Not Knowing Your Knots -By Christopher Lewis

It's almost becoming a lost art these days within the younger generations. Know your knots ladies and gentlemen. I highly suggest you familiarize yourself with at least a few of these. Especially if you're starting off an entry level position in oilfield or construction. Learning these knots beforehand will boost your appearance through the employers eyes and improve your self confidence. It will earn you some extra respect from your team members and could possibly earn you an early raise in your pay. There are many different knots out there in the world. Depending on the application and/or industry, there will be certain knot types experienced employees will expect you to already know. I'm still educating myself on some of the more rare and advanced knots by practicing at home with rope, paracord and sash cord. But the two most important ones (and easiest in my eyes) when it comes to oil field work is the CLOVE HITCH and the BOWLINE. Learn these two knots because you will be using them quite often. Besides, tying everything down using Granny knots can lead to a bruised ego or embarrassment by means of a coworkers harsh ridicule. It could also give your boss a negative impression of you. Another reason to learn the applicable knot for the particular job is because it's highly difficult having to untie an ultra tight Granny knot. In most situations, employees will just cut the lines instead of wasting time attempting to untie them. That's because when these Granny knots become covered in oil based mud or caked on dirt in general, they become almost impossible to untie without wasting time or using a small flat head screw driver. I write all of this from my personal experiences. When I first started down my career path, I will admit...I was one of these incessant Granny knot guys. There are many different variations of the aforementioned Hitch and Bowline knot. I have overheard knot enthusiasts quibble over what the best versions of these are. However, I recommend just beginning with the basics at first. Then decide for yourself what you prefer and what is the most effective through your own personal experience. If you wish to be the resident knot guru at your job, then I challenge you to learn the Turk's Head Knot. If you can master that one you will be ready for the final test. It has more to do with untangling an inexplicably self tied knot. I appropriately named this the "Festive Light FUBAR." If you curse one time while attempting this, you fail the challenge. Good luck with that one.

https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/7-basic-knots-every-man-should-know/-