John Keane
Well-known member
Oh John, you'll get into a bit of an argument with that comment. First of there are claims that **** Walker didn't invent it at all and to be honest, I've never found any reference in his writings that mention he did or claimed that, I could be wrong though. In the USA it is known as the Uni Knot and may well have originated there, the grinner term may well be Walker's and is said to be named after his nephew (citation req'd?) who was always grinning.
That's by the by, it can be used for tying two lines together and Walker did swear by that, but it's primary purpose is to tie the hook on. As I understand. With practice you can tie it in pitch blackness.
The one that ties the hook on is still called a Half Grinner though. My take is that the Yanks took the Half Grinner Knot and named it the Uni Knot.