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Handbook of Knots: EXPANDED EDITION

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This expanded edition of the bestselling Handbook of Knots includes 16 additional pages with new photography. Clear instructions and annotated step-by-step photographs will help you learn how to tie more than 100 knots. Choose knots for fishing, camping, sailing, climbing, and for general or decorative use with the help of a quick reference guide.

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1998

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Des Pawson

35 books3 followers

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5 stars
77 (37%)
4 stars
89 (42%)
3 stars
35 (16%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Carl.
2 reviews
October 24, 2018
Each knot is well-described with images and a historical/functional flavour text. It stresses on how to use each knot in a situation and categorises them. I think everything you need to know about knots is in this book.
Some of them are instructed overcomplicated, which may be confusing.
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
August 1, 2013
Fair warning: I didn't get to read all of this book, but I didn't get most of it. (Library book) I liked the beginning and the explanations of the ropes and and such. The pictures were great (love pics with how-to's)! The instructions were pretty good. I was able to understand or get the drift of almost all of it, and what I didn't get I understood from the picture. I liked the little info paragraph that was written for each type of knot too. It was a little intriguing to see why or where a knot was formed. Like the Thief Knot. :) I'm most likely going to check this book out again to finish and would do so again for reference. I liked how there were some that were for decorations too. The looked pretty cool. Fun and new and something to do with your hands. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Michael Clark.
27 reviews
February 9, 2017
Simply the most valuable illustrated guide to knot craft available for the contemporary Reader. Taking one through a logical progression of simple to more complex knots, with superb, clear and easy to follow photographs and directions. Handbook includes an organizational system for various families of knots, which integrate skills and technique by intended use, and helps the knot workman to reinforce complimentary skills.

Invaluable, education, and flawlessly executed.

Standard disclaimer: Handbook of Knots was purchased by the Reviewer. I have received no compensation or consideration for this review, and offer it as my opinion only.
Profile Image for Aurora65.
20 reviews
September 25, 2009
It's in the children's section of the library. It's too fun for adults too. All the knots you though you should have learned in scouting, and so many more, are easily explained with color photographs.

The sub-title says it succinctly;
A step by Step Guide to Tying and Using More Than 100 Knots.

My favorite is the Matthew Walker knot. Get the book and read the story about why the knot bears his name.
Profile Image for J.G. Keely.
546 reviews12.8k followers
July 5, 2007
Beautiful illustrations, variation knots, decorative knots, a little history here and there. Not much more you could ask for in a knot book. Not an analysis of knot history and theory so much as a functional reference, but that certainly doesn't distract from the conciseness.
Profile Image for Cayenne.
684 reviews23 followers
February 24, 2010
Excellent resource. I wanted a book that had both decorative and useful knots with good illustrations. I have yet to really sit and try all the knots, but I still plan to and the read through was very interesting.
Profile Image for Tyler Anderson.
84 reviews19 followers
March 14, 2011
I'm dense and I have no spatial acuity to speak of. And even I can tie a lot of these knots with a little practice. This book is exactly what it needs to be. It is clear, well illustrated, step-by-step, and appealing.
2 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2017
You don't need 6-8 years of whaling experience to get comfortable with how the the knots are explained.
317 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2012
Typical DK book. Excellent layout, visuals, explanations & history. Great book. Near-perfect basic reference.
Profile Image for Terra Wolski.
300 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2016
I love this book and I love the size ... Now to get a dowel and a ring to practice! Can't wait to put more to use! :)
Profile Image for Erin.
16 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2009
Handy reference! Trying to memorize all of these with the kids in our homeschool! ;)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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