The square knot was historically known as the Hercules knot. While the name suggests strength, I think it’s fair to say associating it with Hercules is a bit misleading. The square knot is useful for ...

The bowline is an ancient knot. It dates so far back historians can’t even pinpoint who tied it first, but what makes it so impressive is that it’s as important and useful today as it was to mariners, ...

A knowledge and mastery of tying knots is essential for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. And, sure, when faced with certain tasks that require knot-tying, you might be able to get away with ...

Do you know what a sheepshank is? How about a sheet bend, a carrick bend, a clove hitch or an Eskimo bowline? Not familiar with Western culture? Then perhaps you know the Pan Chang, Chinese button or ...

A version of this story ran in The Virginian-Pilot on Sept. 14, 2005. Hurricane or no, we’re in for a blow. Time to start thinking about how to secure the woodpile or lash the garbage cans to a tree.

The improved clinch knot has long been the standard for tying lures to fishing lines. In fact, it's so universal among anglers that it's sometimes called the fisherman's knot. It's easy to learn, ...