reefknoop

Reefknoop, commonly known in English as the reef knot or square knot, is a simple binding knot used to join two rope ends or to secure bundles. It has historical roots in sailing, where it was employed in reefing sails and tying temporary bindings. The name reflects its traditional nautical use, but the knot remains widely used for general purpose tying due to its speed and ease of untying.

The reefknoop is formed by two interlocking overhand knots tied in opposite directions. To tie it, place the rope ends parallel, then make an overhand knot with one end over the other, and complete a second overhand knot in the opposite direction using the other end. When tightened and dressed, the knot presents a symmetrical appearance with the two ends exiting on opposite sides.

Uses and limitations: The reefknoop is suitable for light loads, bundling, and securing packages or non-critical bindings. It is not reliable for life-critical or heavy-load applications, especially when the rope ends differ in diameter or when the knot is under uneven tension. Under load, it can capsize or slip and may resemble a granny knot if not tied correctly, making it harder to untie after loading.

Variations and safety: In many contexts the reefknoop is synonymous with the square knot, though some sources distinguish it from the granny knot. For climbing, rescue, or any critical loading, more secure knots such as the figure-eight, double half hitch, or bowline are preferred. Check the knot under load and use appropriate stopper knots where needed.