Hold Fast is the epitome of old school tattoo, often etched and scarred across knuckles all over the world.
To Hold Fast can quite literally be the difference between life and death for sailors, who live their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather.
A hold fast tattoo once meant you could handle yourself on the roughest oceans. This maxim was a staple of early sailor tattoos Hold Fast remains a proud example of American traditional design as the symbolic meaning has evolved along with wider body art.
According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”
As this gallery demonstrates, the traditional hold fast tattoos remain at the forefront of the message, however the ideal is opening to other styles and technical application.
1. Anchor Tattoos with Hold Fast Script
2. Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas
3. Forearm Tattoo Ideas
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4. American Traditional Tattoos
5. American Traditional Linework Lettering
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6. Thigh Tattoo Ideas
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7. American Traditional Filled Hold Fast Lettering
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8. Holdfast Tattoos with Innovative Knuckle Lettering
9. Hand and Wrist Tattoos
FAQs
What does Hold Fast mean traditionally?
To Hold Fast was the difference between life and death for sailors, who lived their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather.
A line of rigging tied up and tightly secured is termed ‘fast,’ anyone braving the wild seas had to figure out quickly how to cling on tight.
What does Hold Fast mean in contemporary tattoo?
According to Aitken Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”
It is a symbol of strength – the metaphor of the sailor clinging to the rigging of his ship when the storm is hammering, and the seas are raging.
Why are hold fast tattoos often inked on the fingers?
Hold Fast tattoos are overwhelming chosen to be tattooed across the knuckles of both hands.
The four letters of each word fit perfectly and being added to the hands used literally to hold on for dear life sum up the entire mindset behind the phrase.
What else could I incorporate into Hold Fast tattoo ideas?
For those who aren’t keen to explore finger tattoos – many seasoned collectors and rookies have reservations – a hold fast design can be placed anywhere you can fit an American Traditional tattoo.
They are often etched alongside nautical seascapes, old ships, and anchors, while swallows and sparrows are also popular design themes.
How much does a small hold fast tattoo cost?
For the very quick, very small simple tattoos shops institute a shop minimum.
More complex work can cost around $200 for an hour from a well-established, skilled professional for a small tattoo.
In demand artists and single needle specialists can charge up to $500 per hour.