A bend is a knot securely joining together two lengths of cord (or string or rope), thereby yielding a single longer length. There are many possible different bends, and a natural question that has probably occurred to many is: is there a "best" bend and, if so, what is it?" Most of the well-known bends happen to be symmetric - that is, the two constituent cords within the bend have the same geometric shape and size, as well as an interrelationship. Such "symmetric bends" have great beauty, especially when the two cords bear different colours. Moreover, they have the practical advantage of...