The bowline knot makes a secure loop at the end of a piece of rope. It works best when it's holding a load, which helps to keep the knot tight and secure. And it has many uses, for example ...

This Bell Rope was made by William Houghton ... "Themopylae" when he was aged 13 the sister ship of the Cutty Sark. He was taught the skill of Knot making by the old sailors he worked with.

The Mule Knot (a.k.a releasable knot) is ideal to lock off the rope on the belay plate. There are many occasions in climbing when, belaying from the harness using a device which does not self-arrest ...