Explain the difference between a figure-eight follow-through knot and a figure-eight on a bight, including typical applications for each.

• A. Figure-eight follow-through is a fixed loop for attachment; figure-eight on a bight ties into a harness.
• B. Figure-eight on a bight forms a harness attachment; figure-eight follow-through is used for rescue.
• C. Figure-eight follow-through ties into a harness for belay-in rope; figure-eight on a bight creates a fixed loop used for attachment or rescue; follow-through ends with a long tail.
• D. Both knots serve identical purposes and are interchangeable.

Answer: (C)

These knots differ in how the rope is threaded and what they attach to, which changes their typical uses. The figure-eight follow-through is tied by first making a figure-eight in the rope end, then running the rope through the attachment point on the harness or anchor and back through the figure-eight to complete the knot. The result is a fixed loop that sits around your harness, and it ends with a long tail. This setup is used to tie into a harness for belay or descent work, giving a secure attachment to the rope system.

The figure-eight on a bight, on the other hand, creates a fixed loop directly in the rope itself by tying an eight knot in a bight of rope. This loop is a standalone fixed loop that you can clip into with a carabiner or attach to anchors or rescue devices. It’s not wrapped around your body; it’s a rope-end loop intended for attachment or rescue work.

So, the follow-through is the harness-attachment method used for belay-in rope work, with a long tail, while the eight on a bight is a fixed rope loop used for attachment points or rescue scenarios.