Remember the rope-language rule: a bend joins two ropes. The Figure-8 Bend does exactly that by retracing a Figure-8 with the second rope.
This is used as a strong and reliable knot for ropes with similar diameter, while also being aware that the Double-Fisherman becomes tighter when fully loaded.
PROS
• Easier to untie than a Double-Fisherman after normal loading.
• Strong and reliable for similar-diameter ropes in the source framing.
• Easy to visually inspect because the strands follow the Figure-8 pattern.
CONS
• Not ideal for ropes with major differences in diameter or stiffness.
• Bulkier than some rope-joining alternatives.
CAUTION: This is a fully retraced Figure-8 Bend, with the rope ends entering from opposite directions. Do not confuse it with an offset Figure-8 tied in two parallel ends. Trace both complete rope paths, dress and tighten the bend, and confirm adequate tails before loading.
CANYONEERING USAGE
• Join two similar ropes when a Figure-8 Bend is the selected load-bearing rope join.
• Use where a larger, very recognizable bend is acceptable and easy visual inspection is valuable.
• Use in rescue, lowering, or hauling systems when the system design specifically calls for a Figure-8 Bend.
• Practice with the actual rope diameters you intend to join; very different diameters or constructions may require another method.
• Dress both rope paths parallel and leave adequate tails before loading.
ADDITIONAL READING:
• CMC Pro – Figure 8 Bend
• CMC Pro – Evaluating Rescue Knot Efficiency in 11 mm General Use Ropes
• CMC Pro – Popular Knots and Bends for Rope Access
• CanyoneeringUSA – How to Tie Two Ropes Together
• The Mountaineers – Standard Techniques
• The Mountaineers – Basic Climbing Knots
FIGURE-8 BEND
01
Lay the two rope ends near each other. Leave enough working end in both ropes to tie, retrace, dress, and leave adequate tails.
02
Cross the red working end over its standing part to create a loose loop.
FIGURE-8 BEND
03
Carry the red working end around the standing part, continuing the Figure-8 pattern. Keep the knot loose for the follow-through.
04
Pass the red working end through the original loop as shown. This completes a loose Figure-8 knot in the red rope.
FIGURE-8 BEND
05
Insert the blue working end into the red Figure-8 from the opposite direction. Follow beside the red rope and stay under the strand indicated in the photo.
06
Continue tracing the blue working end alongside the red rope through the next opening. Keep the two ropes parallel and avoid crossing them.
FIGURE-8 BEND
07
Guide the blue rope through the next part of the knot, following the red rope exactly. Work one turn at a time and keep the strands neatly side by side.
08
Bring the blue working end around the front of the loop as shown. This positions it to follow the final portion of the red Figure-8.
FIGURE-8 BEND
09
Continue the blue working end through the remaining opening, matching the red rope path until the blue strand has completely retraced the Figure-8.
10
Snug the bend by pulling on all four rope sections. Dress the knot so the red and blue strands remain parallel with no unnecessary crossings, and leave adequate tails on both ropes.
