Knots: The Panic Hitch
The Panic Hitch is the knotting alternative to a panic hook and a useful knot to learn, especially from a safety point of view. It was designed to be released, even under extreme tension.

One of the first problems – in the unlikely event your sub faints during a bondage – you are confronted with is how to untie her quickly and at the same time support her. This is especially true when your sub is in a standing position, with her hands above her head, or suspended. You will have to be able to support her. This leaves the dom with the dilemma of having to negotiate the dead weight of his partner while at the same time there is a need to release her quickly.

The hardware solution to this dilemma is the use of panic hooks – steel hooks designed to release horses in the event the horse panics. The panic hitch (yes designed by horseman in the good old days when panic hooks were unavailable) is the rope answer to this dilemma. One pull will release the knot instantly, even when under severe tension. This leaves you with one free hand to support her and your other hand available almost instantly as well. Yes, this is also the hitch cowboys in movies use to tie their horse to the rack in front of the saloon (handy to know if you are into pony play).

So, if no panic hooks are available, use this hitch. Useful for example during parties or in other situations where you do not have all your equipment available (for example during outdoor bondage). Use the hitch only for overhead bondage’s or suspension – or for example when you spread-eagle your sub on the bed – and NEVER on the body.

Another safety aspect to take into account is this. A panic hitch will not always work on a ring or hook, since the hook (the radiant of it’s circle) will be too small and you will not be able to do the quick release pull. Instead, opt for making the hitch around a beam or a post and simply ignore any hooks and rings.

It may be obvious the panic hitch is only effective if there is constant tension on the rope (a constant pull), which is what makes the hitch especially effective for suspension purposes.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.

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