Which knot is primarily used to join two ropes together?

The knot primarily used to join two ropes together is the figure eight bend. This knot is specifically designed to create a secure join between two lengths of rope, making it a reliable choice for various applications in climbing, rescue operations, and firefighting.

The figure eight bend is favored for its ease of tying and its strength under load, providing a low risk of slippage when securely fastened. It creates a symmetrical and compact knot, which helps in maintaining the integrity of the joined ropes during use.

While the bowline is known for creating a fixed loop at the end of a rope, it is not typically used to join two ropes together. The sheet bend is also effective for joining ropes, especially when they are of different diameters, but the figure eight bend is more commonly used due to its overall strength and stability. The water knot, primarily used in connecting webbing, is less suited for traditional rope joining compared to the figure eight bend.