Originally Posted by Ekka

A splice is between 90% and 100%

Of course has to be done right.

All knots reduce rope strength, 35% sounds about right for bowline, worst is the square knot, 50%!

Best is the figure 8 and butterfly ... ironically also the easiest to tie, darned bullet proof that thing.

If you are using running bowlines to pull trees or spar over with trucks/machinery etc would be wise to have a clevis shackle in there so no rope on rope, also you can take 2 turns around the spar then the bowline ... it will take some heat off the knot.