(clever knot/not word play here)

I know quite a few knots, and I've had to use them many times. It's a very basic skill that can serve you when you least expect it or most need it.

Sadly, learning knots usually includes you straining to make sense of a complicated diagram. This site, however, does an excellent job of showing you exactly how you can tie some basic knots.

You MUST tie these knots to remember them. You WILL forget if you don't.

If you are a bit lazy and want to know the really important knots to know, here are my top four;
1. Bowline
You could always use a loop, and a bowline will never let you down!

2. Sheet Bend
Used for tying two lengths of rope together. Extremely useful, and (despite it's relatively simple form) extremely strong.

3. Taut Line Hitch
Forms a loop that is adjustable to make the line between two ends very tight. Very useful knot.

4. Figure 8
A stopper knot that (unlike others) is easy to untie and adjust without sacrificing strength under pressure.

Why learn how to tie knots? A better question is; why NOT learn how to tie knots?
(That's right, I didn't use the "knot" instead of "not")

Hat tip to the MakeBlog.