In many ways it's easier to make a mold than something out of wood. You could take a piece of modeling clay and squeze it and presto- you have the ideal shape. I now remember seeing the ones you describe. I think in mass production you would certainly put a lot of effort into making a great one since it's going to be mass produced. No reason you couldn't duplicate it in wood if you want to.

As far as a monkey's fist or knot - sometimes in the winter , my boat is pretty loaded and heavy and I'm glad I got a bar to carry it with. Plus, I don't know how to make a monkey's fist. I do know how to make a big ugly knot.