The Tom fool's knot, also known as the conjurer's knot, bow knot and Greek fool's knot, is a type of
knot
A knot is an intentional complication in cordage which may be practical or decorative, or both. Practical knots are classified by function, including hitches, bends, loop knots, and splices: a ''hitch'' fastens a rope to another object; a ' ...
sometimes considered a
handcuff knot, though usually considered somewhat inferior to it.
It is a good knot with which to commence a slightly fancy
sheepshank
A shank is a type of knot that is used to shorten a rope or take up slack, such as the sheepshank. The sheepshank knot is not stable. It will fall apart under too much load or too little load.
The knot has several features which allow a rope to b ...
.
It is also used as a trick knot due to the speed with which it can be made.
The knot has a number of mainly decorative but also functional uses, such as
sailing
Sailing employs the wind—acting on sails, wingsails or kites—to propel a craft on the surface of the ''water'' (sailing ship, sailboat, raft, windsurfer, or kitesurfer), on ''ice'' (iceboat) or on ''land'' (land yacht) over a chosen cou ...
,
boating,
camping
Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home, either without shelter or using basic shelter such as a tent, or a recreational vehicle. Typically, participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more na ...
and
restraining people.
History
Tom fool's knot is believed to be the knot ''"epankylotos brokhos"'' described by the 1st century AD Greek physician
Heraklas
Heraklas ( grc-gre, Ἡρακλᾶς) was a Greek physician of the 1st century AD whose descriptions of surgeons' knots and slings are preserved in book 48 of Oribasius' ''Medical Collections'' (Ἰατρικαὶ Συναγωγαί, ''Iatrikai ...
.
Tying
It is formed by making two loops, not exactly overlaying each other. The inner half of each hitch or loop is pulled under and through the outer side of the opposite loop.
See also
*
Handcuff knot, a similar knot sometimes incorrectly identified as a Tom fool's knot
*
List of knots
This list of knots includes many alternative names for common knots and lashings. Knot names have evolved over time, and there are many conflicting or confusing naming issues. The overhand knot, for example, is also known as the thumb knot. The ...
References
External links
Ian Knot shoelace knot based on Tom fool's knot
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