Page 26 - Gibson W.B. "The complete guide to knots"

18
Rogue's Knot

Due to its odd formation, this knot
is rarely tied by accident. It lives up
to its name as a knot that may be
purposely used to make the ends of a
rope pull apart. This gives it value as
a "trick" knot; otherwise, it is useless
as well as dangerous.
The Rogue's Knot looks like a
Square Knot and is tied in a similar
fig. 1 way, but with this difference. The
long end ("B") is bent back on itself
before the working end ("A") is tied
on to it (fig. 1). Thus, with the first
Overhand Knot, the ends point in the
same direction. When the second
Overhand is tied on top, they point
opposite each other, as they should
(fig. 2).
As a result, one end is below the
other, so when strain is put on the
standing part, by drawing it two ways,
the knot yields and pulls apart. So, to
make sure that a Square Knot is safe,
it is wise to study the ends and note
fig. 2
their position.

Surgeon's Knot

This is simply an elaboration o{ the
Square Knot. You begin with a
Double Overhand; then, reverse the
ends and tie a single Overhand on
top. By giving the first knot the extra
turn, it tends to hold while the
second is being added. The single
Overhand is sufficient on top, but the
knot can be "evened" by adding a
"double" if desired.
Such a knot is useful in tying
packages as well as in surgery, from
which it gets its name.