How to Tie the Kamikaze Knot

How to Tie the Kamikaze Knot

Usage

The Kamikaze Knot is a specialized binding knot used in climbing to shorten ropes for rappelling while enabling quick retrieval under tension, as documented by Useful Knots. It was conceived for scenarios where a rapid rope release is wanted, but it is unstable under varying loads and must never be used for rappelling or any life load, in any situation.

Why Learn the Kamikaze Knot?

Its unique release mechanism allows climbers to recover rope in critical situations. It is documented here as a trick knot and a piece of knot history, not as a technique to descend on: it must never be used for rappelling or any other life load.

If you want to see how the release mechanism works, you can step through it in the Knot IQ app as a piece of knot history, and the Knot IQ Companion Kit gives you a short practice cord for bench work at home — never on a rope anyone is going to hang from.

Common Uses

• Climbing:
  • Allows rope retrieval after rappelling by releasing when shaken.
  • Described in accounts of last-man rappels as a way to minimize rope loss at anchors — do not use it this way; it is not safe for any life load.
• Utility (Rare):
  • Shortens ropes temporarily in non-critical tasks (though safer alternatives are preferred).

ABOK Number (Ashley Book of Knots) 1154 (Variation of Sheepshank) Other Names Cut Sheepshank Suicide Knot Category Shortening Knots Binding Knots

Notable Features

• Quick Release: Unties with a shake, facilitating rapid rope recovery.
• Adjustable Tension: Holds under specific tension levels but releases under too much load.
• Minimal Anchor Loss: Leaves only a small rope segment at the anchor.

Variations

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Similar Knots

Highwayman's Hitch vs. Kamikaze Knot

The Highwayman's Hitch is a different family of quick-release knot.

• Pros: Quick-release knot for temporary mooring, safer for non-critical tasks.
• Cons: Less suited for rappelling or rope retrieval scenarios.

Bowline vs. Kamikaze Knot

The Bowline is the standard fixed-loop comparison point.

• Pros: Stable and secure for anchoring, widely used in climbing.
• Cons: Does not allow rope retrieval or release like the Kamikaze Knot.

History

The Kamikaze Knot is a slight variant of the Sheepshank: a standard Sheepshank is tied, and while tension is held so it won't slip out, the middle rope is sliced, as described on Wikipedia. The Sheepshank family this knot draws from is documented in The Ashley Book of Knots (#1154), where Clifford Ashley cautioned against using the Sheepshank unless the need is purely temporary. The knot's popular name and modern visibility trace to television rather than a documented military or climbing-community origin: Bear Grylls tied and named a version of it a "Kamikaze" knot while rappelling in the Ireland episode of Man vs. Wild.

Security Level

The Kamikaze Knot is inherently unstable, holding only under specific tension and prone to failure under too much or too little load. It is not load-rated and must never be used for rappelling or any other load a person's life depends on.

Downsides

• High risk: Unstable and prone to failure under improper tension or with unsuitable ropes.
• Not safe: Unsuitable for critical or life-support applications due to its release mechanism.
• Specialized use: Limited to extreme climbing scenarios, with safer alternatives preferred.

Structure

1. Construct a standard Sheepshank by folding the rope into three parallel sections, creating two bights, and securing each bight with a half hitch around the outer strands.
2. Maintain sufficient tension on the Sheepshank to prevent it from slipping.
3. Carefully slice the middle rope section between the two half hitch knots, ensuring the knot remains under tension.
4. Attach the knot to an anchor at the top of the rappel, with the longer rope segment used for descent.
5. After rappelling, shake the rope to release the knot, allowing the longer segment to fall while leaving a small piece at the anchor.

Pro Tip: Use only thick, non-slippery ropes to reduce the risk of slippage.

FAQ

Is the Kamikaze Knot safe for rappelling?

No — it is highly unstable and must never be used for rappelling or any life load, in any situation. It fails under both too little tension (it spills, like the Sheepshank it is cut from) and too much (the nipping turns on the cut strand slip).

What ropes work best for the Kamikaze Knot?

Thick, non-slippery ropes are essential to minimize slippage risks.

How does the Kamikaze Knot compare to the Sheepshank?

It's a high-risk variation designed for rope retrieval, unlike the safer, standard Sheepshank for shortening.

Can the Kamikaze Knot be used with different-diameter ropes?

No, it's unsafe with mismatched ropes, increasing the risk of failure.

Why choose the Kamikaze Knot over safer knots?

Don't. There is no situation in which this knot is the right choice — it must never be used for rappelling or any life load, in any situation. Use a proper retrievable-rappel system instead.

Important Notes on Safety

The Kamikaze Knot is extremely dangerous due to its instability and must never be used for rappelling or any other life load, in any situation. Common failure points include improper tension, slippery ropes, or mismatched diameters, which can cause catastrophic slippage.

• Use only with thick, non-slippery ropes of identical diameter.
• Inspect the rope and knot thoroughly before use to ensure no fraying or damage.
• Practice only in a controlled, low-risk environment with nothing living or valuable on the rope.