Bends
Fisherman's Knot
English knot
DIFFICULTY ●●○○○
Two overhand knots, each tied around the other rope's standing part, slid together until they jam against each other. Simple symmetry that grips hard.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Compact, reliable on cord and small line, and almost impossible to tie wrong. When the two overhands seat against each other, the join is done.
Where it fails
Jams tight after heavy load and is nearly impossible to untie in thin cord — consider that a feature or a bug depending on the job. For climbing loads, use the double version.
Quick facts
| Type | Bend |
| Under load | Very good |
| Untying | Difficult after load |
| Best for | Joining cord and small line |