Page 60 - Cliff Jacobson - Knots for the Outdoors

FIGURE 33. S-KNOT

Here’s an artistic way to tie two ropes together. Similar to a fisherman’s knot, the S-knot has
more coils and so is probably more secure, especially in slippery ropes.

Place the ends of the rope parallel to one another and take three or more complete turns
around the two ropes, then run the working (free) end down the center of the knot. Do the
same with the other rope. Finally, slide the knots together to complete the S-knot.

Note: If you wrap two turns around each rope it is called the double fisherman’s knot.

FIGURE 34. SQUARE (REEF) KNOT
For centuries sailors have used the square knot for reefing sails and tying things aboard
ship. It is still used for this purpose but is probably more popular for tying packages, gauze
dressings, tourniquets, and other medical applications. Don’t use this knot for joining two
ropes together if they will be under load! The square knot jams under tension and falls apart
(it becomes two half hitches), if the ropes are very dissimilar or the pull comes unevenly.

Use a sheet bend, fisherman’s knot, or two bowlines for joining ropes. To form a square knot
rather than a common granny knot, complete each overhand knot opposite the other. Thus, if
the first knot is formed right-handed (right over left), the second must be made left-handed
(left over right).