How to Make a Klemheist Knot

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The Klemheist Knot is a relative of the useful Prusik Knot discussed in an earlier Survival Topic. Like the Prusik, this knot is a friction hitch often used for climbing and decending ropes.

The Klemheist Knot will grip a rope when weight is applied, but it will also slide in the opposite direction whereas the Prusik knot will not. This feature of the Klemheist can come in handy during certain situations.

Alternative names I’ve encountered for the Klemheist knot include:

Klemheist vs Prusik

I’ve encountered some confusion between the Prusik and Klemheist knots.

Klemheist Knot 1

Klemheist Knot Step 1

Tie the ends of a length of rope together. This makes a "Prusik" loop. Place the Prusic loop underneath the main rope.

Klemheist Knot 2

Klemheist Knot Step 2

Wrap the Prusic Loop around the main rope

Klemheist Knot 3

Klemheist Knot Step 3

Continue wrapping the Prusic Loop around the main rope for three or more turns.

Klemheist Knot

Klemheist Knot

Pull the knot of the Prusik loop through its opposing loop

Though the Klemheist knot serves a similar function to the Prusik, there are important differences including:

Making a Klemheist Knot

Making a Klemheist knot is easy. Start with a length of rope you want to climb and a Prusik loop. If you remember from your knot making skills, a Prusik loop is made from a piece of cord or rope with its ends tied together.In the pictures shown we have made our Prusik loop using a fisherman’s knot to secure the two ends of 550 paracord.

Wrap the Prusik loop neatly around the rope three or more times. The knot end of the Prusik loop is then threaded through the opposing loop as shown.

It is important to note the Prusik loop you use should be of smaller diameter than the main rope or it may not grip sufficiently.

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