Offset Overhand Bend

Knots that join two ropes together are known as BENDS. There are many, many different bends, only a few of which are secure enough to trust our lives to. Only a few are used by canyoneers, and the OFFSET OVERHAND BEND is the most popular. It has the distinct advantage that when pulling over an edge, the knot rotates up making for an easier pull.

The OOB is also known as the EURO DEATH KNOT or simply EDK. The variation shown here uses a backup knot, that hopefully eliminates the "death" part.

9. OFFSET OVERHAND BEND aka EURO DEATH KNOT

Or, how to tie two ropes together...

In this example, we are tying the ends of two ropes together at an anchor.

[A]. Poke one end through the anchor's rapide. Hold the two ends parallel with the ends matched.

[B]. Make a loop, holding the two ends as one...

[C]. ... and tie into an overhand knot, with quite long tails.

Tighten by pulling each of the four strands firmly against the knot.

This is a SINGLE overhand, or single EDK, and when the ropes are matched in size and softness, and it is carefully tightened, it is fairly secure. This is the version the Euro Death Knot NAME comes from.

Personally, I like bends that are better than "fairly secure". Let's keep going, and tie a backup knot...

[D]. Make another loop in the tails...

[E]. ... and make another overhand knot, then snug it up against the first overhand knot.

Uses:

For tying (bending) two ropes together. Excellent for rappels that are being pulled, as the knot is flat on one side and tends to pull past obstacles and edges more easily than other knots. It unties fairly easily even when wet or soft ropes are used. It works well between ropes of different sizes and flexibilities.