Essential knots for climbing, sailing, camping, and general use. Includes strength ratings, best uses, and warnings about each knot's limitations.
📉 Knot strength: All knots reduce rope strength — the percentage listed is the approximate breaking strength retained (vs unknotted rope). A knot creates a bend that concentrates stress. The tighter the bend, the more strength is lost. In critical applications, always use the strongest knot for the job, not just the most convenient.
🔍 Inspect before use: Always check knots before loading them. Look for: correct dressing (no crossed strands), adequate tail length (at least 6× rope diameter), no signs of slipping. Under load, knots tighten — but always pre-tighten by hand and inspect the final form.
⚠️ Life safety knots: For climbing, rescue, or any life-safety application, only use knots you can tie from memory, correctly, under stress. Practice until the knot is automatic. Always back up critical knots where possible. Never rely on a knot you haven't used in over 6 months without practicing first.