Doug,

Good topic. Let me suggest that we first identify types of knots by use and then nominate candidates in those "use categories". For example, a fixed loop would be a "use category"; joining two cords together would be another; an adjustable loop would be another; and so on.

It is MUCH more difficult to teach a novice most knots from a static drawing than by a hands-on "tell-show-do"

Have written the above... a few knots for consideration:

2+ half hitches (Yeah, I prefer things like tautline hitches for some specific applications, but 3 or 4 half hitches will hold and still be adjustable)

fisherman's or double fisherman's - drawback is the relative "permanance" of these after a significant strain, but OTOH neither will let go from alternating slack-tension and at least the fisherman's is readily comprehended from a drawing by most folks. For some reason, about 1/2 the population seems to have mental problems comprehending a sheet bend or double sheet bend from a static diagram...

clove hitch OR timber hitch (tough call; maybe for this "audience" a timber hitch might be favored)

I second the figure-8 variants - although personally I will use a proper bowline for some things and figure-8 or 9 fixed loop variant for other things, the basic 8 theme can quickly show a stopper knot, a figure - 8 on a bight, and a re-woven figure-8. A figure 8 on a bight can also be used where one would normally use a butterfly - and it still works even if muffed into an overhand on a bight.

water knot - if there is a vehicle or an aircraft, there will be flat webbing

Most folks can tie their shoes; I wouldn't waste space on a square knot - it has limited proper applications and for where it is proper, most folks will naturally kludge up some facsimile that will hold well enough. Too many folks mis-use the square knot, so why draw attention to it?

I'm not sure that 4 will do...

- Fasten two cords together to make a longer cord
- tie off two ends of cords to finish something (e.g lashings, bundles, bandages, tie shoe laces, etc)
- fixed loop tied & draped over something
- fixed loop bent around something and tied
- attach cord to something approximately cylindrical in cross section
- fasten flat webbing together *** maybe not very important ***
- adjustable loop(s)
- stopper knot(s) *** maybe not very important ***

back to work for me...

Tom