40 upvotes, 6 direct replies (showing 6)
View submission: I want to learn knot-tying, what are your top 10 knots?
This is a great place to start. I regularly give it as gifts.
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Remember this:
Start slow, start small. Don't skip steps. Don't just tie "one clove hitch" and think you know all there is not know about clove hitches. Tie it 10 times...go take a break...then come back and see if you can do 10 more times without a cheat sheet...then sleep on it...can you do it when you wake up the next morning?
. . . . . . . . .
Nomenclature and jargon. It'll help. Promise.
Like any sort of pursuit or hobby, there is terminology which helps with communication. Start here, in no particular order:
And the difference between:
1. A knot
2. A bend
3. A hitch
HINT: These are not the same thing. When you're trying to ask "What knot do I use?"...you really start with "What am I trying to *do*?" That will help you know if you need a knot...a hitch...a bend...or **some combination of those three**.
That's `^` the dance.
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Everyone has their own personal list. Here is where I usually start folks off, in no particular order:
1. Overhand (yes, start here. It ALL starts with the overhand.)
2. Clove Hitch
3. Sheet Bend
4. Bowline
5. Alpine Butterfly
6. Tautline Hitch
7. Prussik
8. Fisherman / Double-Fisherman
9. Figure-8 Follow Through/Figure 8 Loop
10. SLIPPED overhand, clove hitch, sheet bend, etc. (I think it is good to learn about quick-release options at the same time as the "normal" versions.)
For #11...trucker's hitch. It's just a damn good hitch to know. The more you practice it, the more you'll find places to use it.
HINT 1: You can't really understand a "double overhand" until you understand the "overhand". Don't skip steps.
HINT 2: You could probably map out knots like a "skill tree" and see what knots build upon other simpler ones. An example would be the "Level 1" Clove Hitch...then the "Level 2" Constrictor. They are nearly identical, but importantly different knots...all due to a minor variation (which makes ALL the difference is how they perform, how they are tied, etc.).
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It's an amazing piece of work, and a classic reference. And *entirely* inappropriate for a beginner or even most early novices. Why? It is simply "too much".
If you take a liking to the early stuff, sure, you'll get a copy eventually. But don't spend the money on one prematurely. But if you see a used copy at the thrift store? Totally pick it up.
For learning initially? Start small, start slow, and build a strong foundation.
It's better to learn 5 "simple knots" dead cold before learning "1 really complicated knot"...why?...
Because most complicated knots are simply "simpler knots" combined together, or with a modest variation. You will inadverently "skip steps" in the learning process.
So start with something like the above referenced card, then build up. It'll pay dividends if you don't get out over your skis.
Comment by Traditional_Sky_1646 at 10/11/2024 at 05:53 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Possibly the wisest words I've read on Reddit! Thank you for your experiences and thank you for your wisdom!
Comment by Specialist_Ebb_1080 at 10/11/2024 at 10:11 UTC*
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Amazingly thorough reply. 💪
Comment by Mrlifeboat at 10/11/2024 at 12:07 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Basically this is the answer. I’d recommend learning some variations of the same knots. For instance double sheet bend is just stronger and therefore better. Also a couple of bowline variations might be useful.
Comment by jicamakick at 10/11/2024 at 15:05 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
bout to save this post just for this comment.
Comment by zanfar at 10/11/2024 at 22:25 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
This is a great place to start. I regularly give it as gifts.
What would you include as far as rope/cord/line to accompany this?
Comment by TotesMessenger at 10/11/2024 at 06:36 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
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