When safety is your number one priority in the great outdoors, the Figure-Eight Knot (also known as the Savoy Knot) is an absolute must-know. Widely used by rock climbers, arborists, and sailors across the globe, this knot serves as the perfect “stopper knot.” Its primary job is to prevent the end of a rope from slipping out of a pulley, a sail track, or a climbing belay device.
In this guide, we will explore why the figure-eight knot is loved by professionals and walk you through how to tie it effortlessly.
Why Is the Figure-Eight Knot Essential?
While there are other stopper knots (like the simple overhand knot), the figure-eight knot is highly superior for several reasons:
- It Is Bulkier: It creates a larger, more reliable jam or clog that won’t easily slide through openings.
- It Is Kinder to the Rope: It doesn’t bind as tightly as an overhand knot, meaning it retains more of the rope’s original breaking strength.
- It Is Easy to Undo: Even after holding an immense amount of weight or tension, it remains relatively easy to untie.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tie a Figure-Eight Knot
Tying this knot is very simple if you imagine making the shape of the number “8”. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Make a Loop
Take the working end of your rope and cross it over the standing part to form a basic loop.
Step 2: Wrap It Around
Pass the working end behind the standing part of the rope (wrapping it around the back).
Step 3: Go Through the Loop
Bring the working end forward and poke it directly through the front of the original loop you made in Step 1.
Step 4: Pull and Shape
Pull both ends firmly. You will immediately notice the rope has twisted into a perfect, neat figure “8” shape.
Safety & Variations
For rock climbing, this knot is often tied “on a bight” or “re-threaded” to attach a climber directly to their harness. It is trusted with human lives every single day because of its stability and visibility—it is incredibly easy for a partner to visually check and confirm it is tied correctly.