Knot So Fast!
We thought we’d dive back into the abyss that is nautical knots with this entry of the Ship’s Log. The next knot we thought we should look at is the “Figure Eight” Knot, as it is our logo after all!
At its core, the figure-eight knot is a simple stopper knot that prevents a rope from slipping out of retaining devices. It’s shaped like the number 8, and it’s widely used in sailing, climbing, rescue work, and many traditional rope-handling crafts.
The exact origin is hard to pinpoint, but the figure-eight knot is believed to be thousands of years old. Similar knots appear in ancient Egyptian rigging, Greek sailing vessels, and early Asian rope work. Its simplicity and effectiveness likely made it a natural discovery across different cultures.
Sailors used it extensively as a "stopper knot", tying it at the end of ropes to prevent them from slipping through pulleys, holes, or blocks. On wooden ships, figure-eight knots were crucial in rigging and sail control, particularly where quick release or solid termination was required.
The figure-eight follow-through is the standard knot for tying into a climbing harness - prized for its strength, reliability, and ease of inspection. It’s also easy to untie after being heavily loaded, unlike some other knots which can seize up. It’s still used to create stoppers at the end of sheets and halyards (ropes used to adjust sails). The knot’s compact profile and low tendency to jam under pressure make it ideal for marine use. It’s also used in rescue operations for anchors and belays - its dependable nature under tension makes it a go-to knot for professionals.
Beyond its utility, the figure-eight knot also carries symbolic meaning: Infinity & Balance: Its shape echoes the infinity symbol, representing endurance, continuity, and connection. Strength in Simplicity: It’s a powerful metaphor - a simple form that holds strong under pressure. Tradition: Especially in maritime culture, knots like this carry the weight of history, passed down from sailor to sailor.
This is why we have decided to use the figure eight knot as our logo, for the simplicity and strength it represents.
Hold Fast.
