What could be manlier than being an expert on basic knots? Basic knots are different from the camping knots you’re used to, and are definitely a step up from the bow knot we use to tie our shoelaces. You never know when knot-tying will come in handy, so find out how to tie knots that are simple yet pretty darn awesome!
16 Basic Knots for the Everyday Man
1. Overhand Knot
Of all the basic knots, the overhand knot is what a lot of men know. This knot is the basis of almost all other knots. You can easily do this by forming a loop and pulling one end of the rope through the loop.
2. Double Overhand Knot
The double overhand knot is an extended version of the basic overhand knot. Instead of pulling the rope taut, pull the rope through the loop two more times before pulling.
3. Overhand Bow
An overhand bow is very useful when you’re fishing, climbing, or just trying your shoes. It’s a knot that’s difficult to untie, which makes it very reliable and stable. This knot is similar to the overhand knot, but instead of one rope, you use two.
4. Figure Eight Knot
Another basic knot every man should know is the figure eight knot. This knot is used when rock climbing or sailing because it prevents the rope from being pulled out of its retaining devices. Make this knot by making a loop with one end and passing the end through it. Then pull both sides of the rope.
5. Figure Eight Double
Making the figure eight double is similar to the figure eight knot. However, instead of the end of the rope, fold the rope into two and use looped end when following the figure eight knot instructions.
6. Sheet Bend
A sheet bend is also called a weaver’s hitch, to create a half hitch in the slack of a larger rope. To make this knot, you need to join two ropes. Create a loop with one rope and pull the next rope through, under the first one, then back through the loop, and pull.
7. Sheet Bend Double
The sheet bend double is almost similar to the regular sheet bend knot. Instead of pulling the rope back through the loop after going under the first one, make the rope go under the other rope a second time.
8. Running Knot
The running knot is an adjustable basic knot often used in forming a noose. You need two loops for this knot. Then, pull the end of the rope through the last loop, make a new loop by going under the rope, and then pull the rope. The loop tightens whenever it’s pulled.
9. Sheepshank
A sheepshank is a type of knot you use to temporarily shorten your rope. However, this knot is not recommended to hold heavy loads because it is unstable. A sheepshank is a more complicated basic knot which involves making three loops, then tying these loops together using the fourth one.
10. Square Knot
A square knot is also called a reef knot. You can use this as a binding knot. To make this knot, start by making an overhand knot with your left hand and then another overhand knot with your right hand.
11. Bow Knot
A bow knot is more of a decorative basic knot because of its large loops. You need two loops made from each end of the rope, and then tie them together like shoelaces.
12. Bowline
Bowline knots are very easy to tie and untie, which makes it one of the simplest knots to learn. All you need to do is form a loop with the end of a rope, pull the end through the loop, then under, and out the loop again.
13. Sailor’s Knot
The sailor’s knot is one of the most secure hitches you can use to affix a rope to an object. For this knot, you need two ropes, with one looped over the rope and the other end under the other rope. Then take the ends of the second rope and pull them through the first loop.
14. Miller’s Knot
#53:The Miller's knot.
(ABOK 390). pic.twitter.com/OoeImyLyR7— YearOfKnots (@YearOfKnots) February 22, 2018
A miller’s knot is a basic knot used to close bag or sack openings. You start by creating a loop with the bag opening in the middle of the loop. Then create a second loop and pull the ends of the rope through the first loop.
15. Fisherman’s Knot
The fisherman’s knot is often used to join two slippery or thin lines together. You can make this knot using two ropes and make two overhand knots to form a symmetrical angle.
16. Surgeon’s Knot
The surgeon’s knot is often used to keep tension over a suture. But this simple knot is one of the easiest and effective knots for tying two ropes together. It’s similar to the double overhand knot, but you use two ropes.
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Check out this video for the basic knots every man should know:
You never know when you’re going to need some of these basic knots. It’s better to be ready than regret it when the moment presents itself. It’s a good thing that these basic knots are easy to learn!
Are there any other basic knots that should be on this list? Mention them in the comments section below!