The Most Difficult Knot, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the knot you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:24

In the world of knot tying, mastering the intricacies of complex knots can be a daunting task for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Knowing which knots pose the greatest challenge can aid learners in setting realistic goals and preparing effectively. This not only enhances their skills but also saves time by pinpointing which knots require more attention and practice. By participating in the ranking of the most difficult knots, users contribute to a communal knowledge base that benefits all. Whether you're a novice seeking to understand where to start or an expert looking to refine your technique, voting on this list helps ensure the rankings reflect collective experience and wisdom. Your input helps others navigate the complexities of knot tying with greater confidence.

What Is the Most Difficult Knot?

1

55
votes
The Ashley Bend

Ashley Book of Knots

This knot is considered one of the most difficult knots to tie because it requires a lot of dexterity and knowledge of knot-tying techniques. It is used to join two ropes of similar sizes and is known for its strength and reliability.
The Ashley Bend is a knot that is known for its exceptional strength and security. It is commonly used to join two ropes together, especially in situations that require reliable and durable connections.

Strength: Considered one of the strongest knots, it maintains a high percentage of rope strength.

Security: Provides a secure and stable connection that is highly resistant to coming undone.

Versatility: Can be tied with different types and sizes of ropes, making it suitable for various applications.

Symmetry: Exhibits a pleasing aesthetic appearance with balanced symmetry when tied correctly.

Ease of Untying: Relatively easy to untie after being loaded, unlike some other highly secure knots.
2

35
votes
The Monkey Fist

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of precision and practice to create the perfect ball shape. It is used as a weight on the end of a rope, making it useful for throwing or anchoring.
The Monkey Fist is a complex knot that is known for its decorative and functional purposes. It is often used as a weight at the end of a rope, making it easier to throw or toss. The knot resembles a small ball or fist made out of multiple wraps of rope.

Difficulty: High

Origin: Exact origin unknown, but believed to have been used by sailors

Function: Weighted knot for throwing lines or as decorative knot

Shape: Ball or fist-like

Construction: Multiple wraps and tucks of rope
3

10
votes
The Cat’s Paw

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of skill and practice to create the right tension and symmetry. It is used to attach a rope to an object, such as a hook or ring, and is known for its strength and versatility.
The Cat’s Paw is a complex knot that is primarily used in sailing. It is known for its strength, security, and versatility. The knot consists of two opposing bights that are interlocked, resembling the paw of a cat. It is commonly used for attaching a rope to an anchor or a cleat.

Strength: High

Security: Excellent

Versatility: High

Primary Use: Sailing

Attachment Method: Interlocking bights
4

21
votes
paul dickson · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Turk’s Head

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of knowledge of knot-tying techniques and a lot of patience to create the intricate design. It is often used for decorative purposes, such as on handles or as a bracelet.
The Turk’s Head is a complex knot that is mostly used for decorative purposes such as jewelry or rope work. It is a cylindrical knot with a woven appearance, created by interweaving multiple strands of rope or cord to form a continuous pattern.

Difficulty Level: High

Number of passes: Can range from 3 to 10 or more

Number of bights: Can range from 5 to 20 or more

Symmetry: Can be both symmetrical or asymmetrical

Tightness and snugness: Can be adjusted based on the desired aesthetics and purpose
5

10
votes
The Carrick Bend

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of skill and practice to create the right tension and symmetry. It is used to join two ropes of different sizes and is known for its strength and reliability.
The Carrick Bend is a symmetrical knot that is known for its stability and strength.

Type: Bend

Difficulty: Advanced

Symmetry: Symmetrical

Strength: High

Uses: Joining two heavy ropes or cables
The Carrick Bend in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult knot to untie
6

5
votes
Mark A. Taff. http://www.MarkTaff.com · CC BY-SA 3.0 us

The Alpine Butterfly

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of precision and knowledge of knot-tying techniques to create the perfect loop. It is used to create a fixed loop in the middle of a rope, making it useful for climbing and rescue operations.
The Alpine Butterfly knot is a versatile and secure knot used for creating a loop in a rope. It is named after its resemblance to a butterfly in flight, with the loops appearing like wings.

Security: High

Versatility: Excellent

Ease of tying: Moderate

Ease of untying: Moderate

Strength: High
7

9
votes
The Constrictor Knot

Clifford W. Ashley

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of skill and practice to create the right tension and symmetry. It is used to secure a rope to an object, such as a pole or tree, and is known for its strength and reliability.
The Constrictor Knot is a highly secure and powerful knot known for its remarkable grip and resistance to loosening or slipping. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult knots to untie.

Strength: The Constrictor Knot is exceptionally strong, capable of withstanding heavy loads.

Grip: It provides an incredibly tight grip, making it suitable for applications requiring firm bindings.

Resistance to slippage: This knot maintains its tightness with minimal slippage, even when subjected to tension or movement.

Security: Once tightened, it can be extremely challenging to undo, adding an extra level of security to the knot.

Versatility: The Constrictor Knot is applicable to various materials, including ropes, cords, and cables.
The Constrictor Knot in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult knot to untie
8

8
votes
Georg Fayer · Public domain

The Prusik Knot

Dr. Karl Prusik

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of knowledge of knot-tying techniques and a lot of practice to create the right tension and friction. It is used in climbing and rescue operations to attach a loop of rope to a larger rope, allowing the climber to ascend or descend.
The Prusik knot is a type of friction hitch knot that is primarily used in mountaineering and climbing. It is named after its creator, Dr. Karl Prusik, an Austrian mountaineer and geologist. This knot is designed to grip tightly around a rope when tension is applied, allowing climbers to ascend or descend ropes with ease. The Prusik knot is known for its simplicity, strength, and versatility.

Type: Friction hitch knot

Primary Use: Mountaineering and climbing

Tight Grip: Grips tightly around a rope when tension is applied

Ascend/Descend: Allows climbers to ascend or descend ropes

Simplicity: Relatively simple knot to tie
9

10
votes
Markus Bärlocher · Public domain

The Rolling Hitch

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of skill and practice to create the right tension and symmetry. It is used to attach a rope to an object, such as a pole or tree, and is known for its ability to hold the rope in place under tension.
The Rolling Hitch is a knot used to attach a rope to a cylindrical object like a pole or a mast. It is designed to hold the rope in place under tension without slipping.

Type: Hitch

Uses: Attaching a rope to a cylindrical object

Difficulty: Moderate

Strength: Dependent on the type of rope and tension applied

Security: Good, but can slip if not properly set
10

1
votes
Rracecarr at English Wikipedia · Public domain

The Zeppelin Bend

This knot is difficult to tie because it requires a lot of knowledge of knot-tying techniques and a lot of practice to create the right tension and symmetry. It is used to join two ropes of similar sizes and is known for its strength and reliability.
The Zeppelin Bend is a type of knot commonly used in boating and mountaineering for joining two ropes of different diameters. It is remarkably difficult to tie and untie, making it a challenging knot for many enthusiasts.

Type: Bend/Joining knot

Difficulty: Very difficult

Usage: Boating, Mountaineering

Attaches: Two ropes of different diameters

Strength: Very strong

Missing your favorite knot?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult knot

Complexity

The number of steps needed to tie the knot and the intricacy of its structure play a significant role in determining its difficulty. More complex knots usually require a higher level of skill and understanding to tie correctly.
Memorability

Some knots are harder to remember how to tie than others due to their unique steps or structure.
Dexterity required

Some knots may be challenging because they require a high level of manual dexterity or coordination to execute properly, especially when tying them under pressure or in a cramped space.
Adjustability and stability

The ease with which a knot can be tightened, loosened, or adjusted, and how well it holds its shape under tension, can impact how difficult it is to tie and manage.
Application

The use case for the knot might impact its difficulty. For example, some knots are more difficult to tie in wet or slippery conditions, while others may be challenging when using thick or stiff rope materials.
Safety

Knots used in critical situations, such as climbing or rescue operations, can be considered more difficult due to the potential consequences of failure and the importance of tying them correctly.
Learning curve

The time it takes to master a given knot can also factor into its difficulty. Some knots are more intuitive and can be learned quickly, while others require dedicated practice to perfect.
Untying

A knot's difficulty might also be determined by how hard it is to untie, especially if it has a tendency to bind or jam under tension. Knots that are difficult to untie can be more challenging and time-consuming to deal with.
Visual appearance

Some knots are difficult to understand and reproduce simply by looking at their finished form. Knots that have a clear, recognizable pattern are often easier to learn and tie than those with more intricate or ambiguous structures.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult knot. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or knot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3581 views
161 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each knot once every 24 hours. The rank of each knot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

More information on most difficult knot

Knots have been used for centuries in various fields such as sailing, fishing, mountaineering, and even in everyday life. Their purpose is to secure objects, create loops, or simply to decorate. However, not all knots are created equal, and some are much more difficult to tie than others. In fact, the most difficult knot is a matter of debate among knot enthusiasts. Some argue that the triple fisherman's knot or the constrictor knot are the most challenging, while others believe that the Ashley's stopper knot or the monkey's fist knot are the most difficult. Regardless of which knot takes the title, mastering the art of knot-tying can be a rewarding and practical skill.