Reever Knot

The Reever knot is one of the bends that you might not hear every day, but it deserves more attention!

It’s used to join two ropes together, so it’s essentially a bend and the term knot is a misnomer.

But let’s not get too hung up on terms.

What makes it special?

The incoming and outcoming lines are clamped at two positions which gives the knot strength and security.

Plus, the symmetrical appearance adds a decorative touch.

Let’s check this knot in detail.

How to Tie the Reever Knot

1. Cross the ropes.
2. Pass the RED rope under the BLUE one and over itself.
3. Pass the BLUE rope over the RED one.
4. Pass it under itself.
5. Pass the BLUE rope over itself and feed it through the loop.
6. Pass it through the loop on the right side.
7. Pass the RED rope through the loop on the left side.
8. Tighten the knot.

How to Tie the Vice Versa Bend

The Vice Versa bend is similar to the Reever knot but it’s tied somewhat differently and has a different appearance.

Here’s how you can tie this knot:

1. Lay the ropes parallel.
2. Pass the RED rope under and over the BLUE rope.
3. Pass it under itself.
4. Pass the BLUE rope over and under the RED rope and over itself.
5. Cross the RED rope over the BLUE rope.
6. Pass the RED rope through the loop on the left side along the standing end.
7. Pass the BLUE rope through the loop on the right side along the standing end.
8. Tighten the knot.

How to Identify the Reever Knot and the Vice Versa Bend?

At first glance, the Reever knot and the Vice Versa bend look similar.

Here’s a cool tip to identify them:

• If the standing ends appear on the opposite side of the knot, you have tied a Reever knot.
• If they appear on the same side, it’s the Vice Versa bend.

Both are strong and secure, but the Reever knot is considered more secure because of its symmetrical design.

Double Harness Bend

The Double Harness bend is closely related to the Reever knot.

It has mainly two variants: 

• The first one has ends pointing in the opposite direction.
• The other has ends pointing in the same direction.

The second one is an unfinished Reever knot. To complete it, thread the ends through the opposite half hitch and align with the rope’s standing end.

History

The Reever knot first popped up in an article by CE I Wright and J E Magowan in Alpine Journal (1928). In the journal, it was recommended to join two ropes.

The Vice Versa bend appeared in the book “The Alternative Knot” by Harry Asher (1989). 

Later, Geoffrey Budworth included the knot in his book “The Book of Practical Knots” and attributed the knot to Asher.

Clements explored the relationship between both knots in his book “The Vice Versa Bend and the Reever Knot.”

He concluded that the Reever knot is more secure because of its compact and streamlined symmetry.

Applications

The Reever knot is used for joining two ropes.

It’s not well-explored but works well with wet and slippery materials or bungee cords.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong and secure
• Does not slip with modern slippery ropes
• Compact and streamlined
• Resistant to shaking loose

Cons

• Difficult to untie

Which bend do you use to join two ropes together? Do tell us in the comments below.

Related: Sheet bend, Double Fisherman’s bend, Carrick bend, Figure 8 bend, Zeppelin bend

If you have any tips to share do write to me at [email protected].

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