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What Knot?

We all have our favourite knots.  I read a long time ago that you can get away with knowing only three knots; so far it holds true.  For the most part, if you know enough knots that you can tie a canoe to a car, or make a tight clothesline, you will be OK.  The knots on this page are the ones that I feel are the "meat and potatoes."  You will have to find the "gravy" somewhere else!

Do you have a favourite knot that you would like to teach us?  Please start a thread on the "Shared Wisdom" page, with photos, and tell us about it!

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The Double Half Hitch

This knot is used simply to tie off one end of a rope.  It is quite secure and is easily untied.

The Bowline

This is a very useful knot!  The bowline allows you to create a loop that will not slip and is easily untied even after having been under high tension.

The Cinch

Often called the "Trucker's Cinch," this knot is useful for making a line very taught.  We will often pluck the line after having used this knot and jokingly say: "It's up to F sharp!"  This knot will take some practice, especially to learn to tie it off while keeping the tension, but it is worthwhile when you are able to use a simple rope as though you had ratcheting straps.