Three Cheers for Prince Albert

[BdeRWest]

So I've just been tying four-in-hand knots. Since I was a teenager. I think I went through a Windsor phase for about six months. Recently, I've been reading up on ties more. I have shirts and trousers down, and one odd jacket. Ties seemed the next logical step. I was always so amazed at how well you gentlemen's knots looked, with the subtle second wrap of the tie just peeking out from underneath the knot. I learned this was the Prince Albert knot, something I'd shied away from because I'm a tall guy with a big (fat) neck, and getting my ties' tails long enough to pass through the keeper was always a challenge. But I've resolved to buy a Sam Hober tie in early 2011, and since I can choose its length, I thought I'd try the Albert knot, just to see if it's all it's cracked up to be. It is! There's a satisfying thickness to it, without swallowing up lengths of the tie like a Windsor or half-Windsor. It was also easier to make the dimple than I think it's ever been before. Lastly, watching all the fabric Rube-Goldberg its way tight as I tightened the knot and slid it up to my collar was mesmerizing. And lo and behold, in fifteen seconds, my tie looks perfect. It stands away from the shirt, and is delightfully just asymmetrical. And this is probably the cheapest tie I own! It's a sophisticated knot that, to a passerby, looks completely ordinary. I love it. Three cheers for Prince Albert and his knot. Leaving the four-in-hand behind me, and not looking back.

 

[Harold falcon]

I approve.

 

[Philip1978]

Welcome to the club brother.

 

[BdeRWest]

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

I approve.
Thanks! Hey, I just noticed we're from the same area. Didn't think any other SFers were here in NEPA!

 

[unjung]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

Thanks!

Hey, I just noticed we're from the same area. Didn't think any other SFers were here in NEPA!

 

[Harold falcon]

Originally Posted by unjung

Hurtful.

 

[Marcellionheart]

I have a 14 inch pencil neck. The Prince Albert knot is the only knot that doesn't look like my tie is either eating my neck or is a third leg.

 

[Ivystyle]

One of my fav characters on tv. haha Learn your rules!

 

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by Ivystyle

One of my fav characters on tv. haha Learn your rules!

you better learn your rules...if you dont youll be eaten in your sleep...raarrrggghhh!!!!

 

[Poindexter]

It looks to me that the PA knot is like a FIH, but with an extra wrap. Is this right?

Aloha,

Poinz

 

[BdeRWest]

Originally Posted by Poindexter

It looks to me that the PA knot is like a FIH, but with an extra wrap. Is this right?

Yes, wrap twice and tuck the blade behind both wraps.

 

[BdeRWest]

Originally Posted by Insensitive

When I opened this thread, I was worried that I'd be greeted with a "Prince Albert."

I'm actually surprised it took twelve posts for someone to steer the conversation there!

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

I'm actually surprised it took twelve posts for someone to steer the conversation there!

I came in with my charts and compass in hand, but found the boat already well on it's way out of port.

 

[comrade]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

So I've just been tying four-in-hand knots. Since I was a teenager. I think I went through a Windsor phase for about six months. Recently, I've been reading up on ties more. I have shirts and trousers down, and one odd jacket. Ties seemed the next logical step. I was always so amazed at how well you gentlemen's knots looked, with the subtle second wrap of the tie just peeking out from underneath the knot. I learned this was the Prince Albert knot, something I'd shied away from because I'm a tall guy with a big (fat) neck, and getting my ties' tails long enough to pass through the keeper was always a challenge. But I've resolved to buy a Sam Hober tie in early 2011, and since I can choose its length, I thought I'd try the Albert knot, just to see if it's all it's cracked up to be. It is! There's a satisfying thickness to it, without swallowing up lengths of the tie like a Windsor or half-Windsor. It was also easier to make the dimple than I think it's ever been before. Lastly, watching all the fabric Rube-Goldberg its way tight as I tightened the knot and slid it up to my collar was mesmerizing. And lo and behold, in fifteen seconds, my tie looks perfect. It stands away from the shirt, and is delightfully just asymmetrical. And this is probably the cheapest tie I own! It's a sophisticated knot that, to a passerby, looks completely ordinary. I love it. Three cheers for Prince Albert and his knot. Leaving the four-in-hand behind me, and not looking back.
Young man, I am afraid that you are confusing the inventor or popularizer of the " Windsor Knot", Prince Albert Edward, who became King Edward VII and his father, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, consort to Queen Victoria and known as " Prince Albert".

 

[BdeRWest]

Originally Posted by comrade

Young man, I am afraid that you are confusing the inventor or popularizer of the " Windsor Knot", Prince Albert Edward, who became King Edward VII and his father, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, consort to Queen Victoria and known as " Prince Albert".
Well, as a matter of fact, I looked high and low for a history of the Albert knot, but couldn't find anything. Of course, it makes more sense to name it for a more recent prince, as I doubt the prince consort would have worn a modern necktie. But he would have worn cravats, and could conceivably worn them tied in a "Ruche" knot, which has been described as "similar to a four-in-hand knot." [Ed. Redacted for clarity] Nonetheless! A fantastic knot and I'd love to know more about it.