Reever Bend vs Vice Versa Bend

The Reever Bend and the Vice Versa Bend are nearly identical knots used to join two ropes (or slippery cordage/bungee cords), differing only in how the standing and working ends are designated. Key Differences • Structure & Line Selection: Both knots share the same underlying weave, but they vary based on which segments are treated as the standing or working parts (combinations of A-A versus A-B). • Working End Exits: • The Reever Bend features working ends that exit on opposite sides, while the Vice Versa Bend working ends exit on the same side. • The Vice Versa Bend (published by Harry Asher in 1989) is slightly asymmetric in its standing-to-working line selection compared to the original Reever Bend. • The Reever Bend is much older, first published in 1928 by C. Wright and J. Magowan. The Vice Versa Bend is a later variation/reinvention published by Harry Asher in 1989. Common Characteristics • Slippery Cordage: Both perform exceptionally well with synthetic or slippery ropes, shock cords, and bungee cords where many standard bends slip. • Clamping: Each line is clamped at multiple points, making them resistant to intermittent or cyclical loads. • Jamming: Both can become very difficult to untie (jam) after bearing a heavy load.