The Ashley Book of Knots is an interesting tome with detailed descriptions of knots and how to tie them. First published in 1944, it lists close to 4,000 different knots with some 7,000 illustrations. From fancy nautical (or should that be knotical ?) braids to the hangman’s knot , they are all in there. So, which knots are the most important to know?
There is only one knot that I think you absolutely need to know: the Bowline knot.
The Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is not just one of the most useful knots, it’s one of the easiest to learn, it can always be untied with ease and is useful in nearly any circumstance I have ever encountered. So, no more excuses, please, try to learn it!
I think the picture really shows all you need to know, but if you look for more detailed instructions see here .
Get a piece of simple rope, a few feet long, and try to practice tying this marvel of a knot. Once you get the hang of it you’ll wonder why you had not known it before. No surprise that the bowline knot has been called the King of Knots.
A Word of Caution
Just one word of caution though. All the knots described in Clifford Ashley’s book were developed long before the arrival of modern rope materials such as nylon, etc. These modern materials are much more flexible and also more slippery than old hemp or sisal-type rope.
So, if any knot you tie means the difference between life and death, make sure to add a safety-stop, that is another knot or material at the end, which would prevent your main knot from slipping apart.
Good knotting!
