What knot must be used to start a back splice?

• A. Hard Bottoms
• B. Figure eight
• C. Bowline
• D. Reef knot

Answer: (A)

The starting move for a back splice is to secure the rope end with a stopper knot so the loose fibers don’t pull out as you weave the strands back into the standing part. A figure-eight knot is used because it creates a compact, reliable stopper that won’t slip and sits neatly at the end, giving a solid anchor for the initial passes of the splice. This makes the weaving process smooth and predictable.

A bowline would introduce a loop that can snag or loosen during weaving, reducing control. A reef knot isn’t a dependable stopper for this purpose and can jam or unravel under stress. The option listed as “hard bottom” isn’t a recognized knot used to start a back splice. So the figure-eight is the best starting choice.