One of the GREATEST Knots for Life: The Double Dragon

[@TheBearEssentials]

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: 1) *Perfection Loop Vs Double Dragon* Two very similar knots - serve a lot of the same purposes. Perfection Loop Advantages: 1) 1 step easier to tie Double Dragon Advantages: 1) Doesn't Bind Up (Chief disadvantage of the perfection loop) 2) Can be Tied In-Line 3) Can be Ring Loaded The perfection loop binds up and isn't as secure in-line or mid line. But it's a great anchor loop/ anchor nonetheless, and great as a fishing knot too. 2) *Alpine Butterfly Vs Double Dragon* There is a lot of crossover in "Uses" for these two knots. Generally, each one can do the job of the other, but in some cases, the A.B. is better, and in some, the DD. Alpine Butterfly Advantages: 1) Learning 1 knot has 2 unique applications (Mid-Line Loop + Bend) 2) It's even easier than the DD to get undone when a heavy weight is put on it. 3) It is multi-directional, whereas the DD is "in-line" or facing a single direction 4) It can be tied as a "Bend" to connect 2 ropes together, also can isolate "Frays" in a line. Double Dragon Advantages: 1) Learning 1 knot has 2 unique applications (Anchor Knot + In Line Loop) 2) It's tied "In-Line" meaning the standing end feeds directly into the loop, so it's not "kinked" sideways when tying multiple in line. (The Alpine Butterfly, for example, sticks out perpendicular to your main line and will kink it if pulled directionally. 3) The DD Can be tied as BOTH and Anchor Knot or an In-Line Knot 4) The DD is slightly easier to adjust. Crossover: 1) Both are considered Life Supporting / Reliable 2) Both provide mid-line loops 3) Both can be Ring and Shock Loaded 4) Both won't Slip or Roll over

[@JulienB]

It's basically a directional figure 9 though... (there's a loop twist that is swapped for an extra turn around it, but it all happens inside the the part that is crunched up, and is functionally the same, can't tell them apart at first glance from the front, and they are identical from the back)

[@VynceMontgomery]

I always wonder, when a knot has a name like "double dragon" whether ther eis a (single) dragon, and if si what the difference is. (And, e.g., why you would or wouldn't want to pass "through the reins" only once)

[@allendouglas786]

The first time I saw one of your videos. I liked it, You wasn't afraid of talking and letting us know what you where doing next. I looked at your stuff, I understand you need to make a living, but I can buy paracord 100 foot of 550 right now for $ 6.49 for a 100 foot.. 750 nylon paracord for $8.00 to $10.00 for 100 foot of it right now. Thanks but NO THANKS DUDE. Sorry

[@TheBearEssentials]

​@@allendouglas786 Hey brother, respectfully, I find the rudest comments to always be rooted in a lack of education. Here's some more context for you: You can buy anything cheap, but if you want quality, you must pay for it. This is the difference between Cheap and "Better Value." 1) You can buy a cheap Nylon 550 paracord or 750, but neither is a comparison to what I offer. 550 is Nylon and 550 lbs. 750 is Nylon and is 750lbs but is heavier and bulkier with 11 interior strands. What I offer is 550 with no stretch, no water absorbency, the same thickness and weight as 550, with a carabiner. 2) The interior threads of cheap paracord vary greatly. Some are 7:2, and the yarns to get a cheap price like that are very poor in quality. You wont be able to split them. Trust me I've tested out nearly every single manufacturer. But the average Joe won't even know what im talking about here. 3) Nylon Paracord and Milspec is a giant marketing tactic to make people think it's a good rope for camping / outdoor use. It's truthfully not ideal, but military contracts allow them to make massive ammounts in the USA, and figure they can just advertise them as the right stuff for camping too and sell it cheap. The Truth: Milspec has strict guidelines, and this cordage is made for parachutes - so it has to maintain at least 30% stretch. Why would ANYONE want to stretch on a 550 cord if not using them in tandem to parachute? Why would anyone need this in camping, bushcraft, outdoors? It's only ideal for crafting bracelets, crocheting, and parachutes, in all honesty. For everything else - you want a static cord. Nylon also absorbs water and distorts when wet, making it slippery and heavy. All your knots will come loose after a good soaking. Why again, would anyone use nylon? The only answer is either because it's cheap, or because the purchaser is ignorant to how the product is made, OR they just don't care. In the latter case, they should consider bankline instead of Nylon paracord altogether. Either way, if you want your cheap nylon paracord, go buy it! you are definitely not the intended audience here. If you want a product made by a person who actually cares and is educated on the subject, committed to high quality and designed specifically for camping and outdoors, you choose Bear Essentials.

[@buckcherry2564]

​​@@TheBearEssentialsHuge fan of Tacticool milspec BS, myself (I just am, always been super hooah about the dumbest shit, and I was Army for a short time, so I know how bad that is.). You definately have the right of it on functionality and real-world use cases though. I respect that you responded to ignorance with education.

[@d4mdcykey]

I knew you'd eventually highlight this one, my father taught me this one many many years ago and its EFFECTIVE practicality in so many situations has made it my favorite overall to use in the field ever since. Many thanks for your work, your pragmatic no-nonsense videos is, for me, now the gold standard for outdoor recreation videos.

[@user-bh3ew6ii4g]

DJ you are a MASTER at teaching knots! I have watched hundreds of knot tying videos at this point from so many different people and you are the absolute best at explaining how to tie, and making it memorable. What a beautifully created and edited video. I will certainly be going through your entire playlist of knot videos. And I agree, this knot has the coolest name of all. I find the bowline difficult to remember, and I have watched so many videos, I have tied a bowline so many times. But I still forget if I'm not constantly tying them. So now I don't even care, the bowline has been replaced in my knot repertoire - by the Double Dragon! So much more versatile, and looks like it's much more fun to tie. Thank you for this video!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow thank you so much! Ya, this small 7-minute video took me 2 half days of filming and approximately 20 hours of editing! It was crazy. Im so glad to know the work is appreciated and genuinely helpful. Thank you!

[@user-bh3ew6ii4g]

@@TheBearEssentials Wow, 2 days and 20 hours of editing! I knew you put a lot of work into it, but I underestimated. People who have never done video editing where they were focusing on quality have no idea what it takes. I do really appreciate your videos. And you shop has items with the same high quality, beautiful visual design, craftsmanship and careful thought and innovation as your videos have. Thank you putting out things of such quality in a world overwhelmed by cheap crap!

[@mdude7778]

@@TheBearEssentials Very well done. I can see that you put quality time into this video. New subscriber here.

[@arborsamurai]

As an arborist I tie knots for a living. Love how clean this looks like. Definitely gonna try it.

[@johnlogan8218]

Ashleys book of knots is the most informative book on knots if you can find one. Written by a whaler seaman.

[@ascarrillo1]

One benefit not mentioned, the knot when tied, does not lean to one side. It is centered! I like it. Thanks!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Perfect thanks for adding this!

[@HiTechDiver]

Very cool; thank you. I'm left-handed, so it takes me a minute to switch things around in my gray matter, lol. A SEAL (right-handed) was trying to teach me some knots in Navy Dive School. He ended up throwing the line in the air, and told me to find a left-hander, haha.

[@fredm5245]

As a retired rigger, I’ve worked with my list of go to knots for many years. This one I agree would be a great one to add to any rope workers list.

[@bartobszynski9417]

I love the enthusiasm with these knot videos, another great video btw definitely adding this to my knot arsenal

[@pyroninja90]

I'm not sure it would take multi directional loading like an alpine butterfly, but I like it as an adjustable size midline. Cheers from a tree guy! Will be learning this one

[@TheBearEssentials]

No I don’t think it would be good for multi direction - Alpine butterfly way better for that and it releases easier after a load than the DD. BUT still a cool knot that’s has some great uses :) cheers!!

[@bwhip]

Subbed . . . because I just realized that there's more to life than the bowline, prusik hitch and alpine butterfly.

[@scottfox543]

Get Ashley’s Book of Knots if you really want to see the universe of knots. But be careful, you will most likely get overwhelmed! You could look for the nearest International Knot Tyers Guild chapter. They really get you started.

[@BradGanley]

To be fair, there isn't MUCH more than that ;)

[@SkepticalCaveman]

It sure wins the award for "best named knot". Now I want to play Double Dragon 2 on my old NES.

[@mikegarland4500]

Since my NES died, I just play them with an emulator.

[@CristobalJJunta]

Battle toads

[@riobenavides310]

Sure does! I also thought of the NES game when I saw the title

[@lokalrev3800]

Same 😂

[@LordOfThePancakes]

Is that some kind of lame Tetris game. Lol..

[@kevinbowker2385]

Thanks for sharing! I've gotten into knot tying lately and have moved from ratchet straps to rope for pretty much everything. The increased flexibility is amazing! I'm enjoying the versatility and simplicity of this knot. I've used the bowline and alpine butterfly knots a lot but am gravitating to the double dragon quickly.

[@jamesromanoski7292]

Making a rope ladder was the icing on the cake. I'm going to practice right now. Thank you DJ.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Nice! Let me know how it goes!

[@shilombaba]

@@TheBearEssentials No news from him since... knot was not safe enough 😕

[@Catilieth]

Sub’s not so much because of cool knot, but because you a such a great teacher. Thanks

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow, thank you!

[@insanityknows]

This is an awesome one that I never heard of before. I am amused by how much you (DJ) love knots. Knot everyone gets it. I do. Sometimes I sit at the the breakroom table and practice so I'm kinda known for it.

[@TheBearEssentials]

It's like a meditation in some ways! Thats awesome of you, never change!

[@bfisk89]

Fantastic knot. Frankly it’s a game changer for my time in the woods.

[@gabrielgonzalez1993]

You consistently have the best instructions on knot tying… The ignition off/underhand knot metaphor is honestly life changing

[@stephen_harvey]

Personally, my go to anchor knot is the tautline hitch because of it's adjustability paired with its stability

[@nicholasbrown1628]

Thankyou so much for the demonstration of tying this as an anchor knot - after a couple of evenings watching other methods being described, and thinking that I was losing my mind, you have gone through it in a way that made sense to me. Much appreciated, thanks again.

[@bungarraoz254]

Excellent demonstration.

[@Greg-oo1zm]

I like this knot, I’m a big Yosemite backup fan as well. I’ll be looking to add the Yosemite into the double dragon for added protection. Thanks 👍

[@TheBearEssentials]

Great idea ive never thought of that! Ya, they say the Bowline isn't supporting unless it has something like the Yosemite backup.

[@ipedros7]

@@TheBearEssentials some even say the bowline isn't 'finished/complete' until its got something to trap that end.

[@babybopkidsrock5713]

It's so amazing that people really may not have ever used a key to start a car! Excellent video!!!

[@TheGologozo]

Cool knot! Figure 8 knot (for climbing) has similar properties: it can be tied inline, after heavy load it is easy to open, but the one difference is perhaps the loop adjusting features of the dragon knot. Thanks for sharing!

[@mike-yp1uk]

This video was awesome slow enough to be able to learn it alone with great detailed explanations. Great knot. I use the alpine butterfly to climb but the double dragon looks awesome as a rope ladder. Ty

[@TheBearEssentials]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@r1pperduck]

I taught myself this knot years ago. Except with 1 wrap around the bite instead of 2. Its also tied differently. You throw the free end with your right hand, around a bite formed with your left hand, you then have a bite in both hands. Now pass the right bite through the left bite. Its hard to put this to words, but it essentially has the same outcome of the knot presented in the video, minus the extra loop that offers protection against unraveling. We didnt have a name for it, and i know i didnt invent it, so im happy to finally see a video on it as i couldnt find it online anywhere.

[@kevincrinklaw7422]

I LOVE your teaching style! Seems WAY easier and more flexible than the bowline (my go-to WAY back in the scout-days)

[@agoogleuser6406]

Man you are the best! ❤️👍🏻 Thank you for your knowledge, learning us all here! ✌🏻

[@TheBearEssentials]

I appreciate that!

[@chrismulhearn7903]

Such an awesome , clear tutorial with deeply considered but simply presented metaphor and methodology for easily grasping and replicating..

[@ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣΒΑΛΛΙΑΝΑΤΟΣ]

Καλημέρα από την Ελλάδα... πολύ ενδιαφέροντα τα βίντεο που ανεβάζεις! Μπράβο σου!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thank you! - from Canada!

[@forendetta8164]

Incredible, you are an encyclopedia. It is imperative to make books with all your knowledge of genius. What talent!

[@gedfi]

This, together with the farrimond friction hitch and the midshipman's hitch are pretty much the only knots I need anymore - and none of them were taught by the scouts.

[@Axel-im6si]

Great illustration, good examples, nice job. 👍 And now I have homework to do! 😊

[@WobblingHobGoblin]

That's awesome. Going to master this knot. Thanks dj!

[@dezwujie]

The shape kind of reminds me the angler's loop, but the tying is done completely differently, and I really like the adjustability. This is the first new-knot video I've seen in a while that has me excited to give it a try, nice job!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Right on!! Ya in my pinned comment I’ve compared the anglers loop to this in terms of pros/cons if you want to give that a look too!! Enjoy my friend, happy to have ya here!

[@1nlsecurity737]

That is so educational. Thank you so much. my fav has to be the climbing the tree one.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you liked it!

[@barry7608]

I used to get frustrated with knots when I was in the Boy Scouts, but I've since taken on the challenge and have Alpine butterfly, double dragon, bowline, strangler and a few more, order my belt, thing is I'm fairly proficient but have to think which knot I want at the time...getting there and I do use them in my garden and 4x4 work. Thanks

[@montereynotjapan]

It seems like nobody knows about the farmer’s loop either. After watching hundreds of knot tying videos and putting many midline loops to test, I’ve determined that the farmer’s loop is the best for a midline loop. Easiest to untie after a heavy load. The alpine is great, but try the farmer’s loop; I think it’s better. Thanks for the vid! Also, the farmer’s loop is such a fun knot to tie and probably one of the easiest knots to learn! I hope you would consider making a video on it. It seems like nobody knows about it.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey! I will 100% make a video on this. When I do, please know it’s this comment which reminded me to do it :) Will be in the coming months. Thank you!

[@mikeprunty1]

I loved the double dragon game, and now I love the double dragon knot. Excellent video 👏

[@michaelmacdonald2907]

Thanks, I love that knot. It's more secure than a boline . . and it's prettier too. By the way, you dress that knot pretty quick!

[@scottcates]

I'm super intrigued by the midline functionality

[@jfholdener]

I have liked this knot for a long time. Thanks for sharing a new way to tie it (for me at least). Keep up the great videos.

[@highwaytohealth3211]

One of the most useful knots and videos ever!!!!

[@kryptoknight69]

The Superman of knots 💪

[@scottc3165]

Dang, that's pretty good! I pack stock in the back country and I could see this as a highline! Horses and mules are hell on my highlines if not tied very correct. I will have to try this one out for that application. One thing to improve upon your half hitch at to lock the dragon in place is to tie the half hitch onto the loop instead of onto the standing line - 5:38. If tied to the standing line it will not endure a hard pull, but will slip and come loose.

[@PablitoxZ84]

Amazing knot! Now I want to try it in my next camp! Thanks for sharing!

[@steverowe8785]

Best knot video ever. thanks for sharing.

[@FranklynPearson]

This is the best knot video ive ever seen!

[@8DethTroll8]

Just found you but after this video i am definietly staying for more! Amazing knot.

[@demej00]

Beautiful knot. Had to learn it just to have it around to look at.

[@Sergio-ta3krt]

Thanks for the video man. I tried and accomplished but other essential knots more practical to me, can't find this knot practical

[@db.mc2]

Thanks DJ! 👊🏻👍🏻 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you always my friend !

[@mrhalfstep]

I really like the way you teach knots and I can now tie this one pretty quick, but it looks to me as if the Alpine Butterfly will do all the things that the Double Dragon will and I find it easier to locate accurately on the line, set the loop size and untie. I don't think I'll use this much.

[@mistastabs5840]

Can be used as a directional loop "truckers hitch".

[@Fuhrmann53]

Hey DJ, very unique knot, I like it very much! Dirk from Germany, who bought your gear a few weeks ago.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Dirk!! Yes I was just chatting with you on email brother! Put a smile on my face to read this was you commenting! Cheers!

[@zzgeneralsearch1070]

I love your channel. You make things so clear. Thank you

[@journeyman7189]

Very cool knot DJ. It may take me time but I will get it eventually. Nate

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx brother, ya a little bit of practice every now and then to refresh the memory

[@frederickrasp5769]

Excellent Knot.

[@johnp5250]

I just learned my new hammock knot

[@lapassion24]

Cool I will learn knot !! ^ ^ I have saved so many videos .. I like to learn this to do survival things with my son !! ^ ^

[@mansot100]

Love this knot! Your presentation is clear and succinct. My only suggestion is that you investigate the pronunciation of the all-purpose bowline. I’ve been tying it and teaching it for many decades and have only heard it pronounced to rhyme with “tin”, not “mine”.

[@Pat19997]

I guess it would work as a fisherman’s knot as well. Seems like it would be great for tying in hooks inline or just a loop for a lure.

[@shanehanson1268]

Excellent explanation and knot!

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

I wonder how incredible this knot is.

[@ogi22]

Very nice knot.

[@JoeAlbright-o2v]

You have know idea how this helped me 😊this will be helpful on my property thank you ❤

[@christianmnich5288]

Thank you very much for that great video! 🙂 👍 Greetings from Germany Christian 🙂

[@vincesanjose2286]

Very useful for life .

[@Zendukai]

Thats really awesome TBE, saving this one at the top of my knot list !!

[@philrobson4287]

My favourite in-line knot is the bowline on the bight.

[@fraukeschmidt8364]

I have finally worked out the "ignition on - ignition off" thing that you keep talking about. This just wasn't helpful to me as I do not drive, and also, I am left-handed. It took many viewings of many of your knot-related videos - which are awesome, btw - to finally grasp the concept. And this video did it! Fantastic knot, too, to add to my arsenal. This year, I have gone from knowing only three different knots to 10+.

[@rxDIY]

yeah i am also left handed and can't seem to wrap my head around the whole "ignition off" and the "car coming up to a tree" dynamic... but i do drive and have been driving for years. am i slow or something? LOL or does turning the key off (or even just the hand motion of doing such) NOT sound like what i would probably be doing IF i MYSELF were to be in front of a tree, in a vehicle ... ?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Oh gosh I’m so sorry- must be so hard to learn when I keep saying right hand this and that. I should try to keep in mind lefties are watching too!! I’m so glad you got it regardless. Thanks for hanging in there and I’m glad you learned a bunch!

[@pickledmangoes]

Brilliant presentation. Thank you.

[@netcowboy007]

Found your channel recently and I’m glad I did. I have learned so much from your channel already. Your videos are awesome. If you don’t mind and would care to oblige, can you demonstrate how to tie rope around a cover on something vertical to secure it and what knot you would use? Thanks in advance. Keep up the great videos. Chers!

[@D9everything]

Taking on both the Bowline AND the Alpine Butterfly? Could this be one of the coolest knots? Four out of five Targaryens agree.

[@JimLander]

Thank you . . . ! a very well taught lesson!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Interesting knot, thanks for showing us that!

[@atthebakesale]

congrats on one of your best videos yet, awesome man

[@gregglockhart9551]

Thanks,it looks pretty cherry!

[@1988dgs]

It’s a variation of a perfection loop, the advantage is the centre of the loop is inline with the main line ie a fishing lure swimming properly and not falling to either side

[@eJunkee]

Cool knot, very useful. Thanks!

[@Brendan3627]

Best knot name!

[@4est_Trekker]

Brilliant work!

[@GR_BackingTracks]

Took 6 tries but i got one... Thanks!

[@jeanmorin3247]

Indeed, this is a keeper!

[@jimichan7649]

Great video and a really useful knot. Put a card with this knot in your kit and I'll buy one.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Will have to make a 2.0 version of the knot kit or add more cards to it. Thinking of some options :)

[@jandereski6904]

​Yes, just sell new knot cards separately cards separately

[@DRpokeme]

Outstanding 👍

[@howardb.728]

Thanks for the lesson - brilliant. Appreciated

[@yatchacs]

awesome video and knot. thanks so much!!

[@toltecmonk]

Very useful and simple. Thanks Bro!

[@MrJessDancing]

Awesome instruction. Thank you.

[@timschell5781]

Thank you for showing how to tie a knot without making it look like a magic trick, makes it easy to remember

[@richardmartin3127]

Cool stuff thanks from New Zealand.

[@liedjesvanjelle]

Well, you got me with that single video, I'm hooked on your channel now :D

[@Kyle-nm1kh]

I dont know how to tie any knot. But i like the name of this one so i might learn it

[@MarceColucci]

This knot looks so useful. What's the best thickness of paracord for tying loads down on a roof rack?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Paracord generally only comes in around 4mm thick. Webbing straps are usually stronger and non stretch, might be better. I’ve got some super strong non-stretch paracord available on my site as well. 750lbs and the good quality stuff.

[@Jeraestone]

Nice and Its The Year of The Dragon So I am Going To Use This 👌👌🦕🦕👍

[@hankgio9704]

Great video very clear.

[@saysomestuff]

I bet many people watching this came on the same journey as me: "Yeah but it not as easy to tie as a bowline" "oh wait its an alpine butterfly too" "Wheres my rope?" Love it, great knot, great video presentation.

[@EctoMorpheus]

I get the appeal of only having to learn one knot, but since the bowline and alpine butterfly are already in my muscle memory I don't really see the added value of this one. I'm gonna try it just to see if it's easier to adjust loop size than with the bowline

[@TheBearEssentials]

@@EctoMorpheus 100%, it makes sense. I wouldn't replace either of those knots! Just another one to know IF you wanted :)

[@1mataleo1]

I learned this a long time ago simply because I liked the name. It’s actually just a double version of what is referred to as the “Tugboat Bowline A”. I like it, but it doesn’t really offer any advantages over the alpine butterfly and the perfection loop.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hi, I’ve answered this in a few other comments. I’ll add it to the pinned one shortly. There are a number of advantages but scenario dependant. Both the perfection loop and the alpine butterfly are excellent knots in their own right, better for some applications, worse for some. The main fault of perfection loop is it binds up, and it’s not a good in-line knot. And the main of the alpine butterfly is it’s a mid line knot (or bend), slightly less adjustable, and is multi directional / sticks out at a 90, instead of lying in line (again, use dependant can be a positive or negative)

[@jerryjonsson7444]

You can easily make a quick release version of it. It might be called something else and probably not as secure. But I have used it many times and it has never slipped. Insted of doing those last two "pull throughs" of the end of the line. Just make a bend and do one "pull through" of it. If you can understand what I mean. :P