Which knot is used to start a back splice in the material?

• A. Hard Bottoms
• B. Slip knot
• C. Reef knot
• D. Overhand knot

Answer: (A)

Starting a back splice needs a secure anchor at the rope end so the strands can be woven back into the rope without unraveling. A stopper knot at the tip provides that anchor and a stable base to work from. The overhand knot is the simplest and most reliable for this role, giving a tight, compact stop that stays in place as you tuck the strands back through the rope. The reef knot is a bend used to join two ends and isn’t suitable as a starting anchor for a splice; a slip knot is adjustable and can slip under load; and “hard bottoms” isn’t a standard knot name used in ropework. So the overhand knot is the best choice to start a back splice.