part. Homicide happens from emotional reasons. Examples: Self-Defense: You felt your life was threatened. Instinct, fear, emotion. Found your SO in bed with someone else went on a massacre of the SO and their revealed lover. Rage, heartbreak, emotion. The weapons being used is largely irrelevant. Guns are involved in more homicides than literally everything else combined. We banned a piece of rope wrapped around a rock but did crime stop? No, because the weapon doesn't matter. If we are to progress as a society and take on crime, then we must learn to stop treating the symptoms and face the music of the real problems that cause it. The countries around the world need to do better to take care of its people's mental health, tackle the economic disparities and make every effort to make crime as undesirable as possible through laws that will affect these billionaires hoarding 99% of the resources.
Crimes are caused because people need better options. Our system creates criminals and gives them not better option than to become criminals. Beating up and arresting starving and homeless people does not make you a better person or make us safer. We need better social programs to rehabilitate people who have been in the system. We also need better options for people so they do not end up in the system to begin with.
lots of good info, but the FBI's database actually shows that knives and hammers make up the majority of armed assaults. Yeah guns are much more effective at killing so generally a gun assault will be a homicide, but only focusing on that data is misleading, because guns are much less frequently used in crime than is often stated and almost all of the gun crime is congregated in major cities with a heavy gang presence. Also "guns" broadly used is misleading anyway because specifically pistols are used in almost all gun crimes. rifles (this includes bolt, lever, semi-auto, and even full auto 'assault weapons') AND shotguns combined make up less than 2 % of all gun crimes. Lastly, before the CDC censored the statistics per the current gov't admin, CCL and open carriers were shown to save more lives (estimated at around 2 million assaults were avoided yearly just by carrying, and around 800,000 cases where a self defense case went in the victims favor) every year than were taken by gun violence meaning guns are a net positive to society at large. Not sure how much longer the FBI data will be up, or if it is already censored (i downloaded the page myself for reference purposes after the CDC deleted their part) but definitely look into that. If you include all assault the big triad is hammers, knives, and unarmed attacking (specified as hitting with fists or with foot as there is a breakdown of which part of the body is used as a weapon, but over 90% of it ends up being your hands and feet).
@@13donstalosonly someone extremely privileged to have never personally been pinned between a rock & a hard place by The System, or witnessed someone you know is a good person experience that, can say something so callous & ignorant.
Used them often while in the Navy. Never seen one used as a weapon. However, I have seen a distracted person walk into one during sea and anchor detail, on the wind up... KOed with a broken jaw and shattered cheek. We made ours with a ball of lead slightly bigger than a golf ball.
I think when I was aboard the JFK the monkey fist was a rubberized projectile from firearm. I was in 1st division (bosn's mate/deck ape) and I never saw a monkey fist thrown during any ship to ship or ship to pier while doing sea and anchor detail.
@@kevinmunger1842, " the monkey fist was a rubberized projectile from firearm" Sounds more like you saw a GMG shoot that rubber during an unrep. I started out as a deck ape on LST 1189 and when mooring we always threw a monkey fist to the guys on the pier. I was a GMG2 on BB63 and I was the one who fired the rubber projectile to the AO since the ship was decommed in 1955. Even on the Mo deck dept threw monkey fist to the guys on the pier.
If you end up using one, in self defense or otherwise, in an area where slungshot are illegal, things may not go well for you, especially if this comment is entered into evidence.
@sirj3487 I'd sooner face prosecution than end up dead or hospitalised. You are unlikely to be stopped and searched for one if you are simply going about your lawful business. It's a chance I'd take.
@@greenjack1959l I concur, but I wonder if there are areas where concealed firearms are legal while slungshot are not. If so, it would seem that this poor man's equalizer is being neglected by 2nd amendment protections.
@sirj3487 here in the UK, anything designed to cause harm is illegal to carry unless you can prove you have "good reason." So it's the old rolled up newspaper or a handful of change and a sock, or nothing really. Not a problem if like me you have a knack for improvising. My go to, is a bunch of keys and such on a chain.
Every Police Officer is not OK with any billy club or like thing. Even a baseball bat can get you stopped and questioned, and if you aren't coming from a game or a practice session, you will be taken to the station and subject to arrest.
Made and gave a golfball monkey fist to a local hardware store where I purchase cord. It was intended to be a key fob for their restroom key. On a subsequent store visit, I noticed a peculiar dent in a countertop. I suspect a bored paint counter attendant just had to test the monkey fist’s worthiness. It didn’t break the countertop, but it did leave a noticeable divot 😊
@@jamineamina5429 - It was the judgment of the store management that the toilet must be locked. When a patron wishes to use the facility, the patron asks the cashier for the key. After use, the patron is expected to return the key to the cashier. It is a loss prevention measure, which interferes with ordinary functioning of the pecan-sized bladders of senior citizens. The monkey-fist fob reduced the likelihood of a patron forgetting to return the key. I didn’t necessarily agree with management, but - at least - I didn’t work there.
I like this head cannon more than a bored associate messing around: - Can I get the restroom key? =Sure. Here you go, sir. -Thanks... Now, give me the cash or I'll beat you with your own toilet key!! * -I seem to have relieved myself... on myself... So it appears that I will not be needing this, today . Thank you, you folks have a good day now.
I love learning about different knots. These are my favorite i've learned so far: - Pretzel - Double Diamond - Square - Constrictor - Gut - Pillow - Butterfly - Monkey chain - Monkey Fist - Monkey - Poop Loop
I found out a month ago this knot is Illegal in Colorado by accident when I brought a home made begleri through the airport and TSA informed me. After explaining to them the devices intended use is a fidget toy and anxiety reliever for me, they allowed it through and let me go with a warning to not bring it again or giving an explanation as to why it is illegal. Thank you for making this video. This is excitingly informative!
was actually thinking they'd make great fidget toys. Could easily make one with lighter material that shouldn't qualify under the legal definition of "slungshot". Put something light inside, like foam or a super ball
I can't find anything about it being illegal in Colorado, so it might just be illegal on airplanes. Also, the TSA will even steal nice ballpoint pens under the claim they are a weapon, so TSA's word on what is or isn't a weapon isn't always to be trusted. EDIT: Oh! Apparently these are called Blackjacks in Colorado and are illegal, but a proper medieval morningstar (which this is basically a small version of) would NOT be illegal.
@@ovni2295 while they may be illegal under Colorado law I'm pretty sure most airports within the US are considered federal land and therefore abide by federal standards.
I made a bunch of paracord monkeys fists with four inch tails wrapped around 12mm glass marbles for use as bag and keychain charms. My son had one on his carry-on as he took it all over Europe. He travelled for THREE YEARS and came back with it!
Maybe with the combination of your cute son/daughter + happy go lucky demeanor + all the other cute accessories there was nothing to be suspicious of. If every guard is paranoid technically keys and pens can poke someone's eye out.
The legality is varied by state. When I used to tie these in the service we put them at the end of a throwing line with a small piece of lead inside to allow it to be thrown further. The other end of the line would be tied to a larger line so that larger, heavy lines could be pulled from one ship to another or to the dock for mooring (you aren't throwing a 5-8" diameter mooring or tow line anywhere!). So you can imagine that they would make a good sap (for you novices, a sap is canvas or leather sewn around a piece of lead or other small, heavy object for the use of bashing somebody upside their head). So it became fairly natural for sailors on leave in sketchy ports to carry a monkey's fist on a short piece of rope as personal protection. It then was adopted by petty criminals and the like. As it usually the case, we outlaw the devices that have perfectly good lawful uses rather than persecute criminals. Good vid!
the fact that some states allow open carry but not a knot is crazy (edit: for all the people who take time out of their day to argue underneath this comment need to get a life)
@MCMLXXXIII the background checks to buy a gun r like having a bouncer outside a club but the bouncer is blind and doesnt have hands also there r completely legal methods to buy a gun with cash, no id, and no background check
Always strange laws everywhere. My son was allowed to carry a machete in the open through a nite club district in Western Australia. How ? It was a required tool of his trade ( chef) and could only carry on himself or in car between home and work directly. Was not allowed to deviate.
Been in the Merchant Navy 40 years, we still use these today for heaving lines. Only difference is we don't put nuts and Bolts inside them anymore, Dip them in paint a few times and let them dry and they work well.
I’ve never heard of a monkey fist being illegal lol I’m from Canada, went to school for fire fighting and this knot was taught as a knot for transferring lines from area to area.
they are not illegal if they are made with something like a Styrofoam ball or a ping pong ball. If made with a large marble or a steel ball however, ILLEGAL, as they are now considered a weapon, and they can inflict a lot of damage, even to the point of killing the receiver of the impact.
@@lesliemiller5790 You may want to qualify that as "In Canada" or "In the US". Unless you are carrying the Monkey's fist knot home from work as a longshoreman, you would be hard pressed to convince ANYONE you were not preparing to defend yourself or prepping for a planned "rumble". The Monkey's Fist Knot is NOT illegal by ordinance or law in the United States. It is a tool for longshoremen or sailors. Like any other tool, if misapplied, it can be seen as a weapon of opportunity and then seen as a bludgeon. It's is illegal to use it as a bludgeon in an offensive manner. If you are attacked, and defend yourself with one, if you fear for your life, you may or may not be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
My neighbor when I was just a teenager had a pickup with a 4speed. The shifter ball had this very knot covering it and the tail covered the stick all the way to the floor. He told me to unscrew the ball and slide the tail off if I ever needed to defend myself against a crazy person. (He used more colorful metaphor) Anyone who saw that shifter commented on how custom that old truck looked with a color matched shifter cover and why someone would waste the time to customize that part. Lol
That sounds cool. But I don't see how that is any better than keeping one under your seat. You can say 'yeah, but it's the stick shift knob, so it's no illegal" Good luck with that standing up in court if any cared more about that than one under your front seat. It just sounds like a cool story to me.
@@TangoNevada I used to keep a narrow heeled London trowel under my seat. I worked as a mason. Kept an edge. A friend of my older brother kept a "guh" stick under his seat. Basically the lower half of a baseball bat. He said "Guh" was the noise it made when applied.
@@TangoNevada The difference between "carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle" that is easily identified as such, vs having a cool shifter in your vehicle that if found or seen, identifies as a cool shifter. The difference between having a sack of golf clubs in your back seat vs a single 9 iron on your front seat. The difference between having a softball , a glove and bat vs just a baseball bat in your car. One shows clear intent, the other does not. One version of the cool story doesn't require an explanation as it doesn't beg the question to begin with. That's where plausible deniability is a significant determining factor. A screwdriver or box cutter in your center console can be construed as CAWIAMV, even if you left either there from your last dash take-apart or Amazon box opening event.
@@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit Well, in America, with the item we're talking about (Which is not an everyday sports item that you are talking about) it will all depend on the officer that pulls you over, your race and the Judge you end up in front of.
@@TangoNevada In America you should be able to carry around any sporting good or weapon in broad daylight if the constitution wasn't a piece of waste paper at this point in history. Having any weapon is a right. Using that weapon illegally is the only thing that should be prosecuted.
I remember my dad making one of these over 20 years ago when I was a kid. He'd picked up knot tying as a hobby and used a nerf ball from one of our nerf guns as a core. It was really neat, though eventually he did undo it and return the ball, but that ball was never the same afterwards.
Interesting fact. I used to be a fire performer (spinning, eating, etc) and worked at a company that made and sold equipment. Though a few methods exist to make Poi (the balls of fire you see on the ends of chains) exist, by far the most popular are monkey's fist knots made of Kevlar rope around a solid wooden core, often bigger than baseballs. The practice variety were commonly paracord. They burn well. To your point, though. When practicing and spinning at speed, they do in fact hurt like hell when you clock yourself in the head and face. They hurt a bit more when you hit yourself square in the groin.
@user-gp4lm9sc3i I am trying not to be insultingly condescending here, but how did you arrive at that conclusion? I clearly said "Germany"! This would more than imply I made that remark about Germany... not Kang_Chakka. Please read better next time!
Thank you Tim , I'm from a Mariners community and my dad taught me many years ago about the many uses of this knot and I very often use it for skills in survival .. Not to harm . So then I'm getting the idea that a hammer or a fire arm would be more accepted than a knot that is very useful for purposes of having it for working on the ocean and basic survival . Ohhh my .. smh 🤦
@@TempSFugit-kk1dk excellent ! that's exactly what I did in the military , however my right fist strategic placement mmm ya know . ok m only a five for one , 145 lb female with a four foot length of rope with a Knott one both ends , cause I enjoy tying Knott's , in other words there are other ways .. coins efficient too . really your old enough to remember cigarette machines , those were the days I remember them well . happy trails 👣
It's arbitrary bullcrap. Likely since they couldn't nail any crimes on gangs that used these, they banned the weapon so they could catch a few suspects under possession charges and they would proceed to threaten them with ludicrous fines or jail time if they didn't put anything useful to the table, or maybe just as a way to increase arrests to give the illusion something was being done to combat crime. This temporary solution became a permanent law as noone bothered to come back to it. Alternatively, just like nunchucks, more contemporary politicians had watched too many movies and banned the "scary" weapon.
I use this knot daily when doing tree work. Tie it around a small rock and use it to set my climbing line. It doesn’t get hung up on leaves and branches like most other knots arborists tie for the same purpose.
Funny. I’ve always tied them with nothing inside. It makes a handy ball to grab onto a zipper or other pull tab, and just looks neat. It never occurred to me to put anything in it.
Interesting. I didn't know that. When I worked offshore in the Gulf of Mexico all the service boats used the Monkey's Fist on their heaving lines. Never thought of it as a weapon.
I'm an arborist and we use what I call a "throw line" to toss over a crotch in a tree to pull climbing rope. Many guys use a bean bag. I use a monkey fist around a 2.25" cast lead sphere. I never thought about it being a weapon as I just carry a Kimber 10mm. I have accidentally hit myself with it before. It's no joke.
Noone sensible would think of a 12" cast iron pan as a weapon either, but survive getting hit by one narrow-side-on and you'll quickly reconsider. Life is filled with things that aren't weapons only because noone uses them as such.
Guess it is used on every ship in the world. According to German flag state safety regulations, for example, it is not allowed to put a weight inside to not endanger the lines persons in the docks
I'm going to knot one into the end of the paracord I use to hang bear bags when camping. Way more convenient than finding a rock, putting it in a small bag, and tying to the rope.
Way back in the '80's, I was in the Canadian Naval Reserve. We got the "monkey fists are illegal in the States" talk and how, if you used them to heave a line, they'd just cut them off. And we put weights in them. But you don't have to, and they still were pretty effective.
As a boatswain mate in the USN during the 90's.....I crafter quite a few of these and also heaved them from the aircraft carrier I was attached to while making port in Norfolk.
in the UK just about anything that can be used offensively is illegal, unless you can prove it is for other use. that includes pepperspray. even a swiss army knife or a leatherman fall under this. If you are camping or on a work site you might be able to argue (and be successful) that it is for work or the activity. but if you take it to the restaurant that evening, your argument is no longer valid
In Florida it is legal, as of 2015. The last time I checked, the online Florida code had not gotten around to updating the pertinent section, however, if you look directly for the update to the law you can find it.
HB 4009 (2016) updated Statute 790.001(3)(a) for carrying, 790.09 for manufacturing, & 790.18 for sale or transfer of slungshots. It's been updated for a while now.
I use a ping pong ball or a plastic hollow golf ball inside of the monkey fist. Its not weighted or designed for self defense. I use them on a 6" key lanyard.
Just go a craft store to get a lightbwooden ball about 2 inches (5 cm) to use as a core. This heavy enough to carry the line and floats. Also keep it on a long line so it purpose is clear.
They're not illegal in Georgia so I can carry ten of these things at once. Though I'd need a REALLY good belt to hold my pants up, lol. I made one of these for my cat, and he loved it. I made sure to exclude the marble so it wasn't too heavy for him, and to assuage him from any gang activity, lol. He has a few of those yarn balls, and LOVES to carry them in his mouth while meowing throughout the apartment so I figured he'd like a miniature "volleyball" to smack around. He won't carry it, but he does love to smack at it. I'm pretty sure all cats love paracord because when I start making things with it at least two of them are on scene while I'm weaving, lol.
What did you put in the center for your cat? My cats would love a toy like that. I crochet them toys all the time out of yarn ends from bigger projects. If I use Paracord, the toys might last longer. Thanks
@@susan1good I didn't put anything in the center. I just did the monkey fist with paracord. It ended up being a little bigger than a superball. I mainly did it so it would be heavy enough to play fetch with him. The yarn balls are good for that, but since there's no weight to them they won't travel very far. The money fist has just enough weight to give it momentum when I throw it.
DeninTekDigital; I enjoyed your comments here. I’m a Georgia girl (65 years old.) My next big goal is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from North Georgia to Central Main… Great place to know paracord knots 🪢…
@@tedijune6759 Thank you. I live in South Georgia myself. I personally prefer Oregon, for the more dramatic landscapes, but my wife's job demanded we move. It's not too bad here, but the humidity is awful, lol.
I've made several of these for my dog - they're his favourite toys. I use 10 (ish)mm nylon rope, which you can buy super cheaply here and I don't use a core, usually. I did make one with a tennis ball core but it was a bit big for his mouth. Now he's a big bigger I might try again, though. They outlast store-bought toys, too.
I forget if it was in The Lies of Locke Lamora or the second one in the series, but they added an interesting twist to this self-defense tool (they called it a blackjack, which, as I understand it, is a broader term for weapons of this type), they got some spicy powder, dissolved it in water, and then soaked the knot in the spice-water for awhile to saturate the rope in capsaicin, meaning any abrasions or lacerations from the impact on flesh would burn like hell, causing minor strikes that might otherwise be shrugged off to be almost debilitating from the pain. I think they called it an Orphan's Twist or something like that.
It is harder to defend against than a hammer since it will wrap around any part of the body towards the eventual impact point, similar to a baton vs. the (often banned) flexible steel rod and blackjack.
Yeah, flails were kinda really nasty weapons even if you had shield constructors said it's very hard to defend against it because of how unconventional this weapon is
some law regulations are weird (not to say staight stupid) - it leads to disarm and become more defenseless those who follow tha law while bad guys don't give a sh!t about the law, so they still may have much more lethal weapons... bottom line is - don't do anything stupid.
See also the term " Life Preserver ". This term comes from the highly respected Book, Ashley's Book of Knots. Which is available as a free PDF download. The term comes from using it in self defence and the versions in the book serm to be in the 18 to 20 odd inch mark in length.
That's a "blackjack". From the 1950s on it was used by many police officers as well. Still today known as a blackjack. There is a variant that has a concrete, stone or thick metal plate around 5-6 inches long and 3 inches wide using the same knot and tie method called a "slapjack".
No, a Blackjack is a lead weight, on the end of a stiff 6 or 7 inch spring, covered with a flat leather braid. I have my fathers 1938 Wash State Patrol blackjack in the gun safe.
I have a few blackjacks from that time, maybe a little before as they came from a grandfather who served in the 30s and 40s but are leather straps with what feels like a metal bar at the end. I would guess different things were used by the army and police maybe but all called blackjacks..
@georgeedward602 I've generally seen round handed versions called "blackjacks" and flat versions called "saps" but I'm sure there's a lot of cross-over in the terminology. They were very commonly used by police at one time, but dropped out of favors because they could be very dangerous if used improperly.
Hilarious that many individuals point out the legality of the knot. Unfortunately many of our major cities do not allow concealed weapons where they are needed most.
Brazilian here. From what I understand from the local laws in Brazil (sometimes things change between states, but there's a general notion about the rules for the entire country), there is nothing saying a Monkey's Fist knot is illegal to do or to use, however if you use it for illegal activities, such as threatening someone or announcing a robbery, then obviously it is illegal. Just how you can buy a pocket knife anywhere and there's no problem with carrying one, if concealed, but if I try to mug someone with it then it's another story.
@@joseph1150 But don't take it for granted it's "normal" to carry a knife. Just like in many places (or everywhere) in this world, laws are complicated, if not stupid at times. TL;DR: It's up to the judges if you are fine carrying a knife/monkey fist/self defense weapons or if you'd be charged/jailed for it. Yes, it's a legal roulette. From what some websites discuss about the current situation of knife carrying: yes, there's a clear limit on how big of a blade you can carry around: 10 centimeters, or 4 inches, you can't Michael Myers on the streets. But... There's the whole thing about an article that forbids "carrying weapons without authority permission", from 1941. The article is so old, the prescribed fine is on a currency that doesn't exist anymore, but is relevant to how the justice system will judge you. And the thing is that there's no such a thing like a "knife license" in Brazil, therefore, theoretically, you don't need authority permission to carry one, granted it is less than 10cm (4 inch) long. Some places even mention knives are not legally "weapons", but tools, and should be fine to be carried. However some mentions it needs to be taken into context for what the knife was meant to be used for. For example, if I was carrying a kitchen knife because I was just cooking something is a different case to carry a pocket knife meant to stab at someone. So, if that "stabbing someone" is because I don't want to die, should I still be persecuted? Each judge will have a different answer, and some will say it is a valid cause and not illegal, others will say it's meant for aggression, therefore you need to be charged for it. I talked primarily about knives, but change the "knife" part and put the monkey fist, basically a bearing ball on a string, meant to bludgeon someone in the forehead. On theory, you should be fine to carry one as long as you don't threaten others, but in practice it is complicated, and depends if the judge is fine with self-defense or not.
@@marcelo90z I personally think that a judge not believing in the right of self defense should be barred from ever practicing law or being involved in any public job or office ever. But yeah, Brazil's legal system is a mess just like most places.
We used a monkeys fist around a cue ball as a heaving line - I've seen one hit bullseye through a trawler's cabin side window from around 25 yards away in 20 foot seas. Trust me, the captain did NOT care about a window at that point, since the alternative was an unpowered ride through diamond shoals (aka the graveyard of the Atlantic) with a worsening storm, and dropping temps, it was already right at freezing, and would probably have been fatal.
@@ano_nym it sounds like they were using it help with ship mobility/stability in a storm with high waves in a region that's known for shipwrecks, meaning the broken window was a consequence of an action used to keep the ship and it's sailors afloat and alive.
Basically it’s a blackjack. I have a couple custom baby jacks and slap jacks being made for me because I live in the third ring of hell. I wanted something a bit more classy than an iron lock in a sock.
The scouts in my Boy Scout troop makes these nuts with heavy cores in them all the time. They use them on campus to throw lines over tree branches to use the trees as makeshift flag poles.
We use them underwater for the ROV (remotely operated vehicle, a sub) to grab onto. Sometimes we put small floats in them (pretty solid, for deep water) or big nuts, depending on if we need them to float or sink. Sometimes we don't put anything inside them. Of course the ship's crew uses them for heaving lines, but I don't know if they put anything solid in them.
Its legal to carry around firearms openly (stupidly) or concealed... yet not carry around something that is far less immediately dangerous (difficult to have an accidental discharge with a weighted rope). Gotta love 'priorities'
A slungshot was actually used like a monkeys fist, to add wieght to the end of a rope, to heave it. It was later adapted for self defense, like the monkey's fist. This is according to my great uncle who served in the merchant marines in the 30's, 40's and 50's and in the US Navy during WWII.
Now I kind of want to see some testing with various sizes and weights of slungshots against car door windows. Tools for breaking those tend to have sharp points, to concentrate the force in a very tiny spot, and are sometimes spring loaded to enable a fast impact. My suspicion is that a big slugshot, wrapped in cord that's likely to spread out the impact even more, isn't gonna be as good at breaking those windows, but that's just my thinking, and untested.
my thought exactly. the best tool for popping tempered glass car windows is a ResQMe tool, but the best improvised tool is a spring loaded center punch from the hardware store.
I'd love to see testing done as well, however I do have to say, while yeah, sharp points or at least more focused tips/points work great for breaking glass, be it car windows or whatever. I think if you swing a sledgehammer at a car window, your overall results will basically be the same. Maybe a dented B Frame or whatever, but still broken window. Because it's not necessarily just a point that break them. The benefit of a point at that (unintended) point, isn't because it's simply pointed. Items that are used that way, often aren't very heavy. They're usually quite light, and in plenty of cases, require several hits to properly function. That's not a bad thing, just something to note. Now, imagine swinging that hammer or sledgehammer. It has not only momentum, but some added weight. It's going to likely break the glass in one hit. Not only is the item itself probably enough, but the extension of your arm Carrie's it all event further/harder. So realistically, I'd say these could easily bust a car window. Its weighted (or can be), it can have varying weights, all dependent on the users choice. And it's basically just a less accurate hammer swing. Sure, slightly bigger surface area because of the ball, but then again remember, a ball doesn't have a square head/face. Its "pointed" kind of. Just more round. The cordage you use could change things though. Heavy thick rope on a smaller ball/object may be more of a cushion, but paracord is not really going to damper that honestly. Not enough to completely stop it from being effective. Least I would think so. And as far as a weapon goes, this would be like the midway point between knife/stabbing object, and a board or bat or something. Similar to a hammer. That's off topic but since the idea of this is "oh it's a weapon", that's something to look at too.
First time me hearing about "The Monkey's Fist" was watching one episode of SpongeBob. He didn't know how to tie his shoes and asked the Flying Dutchman about it.
@@dokchampa9324 In America, states make their own laws regarding what is a weapon or not. There is no national law stating that is is illegal to own or carry in general. And the same would apply to guns as weapons. So maybe you don't understand what "literally" means because that statement is just wrong. It is not true of America as a nation. Likely not even true in any states. Would you care to name another country that allows one to carry guns but not these?
I am interested what the Bruen decision will do as far as legal impact on these types of laws, knife laws, etc. - since "bear arms" does not say "bear firearms"
The monkeys fist is still common practice amongst merchant mariners. Actually it's still a very common craft test among seaman schools when learning knots.
You mentioned a hammer. One difference between a hammer and a sap or a monkey's fist is speed. The flexible 'handle' allow the weight to be traveling much faster when it impacts the person compared to swinging a hammer. Though I do agree that humans can use just about any object to harm another human if that is what they are intent on. Flexible handle also makes it easier to conceal until last moment if you are the mugger instead of the defender.
Also a hammer is probably a better weapon as you can block with it as well. I think I could generate similar force for the length and weight. Only advantage I see with the monkey fist is it's concealable
@@spiritweird that’s literally what he’s saying. This does more damage because it’s got a cord tied to a weighted head. If you tied a cord to a hammer, you would, likewise, have a cord tied to a weighted head. This gives you a longer, more flexible fulcrum, causing more damage.
@@JohnFrumFromAmerica depends on how you make it - it’s basically just a miniature flail with a flexible handle. You could easily use leather braiding or even a thin chain as part of the construction. Get it about 2-2.5 feet long, and you could easily use it for either diverting attacks or tangling an arm.
My boss had a weighted club in the store. It was a fine piece of work. It was very well balanced. Or, well, it was a bit top heavy, but that's where you want the majority of the heft anyway, for when you need to use it. It was only about 10″, but made of the finest red wood. It was smooth as a dildo on the top, but the handle was hand-carved with nice grooves for the grip, and a cross-guard formed as a octagonal nut. It was surprisingly heavy for its size, but I don't think there was a metal rod inside it. It was just an extremely dense and well-made piece of hard wood. One day a hopped up speed-junkie came into the store and threatened both store clerks and customers, many of whom are elderly with grandchildren... So when three store clerks couldn't even hold him down, my boss jumped over the counter, got the club, and smashed it against the skull of the assailant. He heaved it high above his head, and let it fall with accelerating force against his skull, until he broke it in twayn! Yes, in TWAYIN I say! Later he was prosecuted by the police, as is customary here in Norway. There was also a lot of news scribblings in my town about it, on the legality of using such brutal force against one man. But in the end he was rightly acquitted, since it was an obvious emergency, and he had to protect both his store and his customers. And that's how my boss got his new nickname, The Batman.
Good story. In New Zealand, if you use self defense force, you are normally charged even if your actions are well intentioned and lawful. Particularly if there is any injury or anything spectacular involved. But you do the 'not guilty' plea, and get a trial in front of 12 citizen peer jurors........ 99.5% of genuine cases would be found 'not guilty'. But you have to put up with the arrest and processing, and months of stress waiting for the legal process. But you have to be genuine, and not have used excessive force, given the prevailing circumstances........ and you are acting in self protection or protection of another mode. And then you get off !!!! Costs you thousands in lawyers fees...... so in NZ don't defend anyone........ just let it be a police problem.
We actually have instances in history when martial arts were illegal to practice in certain countries. It just depends what is currently a fad in legislature. And there are laws about martial artists getting into the fight. Depending on circumstances you may be prosecuted more severely if you are a martial artist and you harm another person.
Because weapons are force multipliers. And because locking up/executing everybody who knows how to fight. Makes it very obivous that a goverement intends to do harm to the public. And makes it easier to convice their henchmen and guard-dogs to hurt the people that the goverement points at. Because they know their is no chance they will get hurt while carring out their evil orders.
It reminds me of those toys used to launch a ball for a dog, which can generate quite a bit of kinetic force if used with something other than a ball designed for that purpose, so it's make sense that it would be illegal, as you could do some serious damage, especially if aimed at someone's face or neck.
Thanks for the history and info. Actually the knot is not illegal. Only some applications of it are. Your title of this video is definitely an eye catcher so I would suggest you take advantage of the exposure to also point out some of the positive applications of the knot such as Baby Yoda, Begleri, Dog / Cat toys, Key Chains, Bracelets, Nesting Balls, Xmas & Halloween decorations, etc. A list of links to other videos you have posted including How to Make a Monkey's Fist might also be appreciated by new members to the paracord community. Cheers, Murray
You're being pedantic about it. No the knot itself isn't illegal, but if you tie one with a weight in the ball, and attach it to something that could be used to swing it as an impact tool it's considered illegal in the applicable states/countries because it can be used for blunt force trauma. They're not illegal to own, but they're illegal to carry in public in certain states in the US, and in other countries. It has more to do with how government officials see it, and less to do with it's uses. Some states prohibit carrying spring assisted knives, and balisongs, (butterfly knives) too. This is because politicians have stigmatized them based on what they know about those knives, and the idea that they're "usually" used by criminals. Which, of course, is false. It doesn't matter how you feel about it, or if you have benign intentions for it, if it's deemed illegal by the state you're in you'll go to jail for carrying it no matter what.
@@demontekdigital Big part of your likelihood of "skating" on any of this sort of thing is scale and intent too. Obviously you are always vulnerable to someone enforcing every word of the law but a 160lb female with a thumb sized monkey-fist keychain is lrss likely to get arrested than a 17year old 250 lb man carrying a poolball on a lanyard. I live in a state/city with knife laws that could catch nearly every man I know. But nobody has a problem because the law mostly doesnt get called up unless you are already busted for something.
@@Vote4Drizzt The word intent is the key word here. You're 100% right. Something I didn't take into account while being too busy trying to prove my point, LOL. Jeez though, could you imagine walking around with a pool ball wrapped in paracord all the time? The weight would get annoying after 5 minutes, lol. I think someone else mentioned this too, but certain biker clubs were notorious for using ball peen hammers, and padlocks on chains as weapons. THAT would friggin hurt so bad. There's gotta be a better way to settle differences, man. How about a grueling game of hopscotch? That would honestly be entertaining to watch, LOL.
@@demontekdigital So true. The trouble is most government people know next to nothing about weapons. Look I'm a good medic but there is no way I should tell you how to be a proper demon. I can give you first aid advice, but don't ask me to replace your brakes on your truck or car (If in doubt the nearest tree should stop you) The law is complicated. And confusing. I read above a person said in some state it is legal to carry and not be considered a weapon, unless it is used as a weapon. WTF?
Somebody better let the navy know; the monkey’s fist is a knot used by seamen the world over. My grandfather was a retired boatswains mate and there’s one that his shipmate’s cut off a heaving line and mounted on a plaque. There’s a metal plate that says, “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” which apparently was a reference to trying to break the windows in cars that parked too close to the ship’s intended berth with heaving lines. Grandpa said he never actually hit a car, but he once scared the hell out of an ensign that was tying his shoe.
ANY state that says this item is unlawful needs to rethink this in light of the supreme court bruen case. If it can be carried it is a lawful arm. PERIOD.
We’ve been using this for centuries offshore, still using it. Coast Guard never say anything to us for using it so not sure where it’s illegal. I guess it depends on the style you make similar to a blackjack.
ture there is nothing illegal about it unless someone makes and uses one for a weapon. which anything if carried and used as a weapon can be illegal esp if it's used to attack someone with. even a set of keys if you
I don't know how the law reads, but I know a lot of sailors who still have these aboard the boat. Usually attached to a light messenger line for throwing, messenger line then attached to a heavier line. Of course that is different that carrying one that is pocketable and like a sap stick.
I'm in Canada; when I was a kid, my father used one of my street hockey balls as the core of a monkey's fist rope swing in our backyard. It was a fantastic swing that my brother, cousins, and I all loved.
not sure what a street hockey all is but if you mean something like a lacrosse or field hockey ball i can tell you that it’s a bit bulky but it does work.
@lbpltd34 It's kinda like a field hockey ball, except it is smooth, and the very hard plastic is hollow, not filled with cork. It was a bright orange colour from the late 90s/early 2000s. The monkey's fist was to be used as the seat of a swing, so the rope used was very thick, and the finished monkey's fist knot was at least a foot and a half wide. It was intentionally made incredibly bulky so we could sit on it. It was also very heavy, perfect for use as a swing that was usable even when we became teenagers.
I push this end of the 2A argument in any discussion or debates on weapons. These people won't be happy until they make you defenseless. Look at Briton. If I understand it the UK has made it next to divine intervention and even then God must submit everything in triplicate and wrote in the King James version. Since taking the guns away is not having much of an impact they are going after knives. Including your chef knife. Now would be a good time to stand up for knives, clubs,hammers your fist and any things that could be used as a weapon
Love the video, as a practical knot Ive used monkey fist as a button and fat stopper knot. For throwing I think a hangman's is better as it's easy to tie and untie and can be easily capsized if snagged. I never considered the weapon aspect, thanks 😂
I have made a monkey fist using a ping pong ball and it was the best decoration on my key ring. But then my cat got a hold of it and it became a toy for her. So, I made another one that had a cat toy with a jingly bell in it. She loved that as well but she then shredded the one made with the ping pong ball. :( Sigh.....
Great history lesson. In today’s world in US where personal attacks without prosecution are in some states with stupid Laws, a great Knot to have in one’s pocket!
Tying a knot is perfectly legal anywhere. Certain 'applications' of the knot are illegal in certain degrees in certain jurisdictions. Another good example is the noose. Tying a noose is fine, make as many of them as you want. Fixing a noose to a tree branch, or nailing it to someone's door as a threat ... well, that is illegal in most jurisdictions. The title of this video is clickbait, and much of the video itself is hyperbole.
Also used in rock climbing in certain areas where you are not allowed to use metal tools (because they would break the rock - usually sandstone). Basically you put it in a crack or something the like where it's unlikely to fall out on its own, then you can clip your rope into it with a carabiner for when you are falling, the monkey fist knot will keep you from falling to the ground. Though I guess something very light is inside to reduce weight as much as possible for that usecase.
It's not illegal in Tennessee. You can buy them in certain stores. And why would they be illegal? Many of these states allow you to carry pocket knives and guns, but not a knot? 🤦
I forgot about these! I just made one just because you said they’re illegal somewhere! 😂 we made these in Boy Scouts by the dozens! Of course we tied them around marbles and they were harmless, my new one however is tied around a 1” ball bearing! 😊
@@seanthomas4625 comes from the term arm yourself. It could be anything. So the 2nd amendment was not limited to muskets. It means any arms available. Including the modern hunting rifle also known as an “Assault Weapon “ as the media like to call it.
this is what i mean when i say laws on prohibited weapons are completely arbitrary and stupid. especially bad in canada. theres plenty of other things that could accomplish the same task which aren't banned, suck as a cue ball in a sock or a chain with a padlock on the end. its like they ban things on impulse or to get a power high rather than banning things for logical reasons. they need to stop micromanaging.
I was a merchant marine in my youth. At that time we made monkey's fists with large metal nuts inside. When finished, we dipped the whole thing in red lead paint. We would put them on heaving lines, for when we were docking. We were careful not to throw them at anyone.
I wondered why they didn't use them on the show "The Walking Dead" since presumably someone could quickly become skilled with a hand made flail such as the Monkey Fist in a Zombie Apocalypse situation. Presumably, if the knot isn't around something hard, it could be legal as a movie prop.
For my UK brothers and sisters here, if you're curious as to the legality in the UK, to my understanding our laws lean heavier into intent when it comes to "offensive weapons", it is absolutely legal for you to make a monkey fist/slungshot if there is a reasonable and provable utility for such an item. (feel free to make me aware if I have been misinformed).
I got arrested once for carrying a monkey’s fist knot out in public. I was swinging it around on my keychain while walking down the sidewalk and a cop saw me and ran over and cuffed me. I was charged with brandishing a weapon in public, and ended up having to pay a $2000 fine, and they confiscated my knot. Im just making all of this up, sike, get rekt.
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1:58 wtf is this abomination?
In fact, it's knot legal.
Are you knot saying it's illegal?
The knot itself, the monkey's fist is perfectly legal. The problem is that slungshot are illegal in many places. Whether anyone likes this or not, it's a fact. Everyone should educate himself and make choices and accept the consequences of those choices.
@@jafferrer2274 it's knot. 👀
If you have it as a keychain or necklace don't tell the officer that you have it due self defence it's "decorative" because the California penal code doesn't expressively states this unless the law changed in the passed two years. The same fits with those long nylon straps that turns your keys into a deadfall are legal because they allow your to attach your keys to your belt and put them in your pocket after expressively stated to be legal. This is CA penal code I found at a law office website and maybe different in New York which states that and monkey's fist has to be in a hollow or wooden core to not be considered as a sap.
HAaaa.
Legal in Ohio, as are brass knuckles, switchblades, sap gloves, billy clubs, etc. They become illegal when used as a weapon. If used in self defense, it's up to the prosecutor. In other words, you better be able to prove you were under attack.
So stupid. We literally have a constitutional right to bear arms in the United States.
Same in Texas.
since 2019 most everything is legal, except hand grenades, yet.
@@Jack-Surreal_Panes Hand grenades have always been legal, they have just been an NFA item since 1934.
@@tommyc5740 Texas Penal Code Section 46.05 prohibits the possession of an explosive weapon. An explosive weapon is defined as an incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or, mine.May 17, 2019.
Pyro is OK. So a monkey paw is OK, batan, taser, black jack etc.. is OK but an explosive device carries ax3rd degree felony. Of I need a hand grenades as a civilian, I am in the wrong neighborhood. 😆
A door knob in a pillowcase is also a dangerous weapon but they aren't illegal.
It depends. If a cop sees you carrying it around in a suspicious manner, then they'll assume it's a weapon.
There's always this person..
Step 1: pick up pebble. Step 2: put pebble in sock. Step 3: get arrested.
@@blarfroer8066imagine dying to a sock 💀
bro do you mean a zipper 💀
I feel so much safer knowing you can get literally the same effect with a bike lock and those are perfectly legal.
Where’s my mace Windu meme… Hes too dangerous to be left alive
You sound just like a voter 😂
losers lol
Good one
🤷♂ depends on where you live
Just make sure 4chan doesn't doxx you
or you know, a gun
I'm kinda embarrassed as a sailor that my monkey fists never look this neat 😂
It's a mini-industry about paracords, it's like those very rare jigsaw puzzle hobbyist or slingshot hobbyist or stamp collection hobby, obviously one would only show their best entry.
Look, at least you can tie one. I just sink away when one is asked to be tied on board.
I didn't even know it exists... 😑
@@ghillies3796 You wouldn't sink, I'll toss you a line using the monkey fist :D that's it's primary function anyway, as a weight at the end of a rope for throwing.
I made one in the Marines but it took me all day to make 😢
People in general are just infatuated by the illusion of security. As a former law enforcement officer (I was a CO at a max security prison), and have read a ton of inmate case files, crimes done "because I can" are so rare that there weren't any guys in my facility of over 2,000 because of that. Crime is caused from economic and societal problems, which is broken down into the psychology of criminals. Patching the symptoms from the root causes with bandaids like banning some ball wrapped in rope are only going to have a giant wound that's still festering but with a bunch of IOU's. The whole point of being able to carry weapons concealed is so that you are as anonymous as anyone else. Crime isn't caused from concealed carrying weapons. If you want to stop crime, then you need to address the reasons why it happens. Thieves and dealers do it because it does better than an actual job or because no jobs want them or their society pressured them and they feel forced to keep themselves alive, which is the saddest part. Homicide happens from emotional reasons. Examples: Self-Defense: You felt your life was threatened. Instinct, fear, emotion. Found your SO in bed with someone else went on a massacre of the SO and their revealed lover. Rage, heartbreak, emotion. The weapons being used is largely irrelevant. Guns are involved in more homicides than literally everything else combined. We banned a piece of rope wrapped around a rock but did crime stop? No, because the weapon doesn't matter. If we are to progress as a society and take on crime, then we must learn to stop treating the symptoms and face the music of the real problems that cause it. The countries around the world need to do better to take care of its people's mental health, tackle the economic disparities and make every effort to make crime as undesirable as possible through laws that will affect these billionaires hoarding 99% of the resources.
Crimes are caused because people need better options. Our system creates criminals and gives them not better option than to become criminals.
Beating up and arresting starving and homeless people does not make you a better person or make us safer. We need better social programs to rehabilitate people who have been in the system. We also need better options for people so they do not end up in the system to begin with.
lots of good info, but the FBI's database actually shows that knives and hammers make up the majority of armed assaults. Yeah guns are much more effective at killing so generally a gun assault will be a homicide, but only focusing on that data is misleading, because guns are much less frequently used in crime than is often stated and almost all of the gun crime is congregated in major cities with a heavy gang presence. Also "guns" broadly used is misleading anyway because specifically pistols are used in almost all gun crimes. rifles (this includes bolt, lever, semi-auto, and even full auto 'assault weapons') AND shotguns combined make up less than 2 % of all gun crimes. Lastly, before the CDC censored the statistics per the current gov't admin, CCL and open carriers were shown to save more lives (estimated at around 2 million assaults were avoided yearly just by carrying, and around 800,000 cases where a self defense case went in the victims favor) every year than were taken by gun violence meaning guns are a net positive to society at large. Not sure how much longer the FBI data will be up, or if it is already censored (i downloaded the page myself for reference purposes after the CDC deleted their part) but definitely look into that.
If you include all assault the big triad is hammers, knives, and unarmed attacking (specified as hitting with fists or with foot as there is a breakdown of which part of the body is used as a weapon, but over 90% of it ends up being your hands and feet).
Well said! 😉
People need to take responsibility for their actions. Period. Blaming "the system" is the ultimate cop out.
@@13donstalosonly someone extremely privileged to have never personally been pinned between a rock & a hard place by The System, or witnessed someone you know is a good person experience that, can say something so callous & ignorant.
Used them often while in the Navy. Never seen one used as a weapon. However, I have seen a distracted person walk into one during sea and anchor detail, on the wind up... KOed with a broken jaw and shattered cheek. We made ours with a ball of lead slightly bigger than a golf ball.
I think when I was aboard the JFK the monkey fist was a rubberized projectile from firearm. I was in 1st division (bosn's mate/deck ape) and I never saw a monkey fist thrown during any ship to ship or ship to pier while doing sea and anchor detail.
Oh!!!! Damn!!!! I would not have wanted to be the corpsman on that medical emergency....ouch!!!!
Working on a barge in Rotterdam bunkering sea vessels I've seen it all. They even threw scheckel at us.
Lick the lead
@@kevinmunger1842, " the monkey fist was a rubberized projectile from firearm" Sounds more like you saw a GMG shoot that rubber during an unrep. I started out as a deck ape on LST 1189 and when mooring we always threw a monkey fist to the guys on the pier. I was a GMG2 on BB63 and I was the one who fired the rubber projectile to the AO since the ship was decommed in 1955. Even on the Mo deck dept threw monkey fist to the guys on the pier.
Well if the crown has deemed it illegal, I'm definitely going to make one. Screw the government!!
If you end up using one, in self defense or otherwise, in an area where slungshot are illegal, things may not go well for you, especially if this comment is entered into evidence.
@sirj3487 I'd sooner face prosecution than end up dead or hospitalised. You are unlikely to be stopped and searched for one if you are simply going about your lawful business. It's a chance I'd take.
@@greenjack1959l I concur, but I wonder if there are areas where concealed firearms are legal while slungshot are not. If so, it would seem that this poor man's equalizer is being neglected by 2nd amendment protections.
@sirj3487 here in the UK, anything designed to cause harm is illegal to carry unless you can prove you have "good reason." So it's the old rolled up newspaper or a handful of change and a sock, or nothing really. Not a problem if like me you have a knack for improvising. My go to, is a bunch of keys and such on a chain.
I made one a while back. I outgrew Mother-May-I over 40 years ago.
Could have just google searched Abraham Lincoln but no you have to AI generate the most heart stopping image of him possible.
I know 😁
I love how, in the United States, so many people are totally cool with guns but aren't cool with these.
I'm guessing the specific people who are okay with guns are probably fine with these too.
It's not illegal in the USA.
We do have our problems.
They aren't illegal, it's a clickbait title.
Every Police Officer is not OK with any billy club or like thing. Even a baseball bat can get you stopped and questioned, and if you aren't coming from a game or a practice session, you will be taken to the station and subject to arrest.
Made and gave a golfball monkey fist to a local hardware store where I purchase cord. It was intended to be a key fob for their restroom key. On a subsequent store visit, I noticed a peculiar dent in a countertop. I suspect a bored paint counter attendant just had to test the monkey fist’s worthiness. It didn’t break the countertop, but it did leave a noticeable divot 😊
a fob eh? does the toilet have push start or...?
@@jamineamina5429 - It was the judgment of the store management that the toilet must be locked. When a patron wishes to use the facility, the patron asks the cashier for the key. After use, the patron is expected to return the key to the cashier. It is a loss prevention measure, which interferes with ordinary functioning of the pecan-sized bladders of senior citizens. The monkey-fist fob reduced the likelihood of a patron forgetting to return the key. I didn’t necessarily agree with management, but - at least - I didn’t work there.
@@jamineamina5429 I assume it’s just locked until someone wants to use it
@@ghoultooth so... no push start bidets? Shoot
I like this head cannon more than a bored associate messing around:
- Can I get the restroom key?
=Sure. Here you go, sir.
-Thanks... Now, give me the cash or I'll beat you with your own toilet key!!
*
-I seem to have relieved myself... on myself... So it appears that I will not be needing this, today . Thank you, you folks have a good day now.
I love learning about different knots. These are my favorite i've learned so far:
- Pretzel
- Double Diamond
- Square
- Constrictor
- Gut
- Pillow
- Butterfly
- Monkey chain
- Monkey Fist
- Monkey
- Poop Loop
This is gold.
Poooooop
I found out a month ago this knot is Illegal in Colorado by accident when I brought a home made begleri through the airport and TSA informed me. After explaining to them the devices intended use is a fidget toy and anxiety reliever for me, they allowed it through and let me go with a warning to not bring it again or giving an explanation as to why it is illegal. Thank you for making this video. This is excitingly informative!
Not illegal in Georgia actually. It's a weapon, so it's protected by the 2A.
was actually thinking they'd make great fidget toys. Could easily make one with lighter material that shouldn't qualify under the legal definition of "slungshot". Put something light inside, like foam or a super ball
I can't find anything about it being illegal in Colorado, so it might just be illegal on airplanes. Also, the TSA will even steal nice ballpoint pens under the claim they are a weapon, so TSA's word on what is or isn't a weapon isn't always to be trusted.
EDIT: Oh! Apparently these are called Blackjacks in Colorado and are illegal, but a proper medieval morningstar (which this is basically a small version of) would NOT be illegal.
@@ovni2295 while they may be illegal under Colorado law I'm pretty sure most airports within the US are considered federal land and therefore abide by federal standards.
wow crazy to hear they actually kind of enforced this very niche law. And here I thought the TSA was useless!
I made a bunch of paracord monkeys fists with four inch tails wrapped around 12mm glass marbles for use as bag and keychain charms. My son had one on his carry-on as he took it all over Europe. He travelled for THREE YEARS and came back with it!
That's pretty small, probably just looks like a million other dangly accessory things to most people, including airport security.
I'd have personally gone the route of a ping pong ball..... much lighter than a marble.
no way police in europe stop you for this toygame
Maybe with the combination of your cute son/daughter + happy go lucky demeanor + all the other cute accessories there was nothing to be suspicious of.
If every guard is paranoid technically keys and pens can poke someone's eye out.
@@pandanikos "toygame" depends on the size, if its bigger than a toddlers marble they will lock you up if you use it in combat, period.
The legality is varied by state. When I used to tie these in the service we put them at the end of a throwing line with a small piece of lead inside to allow it to be thrown further. The other end of the line would be tied to a larger line so that larger, heavy lines could be pulled from one ship to another or to the dock for mooring (you aren't throwing a 5-8" diameter mooring or tow line anywhere!). So you can imagine that they would make a good sap (for you novices, a sap is canvas or leather sewn around a piece of lead or other small, heavy object for the use of bashing somebody upside their head). So it became fairly natural for sailors on leave in sketchy ports to carry a monkey's fist on a short piece of rope as personal protection. It then was adopted by petty criminals and the like. As it usually the case, we outlaw the devices that have perfectly good lawful uses rather than persecute criminals. Good vid!
That's nice, but you're basically just saying what the video said lol.
telecom lineman use them for the same reason.
@KurrieSauce Actually, I was supporting what the vid said by providing real-world experience.
the fact that some states allow open carry but not a knot is crazy (edit: for all the people who take time out of their day to argue underneath this comment need to get a life)
muh 2A
@MCMLXXXIII the background checks to buy a gun r like having a bouncer outside a club but the bouncer is blind and doesnt have hands also there r completely legal methods to buy a gun with cash, no id, and no background check
@MCMLXXXIII or go to a gunshow and buy from a private seller where they do 0 checks
Always strange laws everywhere.
My son was allowed to carry a machete in the open through a nite club district in Western Australia.
How ? It was a required tool of his trade ( chef) and could only carry on himself or in car between home and work directly.
Was not allowed to deviate.
@@hannahomge wrong
Been in the Merchant Navy 40 years, we still use these today for heaving lines. Only difference is we don't put nuts and Bolts inside them anymore, Dip them in paint a few times and let them dry and they work well.
I’ve never heard of a monkey fist being illegal lol
I’m from Canada, went to school for fire fighting and this knot was taught as a knot for transferring lines from area to area.
they are not illegal if they are made with something like a Styrofoam ball or a ping pong ball. If made with a large marble or a steel ball however, ILLEGAL, as they are now considered a weapon, and they can inflict a lot of damage, even to the point of killing the receiver of the impact.
@@lesliemiller5790 You may want to qualify that as "In Canada" or "In the US". Unless you are carrying the Monkey's fist knot home from work as a longshoreman, you would be hard pressed to convince ANYONE you were not preparing to defend yourself or prepping for a planned "rumble".
The Monkey's Fist Knot is NOT illegal by ordinance or law in the United States. It is a tool for longshoremen or sailors. Like any other tool, if misapplied, it can be seen as a weapon of opportunity and then seen as a bludgeon. It's is illegal to use it as a bludgeon in an offensive manner. If you are attacked, and defend yourself with one, if you fear for your life, you may or may not be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
My neighbor when I was just a teenager had a pickup with a 4speed. The shifter ball had this very knot covering it and the tail covered the stick all the way to the floor. He told me to unscrew the ball and slide the tail off if I ever needed to defend myself against a crazy person. (He used more colorful metaphor)
Anyone who saw that shifter commented on how custom that old truck looked with a color matched shifter cover and why someone would waste the time to customize that part. Lol
That sounds cool. But I don't see how that is any better than keeping one under your seat. You can say 'yeah, but it's the stick shift knob, so it's no illegal" Good luck with that standing up in court if any cared more about that than one under your front seat. It just sounds like a cool story to me.
@@TangoNevada I used to keep a narrow heeled London trowel under my seat. I worked as a mason. Kept an edge. A friend of my older brother kept a "guh" stick under his seat. Basically the lower half of a baseball bat. He said "Guh" was the noise it made when applied.
@@TangoNevada The difference between "carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle" that is easily identified as such, vs having a cool shifter in your vehicle that if found or seen, identifies as a cool shifter. The difference between having a sack of golf clubs in your back seat vs a single 9 iron on your front seat. The difference between having a softball , a glove and bat vs just a baseball bat in your car. One shows clear intent, the other does not. One version of the cool story doesn't require an explanation as it doesn't beg the question to begin with. That's where plausible deniability is a significant determining factor. A screwdriver or box cutter in your center console can be construed as CAWIAMV, even if you left either there from your last dash take-apart or Amazon box opening event.
@@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit Well, in America, with the item we're talking about (Which is not an everyday sports item that you are talking about) it will all depend on the officer that pulls you over, your race and the Judge you end up in front of.
@@TangoNevada In America you should be able to carry around any sporting good or weapon in broad daylight if the constitution wasn't a piece of waste paper at this point in history. Having any weapon is a right. Using that weapon illegally is the only thing that should be prosecuted.
I remember my dad making one of these over 20 years ago when I was a kid. He'd picked up knot tying as a hobby and used a nerf ball from one of our nerf guns as a core. It was really neat, though eventually he did undo it and return the ball, but that ball was never the same afterwards.
The ball learned things about itself that day
The ball just couldn’t fit in with the other NERF balls anymore, how could he? He had been weaponized, the other balls couldn’t relate.
I think the ball had undiagnosed PTSD
Interesting fact. I used to be a fire performer (spinning, eating, etc) and worked at a company that made and sold equipment.
Though a few methods exist to make Poi (the balls of fire you see on the ends of chains) exist, by far the most popular are monkey's fist knots made of Kevlar rope around a solid wooden core, often bigger than baseballs. The practice variety were commonly paracord. They burn well.
To your point, though. When practicing and spinning at speed, they do in fact hurt like hell when you clock yourself in the head and face.
They hurt a bit more when you hit yourself square in the groin.
Laws against defensive implements shouldn't be followed.
just goes to show that Germany is not "entirely finished with its Nazi past"
@user-gp4lm9sc3i I am trying not to be insultingly condescending here, but how did you arrive at that conclusion? I clearly said "Germany"! This would more than imply I made that remark about Germany... not Kang_Chakka. Please read better next time!
@user-gp4lm9sc3i It is not my fault you don't understand how it pertains. I guess you will just have to be part of the "left out" crowd today.
@@CD-vb9fi from the context provided it seems the only Nazis here are you 😂
It's hardly defensive if you can't defend with it.
Thank you Tim , I'm from a Mariners community and my dad taught me many years ago about the many uses of this knot and I very often use it for skills in survival .. Not to harm . So then I'm getting the idea that a hammer or a fire arm would be more accepted than a knot that is very useful for purposes of having it for working on the ocean and basic survival . Ohhh my .. smh 🤦
@@TempSFugit-kk1dk excellent ! that's exactly what I did in the military , however my right fist strategic placement mmm ya know . ok m only a five for one , 145 lb female with a four foot length of rope with a Knott one both ends , cause I enjoy tying Knott's , in other words there are other ways .. coins efficient too . really your old enough to remember cigarette machines , those were the days I remember them well . happy trails 👣
Humanity isn't the brightest bunch XD they make strange laws
@@Ilovethedeepsea buckle up Kyle 🌬️🕯️🧸🕯️🙂
It's arbitrary bullcrap. Likely since they couldn't nail any crimes on gangs that used these, they banned the weapon so they could catch a few suspects under possession charges and they would proceed to threaten them with ludicrous fines or jail time if they didn't put anything useful to the table, or maybe just as a way to increase arrests to give the illusion something was being done to combat crime. This temporary solution became a permanent law as noone bothered to come back to it.
Alternatively, just like nunchucks, more contemporary politicians had watched too many movies and banned the "scary" weapon.
Jackie Chan could show you how to use a couple of monkeys on ropes. Awesome leverage and projectile weapon.
I use this knot daily when doing tree work. Tie it around a small rock and use it to set my climbing line. It doesn’t get hung up on leaves and branches like most other knots arborists tie for the same purpose.
Funny. I’ve always tied them with nothing inside. It makes a handy ball to grab onto a zipper or other pull tab, and just looks neat. It never occurred to me to put anything in it.
Interesting. I didn't know that. When I worked offshore in the Gulf of Mexico all the service boats used the Monkey's Fist on their heaving lines. Never thought of it as a weapon.
The Port of Mogadishu *arghh seen it happen
I'm an arborist and we use what I call a "throw line" to toss over a crotch in a tree to pull climbing rope. Many guys use a bean bag. I use a monkey fist around a 2.25" cast lead sphere. I never thought about it being a weapon as I just carry a Kimber 10mm. I have accidentally hit myself with it before. It's no joke.
Noone sensible would think of a 12" cast iron pan as a weapon either, but survive getting hit by one narrow-side-on and you'll quickly reconsider. Life is filled with things that aren't weapons only because noone uses them as such.
I was in the Coast Guard and we had heaving line with monkeys fist too. We used golf balls as weights.
Guess it is used on every ship in the world. According to German flag state safety regulations, for example, it is not allowed to put a weight inside to not endanger the lines persons in the docks
I'm going to knot one into the end of the paracord I use to hang bear bags when camping. Way more convenient than finding a rock, putting it in a small bag, and tying to the rope.
I've had and used them all my life here in NZ as an end on heaving lines for use on boats.
They have helped save many lives doing marine SAR.
Way back in the '80's, I was in the Canadian Naval Reserve. We got the "monkey fists are illegal in the States" talk and how, if you used them to heave a line, they'd just cut them off. And we put weights in them. But you don't have to, and they still were pretty effective.
I know for a fact that the USN uses Monkey Fist lines to heave. Caught several myself in the 90s
As a boatswain mate in the USN during the 90's.....I crafter quite a few of these and also heaved them from the aircraft carrier I was attached to while making port in Norfolk.
@@richardautry8269 it really only applies to carriage outside of naval means.
in the UK just about anything that can be used offensively is illegal, unless you can prove it is for other use.
that includes pepperspray.
even a swiss army knife or a leatherman fall under this.
If you are camping or on a work site you might be able to argue (and be successful) that it is for work or the activity.
but if you take it to the restaurant that evening, your argument is no longer valid
In Florida it is legal, as of 2015. The last time I checked, the online Florida code had not gotten around to updating the pertinent section, however, if you look directly for the update to the law you can find it.
HB 4009 (2016) updated Statute 790.001(3)(a) for carrying, 790.09 for manufacturing, & 790.18 for sale or transfer of slungshots. It's been updated for a while now.
@@zecuse glad to heat it.
It seems logical that saps are allowed in Florida.
This knot was taught in the British Fire Service for years. Without any weight inside, it adds weight itself.
I use a ping pong ball or a plastic hollow golf ball inside of the monkey fist. Its not weighted or designed for self defense. I use them on a 6" key lanyard.
Just go a craft store to get a lightbwooden ball about 2 inches (5 cm) to use as a core. This heavy enough to carry the line and floats. Also keep it on a long line so it purpose is clear.
If you do anything on water a few of these with cork inside would be very useful to attach things too.
They're not illegal in Georgia so I can carry ten of these things at once. Though I'd need a REALLY good belt to hold my pants up, lol. I made one of these for my cat, and he loved it. I made sure to exclude the marble so it wasn't too heavy for him, and to assuage him from any gang activity, lol. He has a few of those yarn balls, and LOVES to carry them in his mouth while meowing throughout the apartment so I figured he'd like a miniature "volleyball" to smack around. He won't carry it, but he does love to smack at it. I'm pretty sure all cats love paracord because when I start making things with it at least two of them are on scene while I'm weaving, lol.
What did you put in the center for your cat? My cats would love a toy like that. I crochet them toys all the time out of yarn ends from bigger projects. If I use Paracord, the toys might last longer. Thanks
@@susan1good I didn't put anything in the center. I just did the monkey fist with paracord. It ended up being a little bigger than a superball. I mainly did it so it would be heavy enough to play fetch with him.
The yarn balls are good for that, but since there's no weight to them they won't travel very far. The money fist has just enough weight to give it momentum when I throw it.
DeninTekDigital; I enjoyed your comments here. I’m a Georgia girl (65 years old.) My next big goal is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from North Georgia to Central Main… Great place to know paracord knots 🪢…
@@tedijune6759 Thank you. I live in South Georgia myself. I personally prefer Oregon, for the more dramatic landscapes, but my wife's job demanded we move. It's not too bad here, but the humidity is awful, lol.
I've made several of these for my dog - they're his favourite toys. I use 10 (ish)mm nylon rope, which you can buy super cheaply here and I don't use a core, usually. I did make one with a tennis ball core but it was a bit big for his mouth. Now he's a big bigger I might try again, though. They outlast store-bought toys, too.
I forget if it was in The Lies of Locke Lamora or the second one in the series, but they added an interesting twist to this self-defense tool (they called it a blackjack, which, as I understand it, is a broader term for weapons of this type), they got some spicy powder, dissolved it in water, and then soaked the knot in the spice-water for awhile to saturate the rope in capsaicin, meaning any abrasions or lacerations from the impact on flesh would burn like hell, causing minor strikes that might otherwise be shrugged off to be almost debilitating from the pain. I think they called it an Orphan's Twist or something like that.
It is harder to defend against than a hammer since it will wrap around any part of the body towards the eventual impact point, similar to a baton vs. the (often banned) flexible steel rod and blackjack.
Meanwhile guns:
Yeah, flails were kinda really nasty weapons even if you had shield constructors said it's very hard to defend against it because of how unconventional this weapon is
knife:
some law regulations are weird (not to say staight stupid) - it leads to disarm and become more defenseless those who follow tha law while bad guys don't give a sh!t about the law, so they still may have much more lethal weapons...
bottom line is - don't do anything stupid.
See also the term " Life Preserver ". This term comes from the highly respected Book, Ashley's Book of Knots. Which is available as a free PDF download. The term comes from using it in self defence and the versions in the book serm to be in the 18 to 20 odd inch mark in length.
That's a "blackjack". From the 1950s on it was used by many police officers as well. Still today known as a blackjack. There is a variant that has a concrete, stone or thick metal plate around 5-6 inches long and 3 inches wide using the same knot and tie method called a "slapjack".
Pro Tip:
Go with a version that DOES NOT contain a metal core. Use something that passes through a metal detector.
Theoretically Speaking .
No, a Blackjack is a lead weight, on the end of a stiff 6 or 7 inch spring, covered with a flat leather braid. I have my fathers 1938 Wash State Patrol blackjack in the gun safe.
I have a few blackjacks from that time, maybe a little before as they came from a grandfather who served in the 30s and 40s but are leather straps with what feels like a metal bar at the end. I would guess different things were used by the army and police maybe but all called blackjacks..
@georgeedward602 I've generally seen round handed versions called "blackjacks" and flat versions called "saps" but I'm sure there's a lot of cross-over in the terminology. They were very commonly used by police at one time, but dropped out of favors because they could be very dangerous if used improperly.
The history and legal ramifications are valuable pieces of information. Thank you for presenting them.
Hilarious that many individuals point out the legality of the knot. Unfortunately many of our major cities do not allow concealed weapons where they are needed most.
Brazilian here. From what I understand from the local laws in Brazil (sometimes things change between states, but there's a general notion about the rules for the entire country), there is nothing saying a Monkey's Fist knot is illegal to do or to use, however if you use it for illegal activities, such as threatening someone or announcing a robbery, then obviously it is illegal.
Just how you can buy a pocket knife anywhere and there's no problem with carrying one, if concealed, but if I try to mug someone with it then it's another story.
That's a sensible law right there. The monkey fist laws are wouldn't be able to survive a constitutional challenge in the US if it ever came up.
@@joseph1150 But don't take it for granted it's "normal" to carry a knife. Just like in many places (or everywhere) in this world, laws are complicated, if not stupid at times.
TL;DR: It's up to the judges if you are fine carrying a knife/monkey fist/self defense weapons or if you'd be charged/jailed for it. Yes, it's a legal roulette.
From what some websites discuss about the current situation of knife carrying: yes, there's a clear limit on how big of a blade you can carry around: 10 centimeters, or 4 inches, you can't Michael Myers on the streets.
But... There's the whole thing about an article that forbids "carrying weapons without authority permission", from 1941. The article is so old, the prescribed fine is on a currency that doesn't exist anymore, but is relevant to how the justice system will judge you.
And the thing is that there's no such a thing like a "knife license" in Brazil, therefore, theoretically, you don't need authority permission to carry one, granted it is less than 10cm (4 inch) long. Some places even mention knives are not legally "weapons", but tools, and should be fine to be carried.
However some mentions it needs to be taken into context for what the knife was meant to be used for. For example, if I was carrying a kitchen knife because I was just cooking something is a different case to carry a pocket knife meant to stab at someone. So, if that "stabbing someone" is because I don't want to die, should I still be persecuted?
Each judge will have a different answer, and some will say it is a valid cause and not illegal, others will say it's meant for aggression, therefore you need to be charged for it.
I talked primarily about knives, but change the "knife" part and put the monkey fist, basically a bearing ball on a string, meant to bludgeon someone in the forehead. On theory, you should be fine to carry one as long as you don't threaten others, but in practice it is complicated, and depends if the judge is fine with self-defense or not.
@@marcelo90z I personally think that a judge not believing in the right of self defense should be barred from ever practicing law or being involved in any public job or office ever.
But yeah, Brazil's legal system is a mess just like most places.
We used a monkeys fist around a cue ball as a heaving line - I've seen one hit bullseye through a trawler's cabin side window from around 25 yards away in 20 foot seas. Trust me, the captain did NOT care about a window at that point, since the alternative was an unpowered ride through diamond shoals (aka the graveyard of the Atlantic) with a worsening storm, and dropping temps, it was already right at freezing, and would probably have been fatal.
I don't really get what's happening here. Why would it have been the alternative to smashing a window?
@@ano_nym I'm confused about that as well
@@ano_nym it sounds like they were using it help with ship mobility/stability in a storm with high waves in a region that's known for shipwrecks, meaning the broken window was a consequence of an action used to keep the ship and it's sailors afloat and alive.
@@ZodiacAnimeQueen but were they throwing it to another ship or something?
Basically it’s a blackjack. I have a couple custom baby jacks and slap jacks being made for me because I live in the third ring of hell. I wanted something a bit more classy than an iron lock in a sock.
The scouts in my Boy Scout troop makes these nuts with heavy cores in them all the time. They use them on campus to throw lines over tree branches to use the trees as makeshift flag poles.
We use them underwater for the ROV (remotely operated vehicle, a sub) to grab onto. Sometimes we put small floats in them (pretty solid, for deep water) or big nuts, depending on if we need them to float or sink. Sometimes we don't put anything inside them. Of course the ship's crew uses them for heaving lines, but I don't know if they put anything solid in them.
Its legal to carry around firearms openly (stupidly) or concealed... yet not carry around something that is far less immediately dangerous (difficult to have an accidental discharge with a weighted rope).
Gotta love 'priorities'
A slungshot was actually used like a monkeys fist, to add wieght to the end of a rope, to heave it. It was later adapted for self defense, like the monkey's fist. This is according to my great uncle who served in the merchant marines in the 30's, 40's and 50's and in the US Navy during WWII.
Makes sense to have some pre-made as it would be quicker than having to tie on the end each time you wanted it.
Now I kind of want to see some testing with various sizes and weights of slungshots against car door windows. Tools for breaking those tend to have sharp points, to concentrate the force in a very tiny spot, and are sometimes spring loaded to enable a fast impact. My suspicion is that a big slugshot, wrapped in cord that's likely to spread out the impact even more, isn't gonna be as good at breaking those windows, but that's just my thinking, and untested.
my thought exactly. the best tool for popping tempered glass car windows is a ResQMe tool, but the best improvised tool is a spring loaded center punch from the hardware store.
A@@kenbrown2808
A couple of spark plugs could substitue for the ball.
I'd love to see testing done as well, however I do have to say, while yeah, sharp points or at least more focused tips/points work great for breaking glass, be it car windows or whatever. I think if you swing a sledgehammer at a car window, your overall results will basically be the same. Maybe a dented B Frame or whatever, but still broken window. Because it's not necessarily just a point that break them. The benefit of a point at that (unintended) point, isn't because it's simply pointed. Items that are used that way, often aren't very heavy. They're usually quite light, and in plenty of cases, require several hits to properly function. That's not a bad thing, just something to note. Now, imagine swinging that hammer or sledgehammer. It has not only momentum, but some added weight. It's going to likely break the glass in one hit. Not only is the item itself probably enough, but the extension of your arm Carrie's it all event further/harder. So realistically, I'd say these could easily bust a car window. Its weighted (or can be), it can have varying weights, all dependent on the users choice. And it's basically just a less accurate hammer swing. Sure, slightly bigger surface area because of the ball, but then again remember, a ball doesn't have a square head/face. Its "pointed" kind of. Just more round. The cordage you use could change things though. Heavy thick rope on a smaller ball/object may be more of a cushion, but paracord is not really going to damper that honestly. Not enough to completely stop it from being effective. Least I would think so.
And as far as a weapon goes, this would be like the midway point between knife/stabbing object, and a board or bat or something. Similar to a hammer. That's off topic but since the idea of this is "oh it's a weapon", that's something to look at too.
First time me hearing about "The Monkey's Fist" was watching one episode of SpongeBob. He didn't know how to tie his shoes and asked the Flying Dutchman about it.
it's really amazing how some countries can allow guns but not knots around weights
just one word for that stupid ...
Like which ones? What countries allow anyone to carry openly but outlaw doing the same with these?
@@Stealthyoutwest Literally america
@@dokchampa9324 In America, states make their own laws regarding what is a weapon or not. There is no national law stating that is is illegal to own or carry in general. And the same would apply to guns as weapons. So maybe you don't understand what "literally" means because that statement is just wrong. It is not true of America as a nation. Likely not even true in any states. Would you care to name another country that allows one to carry guns but not these?
@@Stealthyoutwest Nevada
I am interested what the Bruen decision will do as far as legal impact on these types of laws, knife laws, etc. - since "bear arms" does not say "bear firearms"
The monkeys fist is still common practice amongst merchant mariners. Actually it's still a very common craft test among seaman schools when learning knots.
I didn't even know you could make them with a weight in side. I learned to make them in scouts with out a core.
Found out that in England it's illegal to carry and type of knife (the most used tool in human history), this knot too?
I used to tie those in 5th grade. We were studying whaling boats and sailors. Brings back memories
You mentioned a hammer. One difference between a hammer and a sap or a monkey's fist is speed. The flexible 'handle' allow the weight to be traveling much faster when it impacts the person compared to swinging a hammer. Though I do agree that humans can use just about any object to harm another human if that is what they are intent on. Flexible handle also makes it easier to conceal until last moment if you are the mugger instead of the defender.
If I tied a cord to the handle of a hammer, I could make it go pretty fast. Not a great example bud.
Also a hammer is probably a better weapon as you can block with it as well. I think I could generate similar force for the length and weight. Only advantage I see with the monkey fist is it's concealable
@@spiritweird that’s literally what he’s saying. This does more damage because it’s got a cord tied to a weighted head. If you tied a cord to a hammer, you would, likewise, have a cord tied to a weighted head. This gives you a longer, more flexible fulcrum, causing more damage.
@@JohnFrumFromAmerica depends on how you make it - it’s basically just a miniature flail with a flexible handle. You could easily use leather braiding or even a thin chain as part of the construction. Get it about 2-2.5 feet long, and you could easily use it for either diverting attacks or tangling an arm.
Or use a weight in a sock. I could probably use my keys. Outlawing "things" is just silly theatrics.
Almost any object can be used as a weapon. Tightly roll up a piece of newspaper like a stick and you have a weapon.
My boss had a weighted club in the store. It was a fine piece of work. It was very well balanced. Or, well, it was a bit top heavy, but that's where you want the majority of the heft anyway, for when you need to use it. It was only about 10″, but made of the finest red wood. It was smooth as a dildo on the top, but the handle was hand-carved with nice grooves for the grip, and a cross-guard formed as a octagonal nut. It was surprisingly heavy for its size, but I don't think there was a metal rod inside it. It was just an extremely dense and well-made piece of hard wood.
One day a hopped up speed-junkie came into the store and threatened both store clerks and customers, many of whom are elderly with grandchildren... So when three store clerks couldn't even hold him down, my boss jumped over the counter, got the club, and smashed it against the skull of the assailant. He heaved it high above his head, and let it fall with accelerating force against his skull, until he broke it in twayn! Yes, in TWAYIN I say!
Later he was prosecuted by the police, as is customary here in Norway. There was also a lot of news scribblings in my town about it, on the legality of using such brutal force against one man. But in the end he was rightly acquitted, since it was an obvious emergency, and he had to protect both his store and his customers. And that's how my boss got his new nickname, The Batman.
Holy cow, that was a great share! What is a 'dildo'?
@@purdyboi8078 if you have to ask, you're not old enough to know.
Was it one of those old “tire thumper” bats for semi trucks?
Good story.
In New Zealand, if you use self defense force, you are normally charged even if your actions are well intentioned and lawful. Particularly if there is any injury or anything spectacular involved. But you do the 'not guilty' plea, and get a trial in front of 12 citizen peer jurors........ 99.5% of genuine cases would be found 'not guilty'. But you have to put up with the arrest and processing, and months of stress waiting for the legal process.
But you have to be genuine, and not have used excessive force, given the prevailing circumstances........ and you are acting in self protection or protection of another mode. And then you get off !!!! Costs you thousands in lawyers fees...... so in NZ don't defend anyone........ just let it be a police problem.
It’s insane that things like a knot can be illegal but anyone can go learn judo and BJJ.
We actually have instances in history when martial arts were illegal to practice in certain countries. It just depends what is currently a fad in legislature. And there are laws about martial artists getting into the fight. Depending on circumstances you may be prosecuted more severely if you are a martial artist and you harm another person.
Because weapons are force multipliers. And because locking up/executing everybody who knows how to fight. Makes it very obivous that a goverement intends to do harm to the public.
And makes it easier to convice their henchmen and guard-dogs to hurt the people that the goverement points at. Because they know their is no chance they will get hurt while carring out their evil orders.
It reminds me of those toys used to launch a ball for a dog, which can generate quite a bit of kinetic force if used with something other than a ball designed for that purpose, so it's make sense that it would be illegal, as you could do some serious damage, especially if aimed at someone's face or neck.
Thanks for the history and info. Actually the knot is not illegal. Only some applications of it are. Your title of this video is definitely an eye catcher so I would suggest you take advantage of the exposure to also point out some of the positive applications of the knot such as Baby Yoda, Begleri, Dog / Cat toys, Key Chains, Bracelets, Nesting Balls, Xmas & Halloween decorations, etc. A list of links to other videos you have posted including How to Make a Monkey's Fist might also be appreciated by new members to the paracord community.
Cheers, Murray
You're being pedantic about it. No the knot itself isn't illegal, but if you tie one with a weight in the ball, and attach it to something that could be used to swing it as an impact tool it's considered illegal in the applicable states/countries because it can be used for blunt force trauma. They're not illegal to own, but they're illegal to carry in public in certain states in the US, and in other countries.
It has more to do with how government officials see it, and less to do with it's uses. Some states prohibit carrying spring assisted knives, and balisongs, (butterfly knives) too. This is because politicians have stigmatized them based on what they know about those knives, and the idea that they're "usually" used by criminals. Which, of course, is false.
It doesn't matter how you feel about it, or if you have benign intentions for it, if it's deemed illegal by the state you're in you'll go to jail for carrying it no matter what.
Indeed, I’m one of those newbies
@@demontekdigital Big part of your likelihood of "skating" on any of this sort of thing is scale and intent too. Obviously you are always vulnerable to someone enforcing every word of the law but a 160lb female with a thumb sized monkey-fist keychain is lrss likely to get arrested than a 17year old 250 lb man carrying a poolball on a lanyard.
I live in a state/city with knife laws that could catch nearly every man I know. But nobody has a problem because the law mostly doesnt get called up unless you are already busted for something.
@@Vote4Drizzt The word intent is the key word here. You're 100% right. Something I didn't take into account while being too busy trying to prove my point, LOL. Jeez though, could you imagine walking around with a pool ball wrapped in paracord all the time? The weight would get annoying after 5 minutes, lol.
I think someone else mentioned this too, but certain biker clubs were notorious for using ball peen hammers, and padlocks on chains as weapons. THAT would friggin hurt so bad.
There's gotta be a better way to settle differences, man. How about a grueling game of hopscotch? That would honestly be entertaining to watch, LOL.
@@demontekdigital So true. The trouble is most government people know next to nothing about weapons. Look I'm a good medic but there is no way I should tell you how to be a proper demon. I can give you first aid advice, but don't ask me to replace your brakes on your truck or car (If in doubt the nearest tree should stop you) The law is complicated. And confusing. I read above a person said in some state it is legal to carry and not be considered a weapon, unless it is used as a weapon. WTF?
Love the US.
US Law: this knot is illegal because you could hurt someone
also US law: Yes of course you can own an automatic firearm.
The knot itself is not illegal, the use of it as a weapon is illegal, as a bludgeon. (Retired cop here.,)
Somebody better let the navy know; the monkey’s fist is a knot used by seamen the world over. My grandfather was a retired boatswains mate and there’s one that his shipmate’s cut off a heaving line and mounted on a plaque. There’s a metal plate that says, “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” which apparently was a reference to trying to break the windows in cars that parked too close to the ship’s intended berth with heaving lines. Grandpa said he never actually hit a car, but he once scared the hell out of an ensign that was tying his shoe.
ANY state that says this item is unlawful needs to rethink this in light of the supreme court bruen case. If it can be carried it is a lawful arm. PERIOD.
Lol. Welcome to Massachusetts
Welcome to Finland. Anything that can be used to cause harm in public may cause you to be charged. Even a frozen ham may be considered a weapon.
@@kampar82 same in england
Illegal!? Tell that to almost every BM in the Navy that has one, with or without a ball bearing in them.
AF too.
i find it ironic how high powered proyectile weapons are legal in the US and not a pebble surrounded in rope
My high school resource officer carried one…..
We’ve been using this for centuries offshore, still using it. Coast Guard never say anything to us for using it so not sure where it’s illegal. I guess it depends on the style you make similar to a blackjack.
ture there is nothing illegal about it unless someone makes and uses one for a weapon. which anything if carried and used as a weapon can be illegal esp if it's used to attack someone with. even a set of keys if you
I don't know how the law reads, but I know a lot of sailors who still have these aboard the boat. Usually attached to a light messenger line for throwing, messenger line then attached to a heavier line. Of course that is different that carrying one that is pocketable and like a sap stick.
What I find even MORE amazing is how you amassed almost 800k subs with a name like The Weavers Eternity Paracord
Can you please make a bracelet that has a hidden sheath for a small knife please? Been looking for one
it's called a six thread lined crown knot.
I'm in Canada; when I was a kid, my father used one of my street hockey balls as the core of a monkey's fist rope swing in our backyard. It was a fantastic swing that my brother, cousins, and I all loved.
not sure what a street hockey all is but if you mean something like a lacrosse or field hockey ball i can tell you that it’s a bit bulky but it does work.
@lbpltd34 It's kinda like a field hockey ball, except it is smooth, and the very hard plastic is hollow, not filled with cork. It was a bright orange colour from the late 90s/early 2000s. The monkey's fist was to be used as the seat of a swing, so the rope used was very thick, and the finished monkey's fist knot was at least a foot and a half wide. It was intentionally made incredibly bulky so we could sit on it. It was also very heavy, perfect for use as a swing that was usable even when we became teenagers.
It's a shame than melee weapons are so often overlooked by pro 2A litigation.
But guns aren't so I guess I'll use one of those tbh
I push this end of the 2A argument in any discussion or debates on weapons. These people won't be happy until they make you defenseless. Look at Briton. If I understand it the UK has made it next to divine intervention and even then God must submit everything in triplicate and wrote in the King James version. Since taking the guns away is not having much of an impact they are going after knives. Including your chef knife. Now would be a good time to stand up for knives, clubs,hammers your fist and any things that could be used as a weapon
Love the video, as a practical knot Ive used monkey fist as a button and fat stopper knot. For throwing I think a hangman's is better as it's easy to tie and untie and can be easily capsized if snagged. I never considered the weapon aspect, thanks 😂
A roll of quarters rolled into your necrerchif is hidden under your collar until you untie and remove the tie.
Old Navy chief approved and one had money for a cab ride back to the ship.
The right to bear monkey's fists shall not be infringed. ☮️❤️🌈
What about the right to monkeys' bare fists?
I have made a monkey fist using a ping pong ball and it was the best decoration on my key ring. But then my cat got a hold of it and it became a toy for her. So, I made another one that had a cat toy with a jingly bell in it. She loved that as well but she then shredded the one made with the ping pong ball. :(
Sigh.....
Use a cork ball instead and attach it to your keychain and now your keys float if you drop them in water.
Great history lesson. In today’s world in US where personal attacks without prosecution are in some states with stupid
Laws, a great Knot to have in one’s pocket!
A great knot to use on a Harvard student! Or a Harvard professor!
I never thought we'd be in a world where tying a knot would be illegal
Hangmans nooses too
Tying a knot is perfectly legal anywhere. Certain 'applications' of the knot are illegal in certain degrees in certain jurisdictions. Another good example is the noose. Tying a noose is fine, make as many of them as you want. Fixing a noose to a tree branch, or nailing it to someone's door as a threat ... well, that is illegal in most jurisdictions. The title of this video is clickbait, and much of the video itself is hyperbole.
@@patrickwilliams3108 Hmmm... a monkey's fist on one end & a noose on th'other. What could go wrong?
@@TheFreeBass LOL
Also used in rock climbing in certain areas where you are not allowed to use metal tools (because they would break the rock - usually sandstone). Basically you put it in a crack or something the like where it's unlikely to fall out on its own, then you can clip your rope into it with a carabiner for when you are falling, the monkey fist knot will keep you from falling to the ground. Though I guess something very light is inside to reduce weight as much as possible for that usecase.
lol never heard of that, would be terrified to fall on one of these
Yet it's not illegal for criminals👀👀👀☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼
Your poor, single brain cell...
Just like guns....
You'll say any lie at all to get clicks, won't you?
It's not illegal in Tennessee. You can buy them in certain stores. And why would they be illegal? Many of these states allow you to carry pocket knives and guns, but not a knot? 🤦
I forgot about these! I just made one just because you said they’re illegal somewhere! 😂 we made these in Boy Scouts by the dozens! Of course we tied them around marbles and they were harmless, my new one however is tied around a 1” ball bearing! 😊
This constitutes as an arm! Therefore it is still protected by the 2nd amendment.
@@seanthomas4625 comes from the term arm yourself. It could be anything. So the 2nd amendment was not limited to muskets. It means any arms available. Including the modern hunting rifle also known as an “Assault Weapon “ as the media like to call it.
Your braiding skills are impeccable. I'm just admiring how neat and perfect the rope is.
why so much AI generated images?
What're you gonna do?
I have mine on my keys so I don't lose them down the sofa anymore. I just made it with a small plastic ball from a hair bobbin.
Knotty string, ILLEGAL! Gun capable of mowing down numerous people in 1 trigger pull, carry on..
this is what i mean when i say laws on prohibited weapons are completely arbitrary and stupid. especially bad in canada. theres plenty of other things that could accomplish the same task which aren't banned, suck as a cue ball in a sock or a chain with a padlock on the end. its like they ban things on impulse or to get a power high rather than banning things for logical reasons. they need to stop micromanaging.
I was a merchant marine in my youth. At that time we made monkey's fists with large metal nuts inside. When finished, we dipped the whole thing in red lead paint. We would put them on heaving lines, for when we were docking. We were careful not to throw them at anyone.
That thing would struggle mightily to break a car window.
I wondered why they didn't use them on the show "The Walking Dead" since presumably someone could quickly become skilled with a hand made flail such as the Monkey Fist in a Zombie Apocalypse situation. Presumably, if the knot isn't around something hard, it could be legal as a movie prop.
For my UK brothers and sisters here, if you're curious as to the legality in the UK, to my understanding our laws lean heavier into intent when it comes to "offensive weapons", it is absolutely legal for you to make a monkey fist/slungshot if there is a reasonable and provable utility for such an item. (feel free to make me aware if I have been misinformed).
You can own 50. Cal rifles but cannot tie this knot around a glass marble. Now thats freedom for ya
I got arrested once for carrying a monkey’s fist knot out in public. I was swinging it around on my keychain while walking down the sidewalk and a cop saw me and ran over and cuffed me. I was charged with brandishing a weapon in public, and ended up having to pay a $2000 fine, and they confiscated my knot. Im just making all of this up, sike, get rekt.