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The ordinary shoelace knot is the 'slippery square knot'. It's 'slippery' because its tied with a loop so you can pull the free end to release. And it's 'square
by JoeAltmaier 6y ago
The ordinary shoelace knot is the 'slippery square knot'. It's 'slippery' because its tied with a loop so you can pull the free end to release. And it's 'square' because its symmetrical when tied right.
There are three ways to tie a square knot wrong. One of them is the 'Granny'. I don't remember the names of the others.
Anyway its the reason our climbing staff teach to never tie any climbing rope with a square knot - because you have three ways to kill yourself. Tied wrong it can just 'walk off the rope'.
- mintyten 6y agoI have a knot book that refers to these types of knots as "exploding" knots. They are essentially the same as the original knot, but the final tuck is done with a bight to make untying it easily.
- JoeAltmaier 6y agoI had not heard it called that before. I got 'slippery' from Ashley. His book is a gem but I imagine you know that :)