Variant Name(s): thumb knot; the equivalent in knot theory is called the trefoil knot[?]
Category: Stopper.
Origin: Ancient.
Similarities: blood knot[?]
Releasing: Extreme jamming. This is the knot into which any line, twine, rope, garden hose or electrical cord will spontaneously evolve. Native Americans are said to have called the overhand knot "the knot that ties itself" from having found it formed by nature in plant tendrils and by "spontaneous composition" in tangled rope.
Load Strength: 50%
Caveat: None, secure if wet.
Uses: Fishing, climbing, making other knots.
Comments: It is one of the fundamental knots. It forms the basis of many knots: simple noose[?], angler's loop, blood knot[?] and many others. The overhand knot is very secure. Secure to the point of over jamming. It should be used if the knot is intended to be permanent.
Structure:
Tying: There are a number of ways to tie the Overhand knot:
Thumb method - create a loop and push the working end? through the loop with your thumb.
Overhand method - create a bight, by twisting the hand over at the wrist and pinch the working end with your fingers and pull through the loop.