Knot of the Day: Bowline
The 'King of Knots' that never slips, never jams, and could save your life!
Updated on:
When your life depends on a knot, there's only one choice sailors have trusted for 500 years.
The Bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope that won't slip or jam and always unties easily.
It's the knot that built maritime empires and still saves lives today.
Knot Overview
- Type: Loop Knot
- Knot Strength: Retains 65-70% of the knot strength
- Also Known As: Bowling, Bolin Knot, Standing Bowline
- ABoK Reference: #1010
What's Special About the Bowline?
Three qualities separate the Bowline from every other loop knot.
- It doesn’t slip under load.
- It doesn’t jam after heavy loading.
- And, it delivers this reliability in any conditions—every single time.
The Ashley Book of Knots doesn't mince words: “So good a knot that the sailor seldom uses any other loop knot aboard ship.”
That’s not only a praise, it's an endorsement.
Ashley goes further and quotes: “The devil would make a good sailor, if he could only tie a bowline and look aloft.”
When sailors trust their lives to one knot, you know it's special. Five centuries of maritime trust doesn't lie!
Where'll You Use It?
Pretty much anywhere you need a secure loop knot.
- Boating and Sailing: Tie a mooring line around a tree, post, or anchor.
- Search and rescue: Create a life-saving loop that rescuers can throw to victims in water or dangerous situations.
- Bend Knot: Joining two ropes.
- Camping and outdoor activities: Secure tarps, set up shelters, hammocks, or hang camping gear.
Knot Trivia
The Bowline's name comes from "bow line." It's the rope that holds a ship's bow sail. But here's the twist: most sailors pronounce it "BOH-lin," not "BOW-line."
Watch the Bowline in Action
Liked the Bowline?
Master a new knot every day with our Knot of the Day series. It’s the perfect way to build your rope skills one knot at a time.
Leave a Comment