Talk:Thief knot

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Untitled[edit]

I think this is the incorrect name for the knot; isn't it the "Thief's Knot"?

I've only ever heard it being refered to as a "Thief Knot" Jediwannabe 07:27, 4 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thief knot is fine Frank van Mierlo 17:20, 16 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Huh?[edit]

I'm not entirely sure how exactly this is different from the square knot. Could someone explain that a bit more clearly? 72.194.193.198 03:33, 22 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you don't pay attention to which is the short end and which is the long end, they are the same. Its all in whether the short ends are on the same side of the knot or on opposite sides. It can make a difference. Its the same thing with the granny knot and the grief knot. Get a piece of rope and tie both of these knots and pull on the long ends. Then you'll understand the difference. PAR 14:31, 22 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

hi —Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.61.180.158 (talk) 15:02, 13 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Does this knot have a practical use (except as a trick)?[edit]

I just tried tying this knot, and it slipped very easily when I applied a slight tension to the two lines. It seems to be nearly as bad as the "grief knot". Am I doing something wrong, or is this expected? Perhaps the article should emphasize that this knot is not a functional alternative to the reef/square knot, and is only tied for its deceptive appearance.

Mtford 00:40, 11 September 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Alternative backstory[edit]

someone told me that it is because in victorian times when wagons were being taken to be sold they would tie them all together with reef knots. Then thieves would untie the reef knot on the back wagon and replace it with a thief knot, which unties under load, hence the name. The thieves would then steal the back wagon as the rest left without it. Is this bs? Have i been lied to? JacobTheRox (talk) 10:40, 17 August 2022 (UTC)[reply]