4 ms·

I can think of at least one situation where an overhand knot is better than a figure-eight, where speed and ease is more important than strength.

• dragontamer 7y ago
  Figure Eight knot is tied almost identically to an overhand knot, except you "turn left" instead of "turning right" into the loop. Under no circumstances is a figure eight knot harder to tie than an overhand knot. https://www.101knots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/How-to-Tie-a-Figure-8-Knot.jpg https://www.101knots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/How-to-T... In fact, I've practiced the figure 8 knot so much, that it takes more effort for me to do an overhand knot these days. Figure 8 is really easy. Just as the "Granny Knot" is a mistaken square knot / reef knot... the "Overhand Knot" is basically a mistaken figure-8 knot. Just turn the other way, and the knot will be far, far stronger.
  • dgzl 7y ago
    Forgive me, I thought we were talking about with the follow-through. In this case, I guess it's just as easy if you practice, which most people don't. People do practice the overhand knot though. So, an overhand knot is likely easier for most people, where a figure-eight would be better for those who practice.
• JshWright 7y ago
  They're pretty identical in terms of ease of tying, it's just one extra flick of your wrist before you pass the working end back through. I think the difference in speed would be measured in milliseconds. You'd need a slow-motion camera to spot see any difference at all.
• nicwolff 7y ago
  The double overhand knot is better than a figure-eight when used as a stop-knot at the end of a rope that you want to prevent running out through a block or clutch, because it's easier to untie after being jammed.