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Knots landing: The best knot-tying kits, books and charts

Untying the complex world of rope’s wound wonders

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Knot-tying proficiency is essential for firefighters. Besides firefighting, though, an encyclopedic knowledge of a vast array of knots can help you tackle everyday tasks such as securing cargo to a vehicle, securing a boat to a dock and even creating a dog leash on the fly. And that’s not even unlocking the various knots used in the worlds of climbing and fishing.
Below is a collection of products that will help you get your knots in order and unlock the true potential of all the ropes around your household.

“The Ashley Book of Knots”

Clifford W. Ashley had two main passions in his life: marine painting and knot tying. At the time of his death, he was one of the world’s leading authorities on knot tying, and this book features more than 3,900 knots presented through 7,000 illustrations.

“The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots”

While not quite as epic as the Ashley book, this is a beautifully illustrated guide to tying more than 80 knots. This oversized book with large illustrations won’t leave you squinting or reaching for your reading glasses either.

Camping and outdoors knot tying kit

This kit includes small and large sets of knot-tying cards that illustrate how to tie various knots useful campers, and where to use each knot in your campground. Also included are two practice ropes, a burlap sack and a tin case for storage.

Waterproof fishing knots handbook

This handbook details 12 simple fishing knots explained with detailed illustrations on thick plastic stock. It also includes a mini carabiner so you can easily attach it to your vest or tackle box.

Nautical knot tying kit

In the same spirit as the fishing knots handbook, this item is another pocket-sized, waterproof guide that you can keep handy in a wet environment. The kit includes two 3-foot lengths of cordage and a nylon horn cleat for practice knots.

Arborist knots guide

Designed with tree climbing and tree care in mind, these pocket-sized knot guides detail 14 knots that are commonly used in tree care. The included wire loop allows you to separate the essential cards you will need that day from the rest of the pack.

Suture knot training board

Here’s a nifty training gadget for medical students or the everyday citizen looking to stitch up their own wound like John Rambo — a simulator for practicing suture knots. Master complex suturing knots effortlessly with this mini knot board and included two-color rope.

Forty knots poster

Keep this info-packed poster up on a wall of your choosing to help you choose the right knot for the right job. The poster comes in five sizes and there’s a framed option as well.

BONUS: Knot just for adults – “My First Book of Knots”: This 48-page picture book is geared toward the 6-12-year-old interested in taking his rope tying to the next level. You’ll even learn how Santa Claus ties up his sack full of presents!


Watch next:

Video tutorials are a great way to learn how to tie knots to meet NFPA 1001 requirements

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Dryw Keltz is a freelance writer living in San Diego County. He has written hundreds of news features, human interest profiles, and film and music reviews over the course of his 20-plus-year career. Keltz has a bachelor’s degree in English writing with an emphasis on creative non-fiction from the University of Pittsburgh.