As the below link will show Knots are a necessity in many walks of life. From Arborist to Surgeon.

+++KNOT LINK+++

I know we all have been given new ideas and ways of doing things on this SIGForum that have in small/large ways enriched our lives.
One small thing for me at the ripe age of 60 something I learned how to use a square knot in the simple act of tying my shoes. I use it now every day and am always reminded of where I learned this so simple thing that has saved me a bunch of time with the Grand kids shoe lashes not coming undone till you want them to....Mostly!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Fla. Jim,

I learned it here as well.

Particularly sad in my case as I had been using reef knots (aka square knots) for years reefing sails. I guess I learned the wrong way and out of habit never questioned it.

Don't know if it was me or somebody else, but I show people that all the time--ever since I learned it 10-12 years ago, I think.

Here is the video I saw, years ago, that enlightened me:



He ties in the opposite order I do, because I found it easier to reverse the first half than the second. Either way: You end up with a square knot (aka: "reef knot") as opposed to a granny knot. What he refers to the "strong form" vs. "weak form."

You can make the knot even more resistant to untying by making two loops and then passing the “bunny ear” through the double loops.

Distance runners (heck, probably ANY runner) will tell you that an undone shoelace can ruin a run. I got tired of having to stop and re-tie my shoes, and when I found "Ian's Secure Knot" my problem was solved.

Plus, when you want to un-tie your shoes, a simple pull on an end will do it.

Technically, it's not a new invention. This knot was featured in a Boy Scout handbook in the 1800s.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
Distance runners (heck, probably ANY runner) will tell you that an undone shoelace can ruin a run. I got tired of having to stop and re-tie my shoes, and when I found "Ian's Secure Knot" my problem was solved.

Plus, when you want to un-tie your shoes, a simple pull on an end will do it.

Technically, it's not a new invention. This knot was featured in a Boy Scout handbook in the 1800s.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm

I’ve always tied my shoes this way, and until about 2 minutes ago thought everybody did as well...

I'm going to have to try Ian's Secure Knot on a couple of my boots. The linked article explains the problem exactly: Many laces these days tend to be of a low-friction material that is prone to coming loose, even when tied correctly.