Anyone know what kind of knot is on the garrote?
Working only from memory, which often fails me, I believe it is a bowline knot, with some extra twists.
The knot expert who consulted with the BPD was named Van Tassel and I don't think I ever saw his analysis. It may be sealed or may have been inconclusive.
The photos reminded me of the type of knot that is tied to the cleat on the dock to secure a smaller boat - over, under, over, under and around, then snugged. But I couldn't see the underside of the knot on the stick to see if there were some other path of the rope.