Myth # 17: Knots should be backed up.
Back-up knots are often a violation of good efficiency and a waste of time . There are a limited number of knots that may require back-up. A professional should know which ones need a back-up and under what circumstances.
Making a statement like, “All knots should be backed-up” is irresponsible and shows a huge lack of knowledge about something as basic as a knot. Why would you back-up a knot? You answer, “In case you tied the main knot incorrectly.”
Backing up a knot that is tied wrong screams of incompetence. And when does it end? How do you back up a butterfly knot, a bowline on a bight or a Double fisherman’s knot? The bigger issue is the terrible waste of resources. Resources wasted includes: time, rope, throw, and/or usable operational space.
