3-strand lanyard knot

[michelg]

In a bizarre merging of technologies, I'm looking for some tips for a lanyard to release the shackle on my new Amsteel lifelines.

Previously, what I used:

- 3-strand shackle splice, about 4" long, attached to the releasing ring on the shackle
- whipping to terminate the splice
- Matthew Walker knot in the remaining tail of the original line
- whipping just below the Matthew Walker knot

This time, I wanted to try and use the Matthew Walker knot to hold the loose ends from the backsplice, but due to the additional bulk, it doesn't want to firm up properly. This is all using 3/8" nylon 3-strand.

Any tips? A better stopper knot to use? Or should I just be happy with my previous design and stick with it?

Thanks in advance,

Michel Goudeseune
Tanzer 22 #2104 "Brave and Crazy"
http://sailing.guild.org/tanzer22/