Buntline Hitch
Simple and effective, the buntline hitch dates to the age of sail where it was used to secure buntline to the foot of the sails on square-rigged ships. That the Buntline hitch was the preferred knot speaks to its security and reliability. Once set, repeated jerking tend to tighten it further rather than loosening it. It forms a very compact and reliable knot. It has gained in popularity in recent years due to its performance in slippery modern synthetic lines.