The Klutz book of knots
by Cassidy, John., John Cassidy · first published 1985
8mentions
6recommended by
8HN commenters
2020–2026first – last mentioned
75% recommend25% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Hands-on, illustrated guide to practical knots such as the bowline, sheet bend and clove hitch, with rope included for practice. It is useful well beyond childhood, including for everyday tasks.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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For standard knots the Klutz book of knots is really excellent! https://www.amazon.com/Klutz-Book-Knots-John-Cassidy/dp/0932... The article doesn't mention fishing knots; in case anyone's curious anglers care a lot about knot strength but strength…
on “How strong is your knot?” ↗Home for the holidays I found my copy of the Klutz book of Knots. I spent an hour on the floor having fun, took the book home, and have been referencing it all year for everything from shoelaces to extension cords. Some are more eternal than others (Icky Poo) but…
on “Klutz Press: books built for learning stuff” ↗I like Knots3D, but there are some alternatives that made it easier for me: 1. The Klutz Book of Knots (it's a book with holes around the pages so you can practice the knots next to their instructions). I think it's supposed to be a kid's book, but I bought for myself few years ago and was probably the…
on “Knots 3D – Learn how to tie over 150 useful knots” ↗I was wondering how the OP could have neglected to mention the klutz book of knots! It came with two lengths of rope (one red one blue, just like the illustrations). I still regularly use the bowline, sheet bend, and clove hitch - although my bowline technique is quite different (and…
on “Klutz Press: books built for learning stuff” ↗…is the best!! That big fresnel lens was the most amazing way to quickly start a fire! I mean not that I tried or anything :D Klutz made so many awesome books back then. I still have my Explorabook, Klutz Book of Knots, and "Juggling for the Complete Klutz" (and the original bean bags)... all super awesome stuff for a kid to enjoy and learn from!
on “Paper Airplane Designs (2013)” ↗The Klutz Book of Knots was one of my favorites as a kid, and cited Ashley throughout. Here's what it had to say about the square knot: "But Which Knot Is Really The Best Knot? A true landlubber's question, but one that is…
on “The Ashley Book of Knots” ↗Did the Klutz book of Knots first popularize this knot? The method they gave is different, but I think it's the same. It's been forty-some years...
on “Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot” ↗Books which I have read and would recommend include: - _Ashley's Book of Knots_ --- everyone should be aware of knots and now at least the basics interesting, _The Klutz Book of Knots_ was also mentioned once - James Clavell _Noble House_ --- part of his "Asian Saga", not sure if it has aged well --- if a person could read only one of these, I'd recommend _King Rat_, based on his…
on “Show HN: Books mentioned on Hacker News in 2025” ↗