Which knot is noted for having the lowest strength percentage?

The overhand knot is recognized for having the lowest strength percentage compared to the other knots listed. This is primarily because the overhand knot, which is a simple knot often used to tie two ends of a rope together or as a stopper knot, can severely reduce the strength of the rope. When tied, the overhand knot causes significant bending and compression in the rope, leading to a considerable reduction in its effective strength.

In contrast, the square knot is designed for joining two ropes of similar diameter and provides a reliable hold without too much weakening. The bowline knot creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, allowing for high strength retention and easy untying after being under load. The eye splice creates a permanent loop without weakening the rope significantly, maintaining much of the rope’s original strength.

Thus, while the overhand knot may be useful for specific applications, its inherent design results in a lower strength percentage compared to the more efficient and secure knots mentioned.