Tom fool's knot Tom fool's knot The Tom fool's knot is sometimes considered a handcuff knot but is somewhat inferior for this purpose to the knot which usually bears that name. It is a good knot with which to commence a slightly fancy sheepshank. It is also used as a trick knot due to the speed with which it can be made. Tom fool's knot is believed to be the knot "epankylotos brokhos" described by the 1st Century Greek physician Heraklas. It is formed by making two loops, not exactly overlaying each other. The inner half of each hitch or loop is pulled
Bowline on a bight a climbing harness by tying a regular bowline knot and then re-threading it, such as is done with a figure eight knot. However, it is "critical" to use a strong backup knot with plenty of tail beyond the knot, as the knot may untie during long climbs. The advantage of using this knot instead of the figure eight knot is that it can be easily untied after a severe fall. The bight of rope is initially used to make a bowline in the usual way (picture on right). However, the bowline is "not" completed by going on round the standing