[JR1427]

Depends what you're doing.

My favourite knot is the bowline. Non-slip loop, very strong, easy to tie, easy to undo. Can be used for tying two ropes together, ropes to things.

Other useful ones (especially for sailing)

* Clove hitch * Reef knot * Rolling hitch * Sheet bend

[JR1427]

Knowing common knots is not just useful because they are handy, but they also represent a common toolkit - when sailing with someone, if I see they tie a certain thing with a specific knot, I can do likewise. When I see a knot I recognise, I immediately know how to untie and re-tie it.

[3form]

Generally the same point about having a common vocabulary in tech work. Sometimes it's about stuff that's obvious to both parties in one way or another - but the name is what ties it together (heh).

[dd8601fn]

I overuse the bowline. Never seizes, and it can be tied with one hand around your body (or anything else) very quickly.

I think that method was originally taught to me in scouts as an emergency body lift thing, though it would not actually be ideal for that.

[senderista]

The bowline works well in rope that isn't too stiff, but in kernmantle rope it can self-upset, which is why climbers long ago standardized on the double figure-eight loop for tie-in.

[washbasin]

Tying a bowline is one of my fidgets. Also famously has a part in Jaws (1975), though not mentioned by name. ("Hey! I got it!")

[derwiki]

I’d add tautline hitch, great to have an adjustable-but-holds-well knot to the repertoire!

[seanw444]

Taut line is great, but I'm finding the Farrimond friction hitch is much more secure, and is already on a bite for quick release as an added bonus.

[derwiki]

Oooh thank you! It is an excellent hitch!

[mprovost]

The bowline is great because you can tie it one handed.

[derwiki]

And figure 8 retrace, a staple climbing knot

[JR1427]

I used to use that a lot, but now would favour bowline, for ease of tying and untying. Less beginner-friendly, though.

[istjohn]

Bowline isn't great for safety-critical applications, especially when not under constant load.