I've seen two similar-appearing, yet definately different splices, both often referred to as Brummell Splices.
The inferior (and strangly more common) version I've seen is made by passing the bitter end through the standing part several times, then tucking the tail into the standing part. Under load (especially low load), the passing tucks contribute no security; everything is in the buried tail.
The superior version is the "Mobius Brummell", as detailed in The Apprentice, where the bitter end is tucked through the standing part, and the standing part is passed through the tail. Even without the long buried tail (36 rope diametres, if I recall correctly), the tucks of the Mobius interlock and can only slip under low load if the tail unravels. Of course, the long tail must still be buried, as the two tucks, while not slipping, grieviously distort and weaken the line under higher load.
Once you get the hang of the Mobius, it's certianly no harder or slower than the other version, and clearly superior.
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