Knots at Work by Jeff Jepson

Knots at Work Reviews

• 
  Juan Carlos Ortiz-Giró

  Great arborist companion!
• 
  Jim Angstadt

  Knots at Work: A Field Guide for the Modern Arborist
  by Jeff Jepson, Bryan Kotwica (Illustrator)
  
  This is a great book for arborists and recreational tree climbers. The book's organization, text, and illustrations are appropriate, concise, and helpful.
  
  The book has two main sections: what knots are appropriate for a specific task, and how to tie the knots. Both sections cross-reference the other. So, for example, when should one use a friction hitch? Each use case is explained and then there are references to how to tie each applicable friction hitch. In the how-to-tie section for example, tying the distel hitch is illustrated and explained, and there are references back to when the distel hitch is appropriate for the situation.
  
  Some knots are "Must Know" and are so identified.
  
  Although the title says this is a field guide, that may be a little misleading. A climber should understand all applicable parts of the book before strapping on a climbing harness. A climber should practice the applicable knots and use cases in a shop or other controlled environment. Then practice in a "low and slow" field environment.