Page 40 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Overhand Knot

This, the most basic of knots, is also known as the simple or
thumb knot. As a stopper knot it is very compact, but after any

strain is applied it is difficult to untie, especially in fine material.
It sometimes has the habit of tying itself when not wanted. Look

out for this, because an overhand knot in the middle of a length
of rope will reduce the strength of the rope by about half. You
should be aware of this if you choose to deliberately put a series

of overhand knots in a length of rope to increase your grip. A
series of double overhand knots tied on a fringe can give a beaded

appearance.
The form of the overhand knot turns up inside many
other more complicated knots, such as the water

knot, fisherman’s knot and true lover’s knot.
It is worth pointing out that every knot has

its mirror image. It is possible to reverse every
move, so where there is an over an under is

made instead, and visa versa; this gives an
exact mirror image of the original knot.
Sometimes the two knots will be referred to as

the left and right-hand versions of the knot. This
does not mean that they have been tied by a left
Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices
or right-handed person.

j tw •

MM

38