Customer Reviews

The Complete Book of Knots & Ropework

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a Scoutmaster, it is important to me to have the perfect knot for every occasion. In our Troop I have initiated a Knot-tying award that the Scouts can earn called the Order of the Knot. This book, which I keep as a reference, allows the Scouts to find new knots and practice them using the many photographs and very clear and understandable text. I have also found the information about decorative rope work interesting to try myself, and have found that it keeps me one step ahead of the Scouts, always "raising the bar" in their knot-tying education. I believe that there will always be opportunities to use the useful information in this book, and it will start the Scouts on a lifetime appreciation of this creative and useful skill. Mr. Fry has gone a long way toward opening a new vista for anyone who believes that rope can be fun and attractive, as well as useful!

Very good book on knots. Lots of pictures to explain how they are made. I would recommend this book.

Like another reviewer, I am dismayed by the inclusion of faulty and potentially life-threatening knots. The Carrick Bend is shown two ways. The first way is not a true carrick bend and is actually said to be one of the worst knots known (re Ashley Book of Knots, pg 263 knot # 1445). The only knots worthy in this book are the decorative knots (don't trust the practical knots).

Along with an underwhelming selection of knots, bends, and hitches, it includes a dangerous knot described by the author as the "Binder Turn" and doesn't mention that it doesn't hold and is unreliable. This alone makes this book a liability and not an asset. Note to author: The reason that bend is "lesser known" is because it is garbage.