Resource Review: Animated Knots by Grog

“Better to know a knot and not need it,
than need a knot and not know it.”

Animated Knots By Grog is an excellent resource for learning, teaching, and understanding knots of all kinds.  Knots on the website are listed under the following categories as well as alphabetically by name: Arborist, Basics, Boating, Climbing, Decorative, Fishing, Household, Rescue, Rope Care, Scouting, Splicing, Surgical, and Various.  Standard rope and knot terminology, knot and rope safety, rope properties, and basic rope care is also included.

Animated Knots provides instructions for tying about 300 knots from basic square knots and bowlines to complex decorative knots, from recreational boating knots and fishing loops to critical climbing and rescue hitches.

Each knot page includes an animated tutorial, step-by-step instructions, a short video, and details about the knot.

The Animated Tutorials consist of a series of photographs linked to the Step-by-Step Instructions.  The tutorials can be played at various speeds or paused at each step to allow for a closer look.  Most tutorials may be viewed in different orientations (normal, mirror, inverted, rotated) which can be useful when teaching others.

The Video presents the same information with verbal instructions.  This makes it possible to hear the step-by-step instructions while attempting the knot.  The varied delivery (pictorial, written, verbal) is one of the strengths of this resource.

The Details section provides a wealth of information, setting Animated Knots by Grog far above other knot-tying resources.  The common categories (this varies from knot to knot) include:

• how the knot is used;
• advantages and disadvantages of the knot in terms of stability, ease, etc.;
• alternate methods of tying the knot and pitfalls to avoid;
• similar knots and alternate names;
• origins of the knot; and
• safety considerations.

This section also includes references to Ashley’s Book of Knots, the standard reference for knotwork.

Finally, the website has a Contact section and welcomes questions from users.  Responses to questions are prompt and useful; user inquiries may be incorporated into the details section.

Summary
Name: Animated Knots By Grog
Website: www.animatedknots.com
Purpose: A resource for knot-tying
Platforms: Online website (free); Offline as a downloadable program for PC or Mac (for purchase); Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, or Android (for purchase)