The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging, Second Edition

Worth every penny.

You can’t sail without this book

I've been fascinated by ropes, knots, splicing and rigging for decades. I've got dozens of books on knot work, rope access techniques, technical climbing, caving and more. I bought this book mainly to just fill out my collection. My only regret now is not purchasing it sooner. I've learned a lot even in the first few chapters: practical techniques for common tasks (the author's method for tying a marlinspike hitch is by far the best I've ever seen), bits of history, theory, etc...Sometimes I might have to reread a passage a time or two to absorb it but that's only because of the volume of information packed into it. Cannot recommend this book highly enough.

An excellent and practical introduction to a fading craft. Highly recommended to any sailboat owner. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the poor physical quality of the book itself. The paper is incredibly thin and unlikely to survive a single season aboard even the driest of boats.

It is sad that we lost Brion Toss as the expertise he shared in his writing, presentations, and work in the boating community made a positive impact to thousands. I found this book to be an outstanding resource.

My captain on the Matthew gave a jab at my simple braided lanyard and I took it up as a challenge to up my marlinspike skills. A rope group told me about the plan in Byron’s book and I amped up my game. You see the results here. Bravo Zulu to an author who has now crossed the bar.

Every time I pick up this book I learn something new. Brion's book is full of tips and tricks that save time, avoid problems, and make things better. The book is very well organized, and covers the range from practical lessons learned to detailed specifications on rigging design. The illustrations are excellent.He has opinions, but they are well supported, backed by for more experience than I have, tempered by an innate desire to constantly improve, do things the right way, and avoid problems. Side note...I tie my shoes properly, but have had issues with them coming undone, for years. I learned about the Turquoise Turtle Knot (p. 371) and have not had my shoelaces come undone (unless I untied them) since. This book is full of ideas like this.I refer to it frequently, and it deserves a spot on the short list of practical books. It is NOT just a book of knots. Certainly for anyone who works works on any type of rigging. Boat or land.

Brion Toss is the riggers rigger. His books and videos are the best if you are interested in learning how to do almost any marine rope or rigging work. If you are OK with simply putting plastic tape on the end of a line for whipping, or simply tying a knot when a proper splice is the better (and better looking) way to create a loop, don't buy this book. It is for those who like to "do things right".