Buntline Strength
 

I know Brion and others are fond of the Buntline Hitch. I have also learned it is a very old hitch but has only recently gained popularity. As such, have there been any relative strength numbers associated with it?

TIA

Hello,
About 80% of break, at least in sailboat ropes, same as for most hitches. What sets the Buntline apart is its blend of compactness, security, and ease of tying.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

What do you think of the buntline hitch for attaching halyard shackles in VPC and Sta-Set X?

I'm not afraid of splicing, but the idea of a compact knot is appealing as it doesn't thicken the line for the last foot or so and it allows for easy end-to-ending of the halyard.

If it retains about 80% of the strentgh it seems like a pretty good option, or am I missing something?

Thanks!

Yes and no
 

Hi again,
Yes on the X, no on the VPC; knots, including the Buntline, weaken HM lines too much. As for whether the hitch might be preferable to a splice for non-HM lines, I still usually want a splice. It is less likely to chafe, or to hang up on things, and it's prettier too. As for the thickening of the line, if this is an issue in the sheave, either the line is too big, or the sheave too small, or the taper inadequate, or some combination.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss