Originally Posted by
SilvrSurfr
I hope you're not a big fella. Knots severely reduce the rope's breaking strength by up to 50 percent. So your 7/64 Amsteel's breaking strength goes from 1600 to 800 lbs., less than Dynaglide, while your 1/8" Amsteel goes from 2500 lbs. to 1,250 lbs.
Most folks on the forum recommend a 5 to 1 safety ratio, so using that guideline your knotted Amsteel should only be used for someone weighing 160 lbs. or less, while 1/8" Amsteel should not be used by anyone over 250 lbs.
Bottom line: The manufacturer, Samson Rope, recommends a splice as the best way to maintain Amsteel's strength, so you're ignoring the manufacturer's recommendation at your own risk.