Page 103 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Thief Knot

The thief knot is similar in shape and

form to the reef knot, but with the
working ends coming out on opposite

sides of the knot. This difference is
not so obvious unless you are looking

for it. When pilfering of stores was
suspected, the thief knot would be tied
round a sack or bag. Having untied

the thief knot, the unsuspecting rogue
would tie the bag up with a reef knot

making his illicit activity obvious. The
tying of this knot should help you
understand the making of knots, their

shape, and form. Apart from that and
the chance to tell a knotty story, the

thief knot is of little use to anyone.

1 Make a loop in the left-hand rope with the

short end on top, and hold. Put the right-
hand working end through the loop.

2 Bring what was the right-hand working
end round the short end and down
behind the loop.
3 Bring the working end through the loop

formed in the left-hand rope, giving a
similar pattern and form to a reef knot but
with the short ends on opposite sides of

the knot.

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