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Part I: Do You Know How to Tie a Knot?

It Could Save Your Life: Crucial Knots & Their Applications

Knots are essential to survival in the outdoors and in emergency situations, and for sailing. Knowing which knots to tie and how to properly perform these actions can mean the difference between security and safety or death.

Knowing how to tie a knot can help you to create a rope ladder to climb down the side of a skyscraper. It can also enable you to create a stretcher or secure materials. Whether you need to create a makeshift shelter or to secure your rations and essentials in a tree to keep them safe from bears, knowing how to tie a knot will allow you to survive longer in tough situations. Below are just a few knots that can help you to survive in an urban environment or in the wilderness.

Knot: Hunter’s Bend

Category: Bend
This knot was devised in the early 70s and is a simple and quick way to secure two separate pieces of rope together without slippage. The downside to this knot is that it will jam with just a little weight, which makes it hard to untie but also helps to secure the knot during use.

Applications: This is a perfect method for creating a makeshift rope to haul materials up and down slopes. It is also ideal for temporary covers and lashings. As you can see in the illustration, the two pieces of rope are lashed together and looped several times before being pulled taut, which ensures a stable and secure connection.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ee9Cj-2ocY

Knot: Figure Eight

Category: Stopper
A common knot used in rock climbing, sailing, and camping, and by far one of the simplest of knots that does not require cutting or splicing. Commonly used as a stopper for tree swings and rock climbing.

Applications: Is best suited for creating a rope ladder with thick rope. Tie the figure-eight knot every few feet for the entire length of the rope. The knots will create little footholds for you to grip when descending or climbing.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yO7ePhqx8E

Knot: Bowline

Category: Loop
A Bowline is a very useful knot for creating footholds in rope and for creating a handle at the end of a pulley. It is also commonly used in sailing to secure lines and sails.

Applications: The bowline will assist you in creating a loop at the end or beginning of a line. It is excellent for handles, foot loops, or for securing sails, and is commonly used in the boating industry. Can also be used as a quick life-saving knot, with a large loop for a person to secure around themselves or to grab onto the loop at the end of the line.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbbHx5KCUYY

Knot: Slip Knot

Category: Running
The slip knot can be used to secure items. It tightens as required and can also be used as a trap to snare the foot of an animal or bird. The multiple uses of the slip knot make it essential to learn.

Applications: An adjustable knot is crucial to learn for surviving in any environment, as it can be used to snare small animals and birds and thereby provide a means of obtaining food when a weapon is unavailable.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8QXAfV9U_I

Tune in next week for five more knots.

-Stay Safe

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