How to Tie the Simple Simon Bend
Usage
The Simple Simon Bend is great for joining two ropes when you need a strong connection that won’t easily slip. It’s especially handy for working with slippery or synthetic ropes and finds frequent use in camping, bushcraft, and utility tasks.
Why Learn the Simple Simon Bend?
It’s practical for joining ropes of different or similar sizes. Quick to tie, easy to untie, and dependable, it’s the kind of knot you’ll want in your skillset for outdoor activities, camping, or securing gear when slippery ropes need to stay connected.
Common Uses
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Camping and Bushcraft:
- Joining slippery ropes for extended length.
- Securing lines for tents or tarps.
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Sailing:
- Connecting mooring or rigging lines.
- Joining ropes for towing or docking.
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Utility and Everyday Use:
- Extending ropes for hauling or lifting.
- Temporary rope repairs.
ABOK Number(Ashley Book of Knots)
Other Names
TypeBends |
Notable Features
- High Strength: Holds securely under tension.
- Versatile: Works with different rope types, including synthetic and natural fibers.
- Compact Design: Minimal bulk makes it practical for tight spaces.
- Easy to Untie: Can be undone without excessive effort, even after bearing a load.
Similar Knots
Double Fisherman’s Bend vs Simple Simon Bend
See how to tie the Double Fisherman’s Bend.
- Pros: Extremely strong and secure; great for critical load applications.
- Cons: Harder to untie, especially after bearing heavy loads.
Zeppelin Bend vs Simple Simon Bend
See how to tie the Zeppelin Bend.
- Pros: Extremely secure and easy to untie.
- Cons: Slightly more complex to tie.
Vice Versa Bend vs Simple Simon Bend
See how to tie the Vice Versa Bend — the next bend Harry Asher published after the Simple Simon family, from the same chapter of the same book.
- Pros: Secure and reliable for joining slippery ropes.
- Cons: Can take slightly more time to tie correctly.
Sheet Bend vs Simple Simon Bend
See how to tie the Sheet Bend — the Simple Simon is a reinforced version of this same knot.
- Pros: Quick to tie and works well with ropes of different diameters.
- Cons: Less secure under heavy loads.
Tucked Sheet Bend vs Simple Simon Bend
See how to tie the Tucked Sheet Bend — a sibling solution to the same plain Sheet Bend security gap, using an extra tuck instead of a self-crossing nip.
- Pros: One quick extra tuck if you already know a Sheet Bend.
- Cons: Far less field-tested than the Simple Simon — no informal test data backs its slippery-rope performance the way the Simple Simon's IGKT test does.
History
The Simple Simon Bend is a relatively modern knot, developed to address the need for a simple yet strong method of joining ropes. It has gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals for its effectiveness with modern synthetic ropes, which can be challenging to secure with traditional bends.
It was invented by Harry Asher, a longtime member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, who published the Simple Simon Under and Simple Simon Over forms in his 1989 book The Alternative Knot Book, reviewed at the time by the IGKT. Asher built it directly from the Sheet Bend's own two halves — an open loop and a single hitch — specifically to fix that knot's tendency to slip on slippery synthetic rope.
Security Level
The Simple Simon Bend is highly secure when tied properly, offering excellent resistance to slipping, even with smooth or synthetic ropes. It’s suitable for most general-purpose applications but may not be ideal for life-critical scenarios.
Downsides
- Time-Consuming: Slightly more time-consuming to tie than simpler bends.
- Careful Tightening Required: May require careful tightening to ensure maximum security.
- Limited Familiarity: Not widely known, which can make it less practical in team settings.
Structure (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Form a bight in the larger or stiffer of the two ropes, and hold it so both legs run parallel.
- Pass the working end of the second rope up through the bight from underneath.
- Take that working end around the back of both legs of the bight.
- Bring the working end under its own standing part. This one crossing is the whole knot — taken over instead of under, you get the less secure Simple Simon Over.
- Pass the working end back through the bight, parallel to where it entered, so both ends finish on the same side.
- Dress the wraps flat, then pull the standing parts to set it.
Pro Tip
The whole family comes down to one crossing: pass the working end under its own standing part, not over, for the more secure form — a detail that's hard to see in a photo but obvious once you can rotate the knot in 3D. See it from every angle, coil by coil, in the Knot IQ app.
Before you tie this on rope that matters, practice the wrap-and-tuck a few times on a length of 750lb paracord — it's exactly the kind of slippery synthetic cord this bend was built for. Our Knot Tying Kit also walks through this bend step-by-step if you want a hands-on reference beside your rope.
FAQ
What is the Simple Simon Bend used for?
It’s used for joining two ropes securely, especially when working with synthetic or slippery ropes.
Is the Simple Simon Bend better than the Double Fisherman’s Bend?
While the Double Fisherman’s Bend is more secure, the Simple Simon Bend is easier to untie and works well for non-critical applications.
Can this knot handle heavy loads?
Yes, it’s designed to hold strong under tension, but it’s not recommended for life-critical uses like climbing.
What types of ropes work best with this knot?
It works well with both synthetic and natural fiber ropes, including slippery materials.
How do I ensure the Simple Simon Bend doesn’t slip?
Make sure the working end passes under its own standing part rather than over it, then dress the wraps flat before you load it.
Important Notes on Safety
The Simple Simon Bend is a reliable choice for general-purpose rope joining but should not be used for life-critical applications such as climbing or rescue. Always inspect the knot before use and test its security under load. For maximum safety, consider alternative bends for high-stakes scenarios.
