Thief knot - Definition

Thief knot

Thief knot step-by-step

Canonical Name: thief knot.
Variant Name(s): None.
Category: Binder or trick knot.
Origin: Ancient.
Related knots: square knot, granny knot
Releasing: Non-jamming.
Efficiency: Unknown%.
Caveat: spills.
Uses: It resembles the square knot, aka reef knot except that the free, or working, ends are on opposite sides. It is said that sailors would secure their belongings in a ditty bag using the thief knot, often with the ends hidden. If another sailor went through the bag, the odds were high the thief would tie the bag back using the more common square knot, revealing the tampering, hence the name.
Comments: With the story, fun for demos. "Who can tell the difference between a reef knot and a thief knot?"
Structure:
Tying: article/pictures

See also

• Reef Knot Family (http://www.geocities.com/roo_two/reefknot.html)
• List of knots