What percentage of its strength does a straight rope retain when tied in a bowline?

When a straight rope is tied in a bowline knot, it retains approximately 60-70% of its original strength depending on the material and conditions. While this specific quantitative range shows that the bowline maintains most of the rope's strength, the traditionally accepted figure used in many practices is often cited around 50% for general calculations. This is especially relevant in a practical context where safety and load-bearing capacity are critical, making the bowline a popular choice for securing a loop at the end of a rope while still allowing for decent load capacity.

The bowline is widely regarded for its ability to create a fixed loop that holds securely under load but can be easily untied after it has been loaded. Understanding the nature of the bowline knot is essential for linemen and other tradespeople who must work with ropes while ensuring safety and reliability in their equipment.