Bowline - The most versatile knot you can learn.

I am often asked what the most important knot for a beginner to learn. The answer for me has always been the Bowline. The Bowline is simply the most versatile knot someone can learn. It can be used as a fixed loop knot for heaving, hauling, or tying down cargo. It can be easily transformed into a slip knot, or more accurately a lasso, to secure against larger objects like a large tree trunk. This knot can also be used as a bend knot to tie two different ropes together. It is easy to tie, easy to untie, and will not slip or jamb. If the Bowline has one flaw, it would be that it can work itself loose if subjected to cycle loading, where the knot is tightened and loosened continuously. However, once this knot is learned, there are multiple variants of this knot that address that one weakness.

[@canbo7643]

Good for you for pointing out that the bowline is a sheet bend on a bight. I've watched dozens of knot tying videos and this is the first one for that.

[@aultraman]

Thanks for showing different ways of tying the bowline. I like the last one the best with the slip knot. I will use that one from now on.

[@DanR6793]

Another thing about the Sheet Bend, it's great to tie two different diameters of rope together. But if you do different diameters, you want to be sure the smaller diameter rope forms the "Knipping" loop, so in your demonstration you would want the smaller diameter to be in the position of the green rope while the larger is in the red's position.

[@txtoolcrib]

That is absolutely correct, I made sure to mention that fact in my 10 Best Knots To Know video. I should have done the same here.

[@canbo7643]

In addition, a double sheet bend is recommended.

[@ivo-aceto]

Thank you so much for these amazingly effective techniques on how to tie a bowline.

[@richardc6269]

The meaning I've always heard was that it's a rescue knot. I dig the videos🤙✌

[@jkeips78]

As a tree man I can attest to the title. After over a decade I have narrowed it down to just a few knots outside of my climbing hitch. The bowline and variants, and either the cow hitch or timber hitch depending on rope length and diameter of anchor. Pretty much no need for anything else. A properly dressed and set bowline is a beautiful thing to untie even after being reefed on with equipment.

[@normajohnson6352]

Great. I used rope extensively in construction. An old-timer showed me the timber hitch and I used it extensively. Got to appreciate non-binding knots if you work with rope.

[@bernardmeli951994]

I enjoy Videos like these. I am sharing it with my Scouts group, as we're in the process of teaching knots to our members. Thank you for all your vids including the multi tool vids I really enjoy all of them.

[@prveteran]

Thank you for your excellent video. Clear, concise and absolutely and literally life saving!!!!'

[@jaimeleondelaparra3877]

The double bowline, or adjustable bowline, is another useful and simple variation of the bowline. All you have to do is run the working end a second time through the initial loop on the standing end. You then finish the knot in the usual manner. This will give you two adjustable loops. Great vid!

[@michaelmoser2200]

Yep Hooyah BM2

[@normajohnson6352]

Excellent. The FIRST to show the sailor's one-hand wrist-flip method to tie the bowline in less than a second. You should show in another video to how tie around an object: Loop rope around object, make a round turn around the rope with working end, pull, which spills rope to a loop, then pass working end under and back thru loop to form the bowline.

[@joepeters129]

This is awesome. I already tied my bowline’s that way but never realized how it translates to the other knots. Thanks for this - your videos are great!

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you sir.

[@codybill24]

I first learned your second method for the bowline. I didn't learn how to do your main method until we had to learn how to tie it one-handed, say if you're being rescued and perhaps need to tie it around yourself and one arm is injured, for example. That third method I've never seen though, that's interesting. Gotta agree that it's one of the most useful knots to know, especially for being such a basic one.

[@Rascunho1966]

Parabéns! Muito útil e bem explicado...

[@philliptoone]

Excellent video. Than you for making this.

[@txtoolcrib]

Absolutely! Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@rgalletta58]

I like your tutorial. I've heard the slip or flip bowline referred to as the snap bowline. That's the term I use. New subscriber here. Looking forward to going through your content.

[@Domine31064]

Very Good!!

[@cat-pd1di]

great video ..... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@richardc6269]

The last one u showed is cool.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Aaah memory time lol, so there's a tree right, and at the foot of the tree there's a hole, and whoa what's this? Mr Rabbit comes out of the hole (Hello Mr Rabbit!) Runs around the tree and scurries back into the hole which collapses in behind him... Tragically rescue efforts were in vain but dinner was good. :-D

[@michaelmoser2200]

Outstanding Video Tex the USN should consider your videos for basic instruction

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you

[@hdbodie2395]

Adjustable bottle sling knot is possible from the bowline by increasing working end to go around the loop and feed back through the knot. Seen that on Johnny Debt’s channel. Bowline is definitely versatile.

[@txtoolcrib]

I don’t guess I’ve seen that, I’ll have to search through his videos.

[@caracarametal]

Any recommendations on what to buy for someone just getting into knots? Are you using paracord? Thanks so much!

[@thestonksmarket1897]

In the first step of the running bowline, does it matter if you go under-over or over-under with your working end?

[@michaelmoser2200]

As I wastaught years ago by an Old Bosun Warrant Officer "Rig to Unrig" and the Bowline is that Knot,

[@utet.4226]

Rabbit come out of the hole, around the tree back into the hole

[@ashsmall8103]

u can buy pocket clips for the swiss tool and spirit and it comes with a tool to add it yourself

[@joepeters129]

Do you have any experience with the Sheepshank? I feel like I don’t understand how it would be utilized or when it would be useful

[@txtoolcrib]

The Sheepshank isn’t a knot I use but once in a blue moon. It is meant to be able to shorten a rope or to isolate a cut or tear in a rope so that it will not fail on you. For the later, you can get the same result from the Alpine Butterfly.

[@HK-zq8qd]

like>>>>

[@dronsimon9069]

7:29 Marlin knot (hitch) - this base Bowline knot and other knot

[@vibeslide]

Bowline is king of knots. Can confirm. Especially if you're a jackass like myself and simply can't remember much else in terms of knots.

[@williamchase3500]

Bowline-On-A-Bight?