Page 19 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Retention of rope strength: All knots weaken rope, but some not as much as

others.

Amount of rope required: Some knots require a lot; others not so much.

Bulk: How big is the finished knot? Will it interfere with the movement of the
rope or the object to which it’s tied?

How many ends are required? Some knots can be tied only if both ends of the
rope are free. Others require only one end, and some can be tied “on the bight,”
in the middle of the rope with neither end free.

With so many variables to consider, it’s not surprising that practitioners of
different trades and outdoor pursuits created knots that combined exactly those
characteristics suitable to the task at hand.

15