The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework Hardcover – January 1, 2003

Great introduction to knots with clear photos and descriptive text. Wish it was in a Kindle format though, since it is larger and because of the photos heavier than a book you would want to carry around or travel with. I keep it near my bedside stand however, and love looking through it, learning and memorizing knots every now and then as I try to fall asleep. Great book.

Actually a much better book than expected, this man clearly did his homework. The best knots for climbing, and most of those that struck me as truly unusual were from a Canadian climber named Robert Chisnall. There are many classics, especially from Harry Asher. If you are one a truly impoverished, dirt bag budget, look into those two names in academic journals and knot publications and you should find some interesting knots I've seen nowhere else.If you are a serious mountaineer, I would think the cost of a single carabiner is worth a reference that can teach you dozens of knots practical to you. If you are a really serious dirtbag, it's still worth checking out at the library or on a kindle. I have read many old sailing texts but never found a better reference so far that will direct your interest in a better direction. The only way to truly gain intimacy with rope craft is by tying lots of knots, thinking about how to use them, thinking of them comparatively, and studying their respective shortcomings and useful attributes. If you have ever wondered how someone comes up with a knot, which knot is the best for a certain application, or how you could devise a new and useful knot, you should buy and read this.Since my initial reading, I have taken this off the shelf more than once a week as a valuable reference. It changed the way I see knots forever.

Didn't know there are a lot more ways to tie a knot. Definitely a great book, plus i great way to bond with kids while teaching them to tie knots as well. Thank you!

For 9 dollars this is a great resource to have. It has a ton of different knots (some seem redundant) and a brief story of where it came from or how it is used. It also has safety recommendations for certain knots. So there is some great knowledge here.The one complaint that I have of this book over other knot books is that the diagrams are photos of knots at different stages of the knot. Usually there are 4 photos for each knot. The problem I have is other books use arrows and lines to show you how the rope is moving through at each step. This book forces you to really look close to see how the rope went comparing each photo to see the difference. This isn't a huge deal, but knocks down its usefulness as a quick guide for a particular knot.

This review is from: Des Pawson's Knot Craft (Paperback)Six months ago I decided to pursue my long term interest in tying better knots and maybe making some things for the grandkids. It was exciting to learn by watching YouTube videos on monkey fists, Turks head bracelets, paracord dog collars, Celtic necklaces and large doormats. Bought and read several great books by Geoffrey Budsworth, Suzen Millodot, and Stuart Grainger. Discovered some really slick knot tools by Don Burrhus. But I wanted to do more and found a book on rope projects by Des Pawson.These projects are for the advanced knotter. The recipes he gives list the tools and cordage needed, even the proper length and diameter, which is extremely helpful for any knotter, but especially the novice. But the projects, oriented primarily for boaters, are a bit too complicated without the experience gained from doing other, simpler work. I'm hoping in a few months I'll be ready to do a belt or bell rope, but I'm not quite there as yet. But for project ideas, this is a very good book. If you are new to knots or want to give that special person a book on knots, I believe the best book with colored photos is The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework by Budworth.

This is a coffee table sized book done in gorgeous photos. I got a used hardcover copy for about $6. I wouldn't say that's a steal - more like grand larceny. I consider myself an intermediate practical knot tyer. I know all the basic general purpose knots very well, can tie about 30 from memory and am familiar with about a 100 including some simple decorative knots. I know most of the knots in this book but some are new. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoy flipping through the pages and also learned quite a bit from his brief descriptions of the properties of knots that I already knew well. This is not a book for beginners to learn from. You will need some experience to follow the instructions. Nor is it by any means comprehensive - get Ashley's BOK if that is what you are after.I also strongly recommend Budworth's "The Knot Book". A paperback that is available used for a few dollars. It's nothing like this book, being done with simple black and white drawings. Nevertheless, it contains a lot of material and some valuable information about how to use knots and ropes to solve practical problems.

Some use crossword puzzles or jigsaw puzzles to exercise what brain they might have left. That stuff makes me more mental than I already am. Other folks just beat their husbands, girlfriends, dogs, cats or throw a histrionic fit to take the edge off of life's frustrations. Still others knit, crochet or do quilting. I tie knots. It suits me because knots do not require intellect or brute strength or require a committee.Tying knots seems to encourage the ability to focus, increases dexterity while decreasing dyslexia. Repetition is key to memorizing knots and usage. That's just my take on it. If you've got a kid that's having problems staying on-task this book might be worth a try. Just be damn careful to check your shoe laces in the morning and make sure your vehicle isn't tied to something structural in the garage.This book has colour illustrations accompanied by historical usage of the knots. It's great and highly recommended.