Introduction to Knots

Identify the Characteristics of a Good Knot

At some point in the wilderness, you will probably need to secure something, repair something, or perhaps even build something. Having a basic understanding of knots is a valuable skill. Unless you know what you are doing, there may be a fine line between a quality knot and a completely tangled mess.

Quality knots have three things in common:

• Easy to tie,
• Serve a specific purpose
• Easy to untie

Basic of Knots -> https://youtu.be/hPqF_GE3OWk

Identify the major categories of knots

Knots can be grouped into a few major categories: loops, hitches, bends, and lashings.

1. Loops

• Bowline
• French Bowline
• Bowline On A Bight
• Butterfly Loop
  
  
  
  

  2.Hitches

Hitches are knots used to tie a rope to an object. Common uses in the wilderness include: hanging a clothes line, putting up a rain fly, securing a boat, tying a bear bag to a tree, or starting and ending a lashing.

• Half Hitch
• Two Half Hitches
• Clove Hitch (End of Rope)
• Clove Hitch Loop (Middle of Rope)
• Timber Hitch
• Taut-line Hitch
• Cow's Hitch
• Highwayman's Hitch

3.Bends

Bends are knots used to tie ropes together. Some bends are better for uniting ropes of various diameters. Common uses in the wilderness include: lengthening a bear bag line, creating a bandage, or repairing a fishing line.

• Square Knot
• Surgeon’s Knot
• Sheet Bend
• Double Sheet Bend
• Fisherman’s Knot

4. Lashings

Lashings are used to tie objects together. Common uses in the wilderness include: building a tripod, repairing a fishing pole, create a ladder, or build a bridge

• Square Lashing
• Diagonal Lashing
• Sheer Lashing

Identify Common Rope and Knot Terms

A common language is helpful when describing how to tie a knot. Helpful terms include:

• Running End: the working end of the rope used to tie a knot.
• Standing Part: any part of the rope not considered the running end.
• Overhand Loop: a loop which crosses on top of the standing part.
• Underhand Loop: a loop which crosses under the standing part.
• Turn: a loop around an object.
• Bight: a bend in the rope which does not cross itself.

Other Useful Knots

• After you have mastered the basic knots, you may want to check out these:

1. 1. Sheep Shank - Loop Method
   2. Sheep Shank - Bight Method
   3. Overhand Stopper
   4. Figure Eight Stopper
   5. Heaving Knot

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