The Useful Knots Book: How to Tie the 25+ Most Practical Rope Knots (Escape, Evasion, and Survival)

The title of this book is “The Useful Knots Book – How to Tie The 25+ Most Practical Knots” by Sam Fury. This suggests that it will be teaching how to tie different practical knots. The author’s hope is to teach people how to tie proper knots to ensure that they are both stronger and easier to untie. Sam Fury included images drawn by Diana Mangoba, to ensure that this is an easy guide to practical knot tying. When it comes to the table of contents, it is very organized. Mr. Fury starts out by explaining common knot tying terms and how to care for rope, which is crucial when reading and trying to learn about the knots. The next section of the table of contents is called “Knots”. This section describes how to choose the right knots, different types of loops, hitches, bends, and lashing. The next section is survival roping techniques. This includes descending, ascending, improvised harness, self-rescue bowline, river crossing with rope, making a gill net, making a rope, and throwing a rope. The last part of the book is the bonus materials, which include a thank you note from the author, the author’s recommendation, and a training manual. Although everything in this book is important, this book seems to be organized from least important to most important. As for the author, Sam Fury, there is not very much written about him on the page that is dedicated to him. It says that Sam has a passion for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training since he was a young boy growing up in Australia (Fury & Mangoba, 2016). Throughout the years, he was able to gain experience from both pieces of training that he attended and his career. Now, Sam Fury spends his time refining the skills that he already has, gaining new skills, and continuing to share what he learns through a Survival Fitness Plan website. At the beginning of the book, the author makes it a point to define knot tying terms. This came in handy for me because, as a beginner, I do not know any terms or types of knots. The terms are easy to understand and written well. For example, a bight is “any bend in-between the ends of the rope which does not cross over itself” (Fury & Mangoba, 2016). There is then an image simply showing a bend in a knot to show what is meant by the above term and description. The author also made sure to use clear language. If the author was to use words that only experienced knot tiers would know, then this book would not have worked for me. But this wasn’t the care. One thing that I did find a little strange is that there isn’t really a conclusion or end of book summary for this book. The last section of this book is how to throw a rope. It seems as though this book just ends abruptly, instead of having a concluding chapter or summary of information. But this book did accomplish its goal of showing and teaching someone how to tie multiple different knots and key terms that are throughout the book. As I was reading this book, personally, I felt as though I didn’t really relate to it at all. This book was really about learning how to tie knots that could be helpful if you went climbing or if you were in a situation that you needed to tie a specific knot to save your life. Personally, I am not really an outdoors person and would most likely not be in the woods or go rock climbing, so this book doesn’t really relate to me very much. Although this is the case, I did try to learn how to tie some of the simpler knots. There are many pictures and descriptions, but I still found it difficult to tie the knots. I am going to continue trying over the next few weeks because I feel that it would be a good idea to know at least a few, just in case I do ever need them. You never know what is going to happen in your life and what may be thrown at you when you are least expecting it. As I was reading this book, I also began to have some opinions of my own. I did like this book, but I feel that it could have been a little better when it came to the information in it. Some of the images were a little confusing to understand when I was trying to follow the steps. Some of them are labeled, but for the images that are not, it was difficult to figure out while part of the rope was to be moved where and when it was to be moved. My favorite part of the book was when it came to rope throwing. I didn’t know there was a specific way to throw a rope and I found it interesting to read about how it should be done properly. My least favorite part of the book is when it was talking about Lashing. “Lashing is used to join objects together. It becomes very useful during construction” (Fury & Mangoba, 2016). Although this can come in handy in survival situations and in everyday life, it was just something that I didn’t find interesting to learn about. The only thing that I would change about this book, if I was ever given the chance, would be to make the picture guides a little easier to understand. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that may want to learn how to tie different types of survival knots and some that could be used in everyday life. This book is an easy guide, that includes pictures and easy to follow descriptions, for climbers and anyone that may be interested in tying knots in general. Overall, this book was very educational and, for the most part, held my attention throughout the entire book.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its clear and concise instructions. The step-by-step guides are easy to follow, accompanied by detailed illustrations that visually demonstrate each knot tying process. The author’s explanations are thorough yet straightforward, making even the most complex knots accessible to beginners.The book covers a wide range of knots, from basic and practical knots to more intricate decorative knots. It includes essential knots for camping, sailing, climbing, and other outdoor activities, as well as knots used in crafts, fishing, and everyday life. Whether you need to secure a load, create a loop, or join two ropes together, this book has you covered.What sets this book apart is its attention to detail. Each knot is presented with practical applications, including when and where to use it. The author also provides insights into the strengths and limitations of each knot, allowing readers to make informed decisions about which knot best suits their specific needs. This practical approach adds value to the learning experience.

This is second knot tying book I’ve purchased and this one is more difficult to follow. If the author has put more pictures of the steps involved it would have been better. As for the seller, very fast delivery and good value for item. Seller did everything great, author could have done a better job with the book. Would purchase items from this seller in future

Great book on knots, how to tie them with excellent illustrations. It also explains and shows with illustrations how to untie the knots which is a big plus. I however did find something a little puzzling in the Descending part for rappelling with only a rope. In the fourth paragraph the description (pic #2) doesn’t completely match the illustration unless I have a problem finding my left and right; otherwise I have not found anything wrong yet, but if I do once I read it again, I will update this review.

Really well explained, and simple to follow. I've been tying up random objects throughout the house. Pots, pans, kids, brooms, cats, the one fern from the kitchen, tooth brushes. The wife's not exactly thrilled, but she's tied up in the garage.

Overall complete review of essential knots, excellent price for paperback

Very informative Just what I wanted

In my day to day life I use a lot of knots so this has really come in handy

There are some gaps in the text in this book. Like the author was distracted while writing it.The illustrations are not very clear as well.

Good to learn some new knots. Probably easier to watch a YouTube video but it's handy to take camping.

Bit smaller than I expected, but overall very happy with the book. Plenty of variety, and instructions are easy to follow. Highly recommended.

The illustrations in this book look like they were done by an 8 year old

Great for people who have little to no experience with knots