Page 9 - Mark Gommers "Bowlines Analysis

Conventions used in this paper to illustrate knot structures

All knots can be identified by a universal number. This number is derived from Clifford
Ashley’s masterwork – ‘The Ashley Book of Knots’ (abbreviated as ABoK). For example,
the Bowline can be found at illustration number 1010. Therefore, the Bowline is assigned
the unique identifier number of “#1010”. As another example, the Figure 8 eye-knot (F8
eye-knot) can be found at illustration number #1047.

This aspect more
clearly shows the
collar structure of
a Bowline.

This aspect clearly
shows the nipping loop
component of a Bowline.

Many knot book authors
only show the opposite
side (ie most people
would be familiar with
the image at right).

DETAIL VIEW CONVENTIONAL VIEW

Note: Dan Lehman is a strong advocate of showing the ‘detail view’ of the Bowline. This aspect properly illustrates the function
of the nipping loop – which is a key component of all Bowlines. The author of this paper supports this view. This paper will show
the detail view when it is important to examine technical detail and the action of the nipping loop. The ‘conventional’ view will
also be shown since this has been commonly depicted in knot books and may aid readers in recognising some Bowlines.
Additionally, the collar structure and its 2 legs are more easily seen in the conventional view.



Denotes the knot is known Denotes the knot is insecure Denotes the knot is known to
to be secure and stable. and/or unstable. be TIB (tiable in the bight).
Note: Strength is not an Note: It should not be trusted for
important consideration. any life critical applications.

Page 8 of 59 Bowline Analysis Version 2.7a 16 July 2016 © Copyright Mark Gommers