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The papers on this site are designed to stimulate interest in studying the performance of practical knots. Concepts and procedures described here are useful for all knot users, from novices to professionals.

These papers have all been revised, based on suggestions from several correspondents. Further revisions will follow as I find time.

These Papers on Knot Performance:

• Explore the mysteries of practical knots - why individual knots are secure or insecure, stable or unstable, strong or weak.
• Outline what we know and what we do not know about why individual knots behave the way they do.
• Describe the factors that influence knot behavior: mechanical principles, knot structure, materials, environment, and conditions of use.
• Provide step-by-step procedures for assessing the performance of practical knots: the influences on knot behavior, the security and stability of knots, and the breaking point and strength of individual knots.
• Define terms useful for discussing knot performance.
• Suggest avenues for further study of knot performance.
• Develop understanding of all aspects of practical knotting: utility knots, knots for life support, knot instruction, selection and use of knots, risk management, and knot nomenclature.
• Take you beyond the usual realm of knot books and knot instruction. You won't find much here about how to tie ordinary knots, but you will find a lot about how to conceive of knots in new ways.

I encourage you to use this site to explore my studies of knots, to email me, and to interact with other knot enthusiasts on KNOTBLOG, my blog about knotting. I hope this site will be useful to you in your study of knots.

-AAK

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