Deadeye knots

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
There are numerous variations on the Matthew Walker, and Ashley shows many of them. It's a hard knot to do tidily, or at least if you relay and whip the stub end after the knot is drawn up. Not often done well. I prefer a button knot here, like Ashley's #880. A little harder to learn to tie, but requires no whipping, and it is quite handsome.
You can also splice directly to the deadeye, or take the spliced end to a ringbolt on deck. These two options require fairing the stopper knot holes to look like the rest. It's an uncommon treatment, but very strong, and perhaps has a little more purchase.
You can also add "pinked" leather washers behind the lanyard knots or buttons. Nice touch.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss