| Joins | Two rappel ropes |
| Advantage | Flat profile slides over edges |
| Rule | Leave very long tails (≈30 cm) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
The flat overhand bend, often nicknamed the European Death Knot (EDK) despite being safe when tied correctly, joins two rappel ropes with a simple overhand knot in both strands. Its flat profile lets it slide over edges and roofs without snagging, making it the preferred knot for joining rappel ropes — provided the tails are left long.
Why climbers use it
The flat shape glides over edges during a rappel where a bulky knot would jam — its main advantage over the double fisherman’s.
The safety rules
Use a flat overhand (never a flat figure-eight), leave ~30 cm tails, and tighten all four strands hard.
Good to know
The scary name is historical; tied right it’s trusted worldwide. See all climbing knots.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EDK safe?
Yes, when tied correctly with long tails and dressed and tightened well, the flat overhand bend is a trusted, widely used knot for joining rappel ropes. Its bad reputation comes from early misuse — using a flat figure-eight instead, or leaving short tails — which could cause it to roll.
Why is it called the death knot?
The alarming nickname dates from accidents caused by a related but unsafe variant (the flat figure-eight) and by tails that were too short, which let the knot 'roll' off the end. The properly tied flat overhand with long tails is safe; the name persists as a caution.
How long should the tails be?
Leave very long tails — around 30 cm (a foot) — and tighten the knot firmly by pulling all four strands. Long tails are the key safety factor, giving a margin if the knot rolls slightly under load.
Sources
- Rappelling and rope joins — American Alpine Club