The Figure 8 Knot Has Never Failed. Why?
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Published 2023-08-23
Modern roped rock climbing, one of the nerdiest sports, relies almost entirely on a single type of knot for safety: the figure eight knot. It’s been said that the knot has never failed, and is taught to every beginning climber on the planet. But what makes this knot so strong? Kyle once again explores the physics of his favorite sport.
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All Comments (21)
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Thanks for watching! Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code KYLE for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/kyle
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I'll never stop making videos about my only other hobby (until I get injured again and rage quit). Also, I lost my brand new harness I'm wearing at the gym! Yay!
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I can't believe Kyle Hill is talking about this, since it's knot science... I'll show myself out
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Kyle: Says he's not a super villain. also Kyle: Attends the same climbing gym as Morbing time Joker. 😅
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Another benefit to the figure 8 knot: it’s easy to relearn by yourself if you’re out of practice. As in, I learned this knot several years ago and then never tied it again until a year or two ago. I was able to remember how to do it after just a couple attempts. Some of the other knots I learned at the same time are completely out of my ability now
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For those interested, a double overhand radium release fisherman's blood hitch is a Frankenstein's monster of, like, four different knots XD
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the random cameo by jared leto was unexpected LOL
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Make an alien, stab him in the eye, then choke him, go through the loop, and follow the rope :)
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I can knot stop watching your videos. You are easily tied with the most lauded science communicators we have. You weave together such amazing videos, kyle.
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I am a long time climber and an eagle scout. I can tie this knot in my sleep. It's an excellent knot. Kyle thank you for taking the time to do such a scientific approach to it.
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This is the main knot that we use in firefighting, rope rescues, and high angle rescues. It's simple and reliable.
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I work in the fire service, and the figure 8 and the alpine knots are my favorites to tie and use alike. Awesome video, as always! Thank you!
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I use a bowline for climbing because it can be untied after falling on it and is super good enough for any fall that isn't going to break you.
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7:47 unexpected Jared Leto cameo, presumably starting a rock climbing cult?
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You can tell Kyle is a veteran climber not based on his knowledge, but based off his use of athletic tape😂
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I’ve been binge-watching your videos. Love the content presented in an entertaining manner. I don’t climb much now at 67, but enjoyed it for years and served as a rope rescue technician in the fire service.
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People were freaked by the edk because it’s just an overhand and so it seems to simple and it is more likely to capsize and roll when not properly dressed and tightened down, especially when loaded for a rappel. The edk is still the best knot for a rappel though due to other factors besides strength.
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Fellow climber here: I've been climbing for the better part of 5 years, both on the gym and on natural rock, and not once has the figure 8 failed me not even when I fell 10 meters on a 7c+. Its trully fascinating the power this simple knot which, with if you climb on a regular basis, anyone can do even with their eyes closed.
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The "not everyone can be as jacked as you" is pretty funny considering that the women who does Aria voice IS actually jacked as hell (she's named Claire Max)
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I’m so happy to see Xyla and Kyle doing stuff together! It’s like “Worlds are colliding Jerry!” But in a good way!😀
