Details
About the Monkey Fist Knot Keyring With Brass Shackle
The monkey fist knot is a sailor's knot with a job to do. Tied at the end of a heaving line, it gives the rope enough weight to be thrown from a ship to the quay, so a heavier mooring line can be pulled across after it. It gets its name because it looks like a small bunched fist, and it appears in The Ashley Book of Knots as number 2202.
Today the knot turns up as door stops, zip pulls and, as here, a monkey fist knot key fob. The rope ball is easy to find by feel at the bottom of a bag or coat pocket, and it gives a set of keys something to hold on to.
It hangs from a brass D-shackle. You undo the screw pin to open it, which makes it easy to clip onto a bag strap or belt loop, and the split ring underneath takes your keys. Some people call it a monkey fist keychain; it's the same thing.
It suits sailors, dinghy club members, boat owners and anyone who likes a well-made rope keyring, and it's a handy way to tell a boat key or spare key apart from the rest. As a small present it carries a bit of maritime history with it.
Prefer red, white and blue? Our tri-colour monkey fist keyring is the same size, with the same brass shackle.
Specifications
The details
Compare
Cream or Tri-colour?
CreamYou're here
Tri-colourFine but basic
I have kept it, although there is room for improvement. Useful enough, but I would want a little more from it next time.No complaints
I was unsure at first, but happy now. I would rather have something simple that works than lots of fancy packaging. I nearly forgot to review the keyring because it went straight into use.Spot on
Would definitely order again.Solid
This keyring matched what I expected from the photos and description. My partner knew straight away why I had picked it. It was useful in a normal way, not just something to unpack once. My husband had a look as well and agreed it felt decent. ⭐️Good
This littel keyring was fine, no issues. It was useful in a normal way, not just something to unpack once.happy
Does what it says. The packaging stood out after unpacking. A small improvement to the packaging/instructions would make it even better.Not for me
It was usable, but I would hesitate before buying the same one again. It needs a bit more context from the seller before I would buy again.Just what I needed
The keyring did what I needed without any fuss.Does The Job
Great thanks.Every review is shown, low scores included. The breakdown chart appears from 10 reviews.
FAQs
Questions about the Monkey Fist Knot Keyring With Brass Shackle
What is a monkey fist knot used for?
It's the weight at the end of a heaving line. Sailors throw the knotted end from ship to shore, then use the light line to haul a heavier mooring rope across. It's named for its shape, like a small bunched fist, and is number 2202 in The Ashley Book of Knots.
How big is the monkey fist knot?
The knot is about 3cm across, and the whole keyring is about 11cm long including the shackle. That's a comfortable size to find in a pocket or bag without being bulky on a bunch of keys.
Does it have a brass shackle?
Yes, a brass D-shackle with a screw pin, plus a split ring for your keys. Undo the pin to clip it onto a bag strap, belt loop or lanyard, then screw it back in so it can't work loose.
Is it a good gift for a sailor?
It's a popular small one. The knot is something sailors recognise straight away, and it's useful every day rather than sitting on a shelf. Add a free message card at checkout, and it slips easily into a stocking.
Still deciding?
Message our team
We are a small family-run shop. Ask us anything before you order.
Send us a message support@downthecove.comDelivery and returns
Before you order
Packed and posted by our own small team.
Est. 2012Down The Cove · founded in Cornwall, 2012
A small family-run shop with Cornish roots
- Order by 3pm on a working day and we usually dispatch the same day
- Questions answered by our own small team
- Cove Club members get free delivery and member discounts
- We donate 1% of all profits to Compassion UK
We donate 1% of all profits to Compassion UK, supporting its work with children and communities facing poverty: clean water, healthcare and education. Compassion UK is an independent charity. Visit Compassion UK