Yosemite bowline knot. A stopper knot, while serving to keep the loose end tidy, will not only help to prevent failure of the primary knot, but also act as a secondary safety knot itself. It is sometimes said that if enough of a tail is left to tie a stopper knot, the stopper becomes unnecessary. The tail should be a minimum of 40–60 cm depending on the thickness of the rope. Yosemite bowline A Yosemite bowline is loop knot often perceived as having better security than a bowline. It has been pointed out that if the knot is not dressed correctly it
Reef knot reef knot must emerge both at the top or both at the bottom, otherwise a thief knot results. Although the reef knot is often seen used for tying two ropes together, it is not recommended for this purpose because of the potential instability of the knot, and over-use has resulted in many deaths (see Misuse as a bend). The reef knot is at least 4,000 years old. The name "reef knot" dates from at least 1794 and originates from its common use to reef sails, that is to tie part of the sail down to decrease its effective surface area