5 steps
Thief Knot
Looks like a square knot, but the two tags leave on opposite sides. Sailors used it to see if a bind had been opened and retied. It is a poor bend.
Use it for
Looks like a square knot, but the two tags leave on opposite sides. Sailors used it to see if a bind had been opened and retied. It is a poor bend.
This line
Do not join fishing line with it.
Avoid when
A reef knot for a bundle, or a sheet bend to join ropes.
All steps visible
Thief Knot
Step 1
Cross the ends so they start on opposite sides.
Step 2
Tie what looks like a square knot.
Step 3
The tags will leave opposite each other.
Step 4
Dress it.
Step 5
Remember it spills if you pull the standing parts.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Tying a real reef knot and calling it a thief knot.
- Using it as a bend under load.