Origin: The Stevedore Stopper Knot is described by Ashley(ABOK # 456, p 74) as a single-strand stopper knot tied in the end of a rope to prevent unreeving. Later, on page 85, he adds the following: “…prevents the end of a cargo fall from unreeving; the cargo block, having larger shivs (today ‘sheaves’) than the ordinary tackle aboard ship, requires a bulky knot….” He emphasizes that the knot is part of a sequence:

1. Overhand
2. Figure 8
3. Intermediate
4. Stevedore

Each knot employs one additional half turn around the standing end before passing through the bight.

Alternative Origin for the Name: While Ashley may be largely correct, Wikipedia quotes Cyrus Day in The Art of Knotting & Splicing as attributing the name to rope sold under the brand name “Stevedore” by the C.W.Hunt Company and a description of the knot in their pamphlet issued in 1890.

Similar Knots: The Stevedore Stopper Knot has the same structure as the Halyard Hitch but is not attached to a shackle. It deserves to be better known and should be compared to other knots commonly used as stoppers including the Double Overhand, and the Ashley Stopper Knot. All three are secure stoppers and less likely to slip undone than the Figure 8. In climbing, the Double Overhand is more widely used – for good reason – it is far less likely to just shake loose. It also forms the basis for tying the Double Fisherman’s and the Poacher’s or Double Overhand Noose. For slippery ropes the EStar Stopper is the best.

Uses: The Stevedore Stopper Knot is a reliable moderately bulky stopper knot. Is is an excellent knot to use when setting a tarp – it can be used to secure an end that has been passed through a grommet.

Structure: The Stevedore Stopper Knot starts out as though tying a Figure 8 Knot. Then the Tail End is passed around one additional time before going through the bight.

Advantages: The knot is moderately bulky, is easily tied, and is easier to untie than a Figure 8 Knot even after heavy loading.