what knot is best?

[wt]

Ok, I don't know many knots, but I have always wanted to memorize several of the handiest ones. I have seen knot books and guides but I'm overwhelmed with the multitude of knots not knowing which ones to focus on. Which knot or threat so you rely on in the outdoors the most? What are the applications ie; holding an elk leg open, hanging a quarter in the tree, riding something to the roof, lashing two sticks together, secure meat to a board etc. Strangling a rabbit...

[Knocker of rocks]

 A bowline is a good start

[Barbarossa13]

Bowline or "2 half hitches will hold the world."

[huntingfool7]

I think a guy could secure anything with 3 good knots.  Bowline is good because it's easy to untie. 

The knot I use more than anything is a sliding figure 8.  It's good for securing the end of the rope to something (like a bowline) but it also works for bundling material or as a choker.  It's downside is that you often have to cut the knot off.

The 2nd most useful knot I use is a bastrdized truckers hitch.  I use this to secure loads (picture a ratchet strap out of rope). 

Throw in the previously mentioned "2 half hitches will hold the world" to finish off the truckers hitch and your load is secure. 

[grundy53]

A bowline is a good start

sent from my typewriter

[Longliner]

 I agree the bowline and clove hitch are a must!

[rtspring]

A knot depends on what your using it for.  A Bowline is a great knot that can be used in many cases. Half hitches behind a slip not are easy to untie.  Clove hitch also. Truckers hitch is the best for tying down loads and simple to remove.  Sqaure not is the I know nothing about knots knot! Do 20 years in the Navy you will learn them all with time...

[RadSav]

The Ashley Book of Knots is probably the only book you would need.  Been a long time, but if memory serves me correct he has them listed in order of importance or usefulness.  West Marine or similar store should carry it.

My personal 1, 2 & 3 would be bowline, clove and sheet.

[wildweeds]

If you can't tie a knot,tie alot and use a knife to get em undone,that's a knife knot.

[elkslayer069]

Becket bend bowline double figure 8 clove hitch

[lostbackpacker]

clove hitch
bowline
figure 8 follow through

[bowhunterty]

Add a square knot.

[TONTO]

 http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/

[RB]

Becket bend bowline double figure 8 clove hitch

Use bowline and figure eight quite often they are easy to tie Becket or sheet bend is great for getting different ropes or chains together 

[Mark Brenckle]

Do 20 years in the Navy you will learn them all with time...

  I learned them all early on - then forgot them all... can't tie a knot - tie a lot!

[Knocker of rocks]

clove hitch
bowline
figure 8 follow through

You could climb El Cap with those

[elk247]

Becket bend bowline double figure 8 clove hitch

that should cover it. If your towing or hanging alot of weight choose a knot that you can get undone later like the bowline or carrick bend.

[Alchase]

Also depends on the rope, double half hitch (married together) will tighten on itself with when pulled, and is pretty secure with most types of rope.
Poly would be the exception.

[MtnMuley]

I use a clove hitch most of the time in the woods, backed by a hallf hitch.  Bowline the rest of the time.  Also the truckers hitch is priceless when hauling out big loads.

[Skillet]

If you can't tie a knot,tie alot and use a knife to get em undone,that's a knife knot.

   Keep running rope through more loops of rope and then pull tight.  To release, you use what grandad called a "moron's rope wrench" - a pocket knife.   

Great thread.  I primarily use a bowline, various hitches (can't name them), occaisionally a figure 8 stopper knot and a trucker's hitch.  Haven't figured out a way to easily take the loop out of the trucker's hitch rope, however.  Anybody got an idea on that one?

[CoryTDF]

A bowline is a good start

This and a Truckers hitch, Overhand knot, Half Hitch, Clench Knot, about the only ones that I ever tie.

[RadSav]

Haven't figured out a way to easily take the loop out of the trucker's hitch rope, however.  Anybody got an idea on that one?

Make your loop longer.  Knot should be the same to remove as a bowline.

[JackOfAllTrades]

A knot depends on what your using it for.  A Bowline is a great knot that can be used in many cases. Half hitches behind a slip not are easy to untie.  Clove hitch also. Truckers hitch is the best for tying down loads and simple to remove.  Sqaure not is the I know nothing about knots knot! Do 20 years in the Navy you will learn them all with time...

Agree!
Bowline- Strongest yet easiest knot to untie. Creates a loop that you can use as a cinch/noose or just a loop.
Half hitch, double half hitch - cinch/slides down tight on something looped around. Great for securing loads.
Clove hitch- Great for lashing lengths of things together.
Truckers hitch- Look at what a chain binder on a logging truck does. You can use this to do the same.
Square knot- Great for tying two lengths of rope together or binding lengths of things together. Get it wrong, and you've got a granny knot that will slip loose.
 
-Steve

[Alchase]

  Keep running rope through more loops of rope and then pull tight.  To release, you use what grandad called a "moron's rope wrench" - a pocket knife.   

I use the 3 second rule with para cord or small cotton line, if I can't untie it within three seconds the knife comes out, LOL

[Greenhorn]

Triple Granny is the best, the bowline is next.  If the triple Granny doesn't seem good enough then use a quadruple Granny, that is all I have to say about that.

[washelkhunter]

The loop on the truckers hitch when done properly should pull out cleanly after use by just pulling the rope ends apart. The mistake most make is by making the loop via an overhand knot. Secure the standing end using a bowline, run the working end around the far hitch point. Estimate how much distance you need from the truckers hitch to hitch point reqd. Loop the standing end back on itself, reach thru the loop and pull the working ends thru that loop now you have a loop thru a loop, should be about a foot long. Take the bitter end of the working line and thread it thru the loop, pull tight to secure the load. I use half hitches to secure the line against itself. When done with rope all knots will easily pull out clean. Its a beautiful thing.

[MtnMuley]

Triple Granny is the best, the bowline is next.  If the triple Granny doesn't seem good enough then use a quadruple Granny, that is all I have to say about that.

 .......You're fired

[Tim in Wa.]

A knot depends on what your using it for.  A Bowline is a great knot that can be used in many cases. Half hitches behind a slip not are easy to untie.  Clove hitch also. Truckers hitch is the best for tying down loads and simple to remove.  Sqaure not is the I know nothing about knots knot! Do 20 years in the Navy you will learn them all with time...

Agree!
Bowline- Strongest yet easiest knot to untie. Creates a loop that you can use as a cinch/noose or just a loop.
Half hitch, double half hitch - cinch/slides down tight on something looped around. Great for securing loads.
Clove hitch- Great for lashing lengths of things together.
Truckers hitch- Look at what a chain binder on a logging truck does. You can use this to do the same.
Square knot- Great for tying two lengths of rope together or binding lengths of things together. Get it wrong, and you've got a granny knot that will slip loose.
 
-Steve
All of the above have done anything I've ever needed.Plus its good to be able to tie your shoes(whatever that's called)
Tim

[Max the dog]

Bowline- for fixed loop at end
Clove hitch - for cinching line onto object
Carrik bend or marriage knot for tying two lines together (depends on line thickness and how permenant knot is going to be
Butterfly knot-I prefer over truckers hitch as it won't bind up under high tension. sometimes a bowline on bite if its going to be extreme tension (like pulling a car out of ditch with mechanical advantage.
 

[Helix]

I made these videos on climbing and rescue knots.  It's not exhaustive but it has some basics on use.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH7luRVPeEcMmOJTLG5M2-cj4tNharRfO

[RadSav]

Butterfly knot-I prefer over truckers hitch as it won't bind up under high tension. sometimes a bowline on bite if its going to be extreme tension (like pulling a car out of ditch with mechanical advantage.
 

Never used that knot much.  I might have to give it a little more attention.

[Max the dog]

Butterfly is a great knot and easy to tie.  It does take a bit more slack line to tie.