Knotty Paw makes dog leashes using retired climbing rope. The idea is simple: take strong, well-made materials that can no longer be used for climbing and turn them into something useful again. The result is a durable leash with a bit of history behind it.

Climbing rope is built to handle repeated stress, weather, and wear. While it gets retired from climbing long before the material itself is worn out, it still has a lot of life left. That makes it a great fit for something like a dog leash, where strength and reliability matter.

We source rope through relationships with climbing gyms and climbing communities. When rope is retired for safety reasons, we collect it, inspect it, and repurpose it. Each leash comes from rope that already had a working life before becoming part of Knotty Paw.

They’re designed for everyday use. Whether that’s neighborhood walks, trail hikes, or weekend trips, Knotty Paw leashes are meant to be used regularly—not saved for special occasions.

The underlying material is extremely strong, and each leash is assembled with durability in mind. While no product lasts forever, these leashes are built to hold up to active dogs and regular use.

Our focus is on extending the life of materials that already exist. By reusing rope that would otherwise be discarded, we reduce waste and avoid producing new material. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a meaningful one—and it’s the approach we’re committed to improving over time.

Many performance outdoor materials, including climbing rope, are synthetic. Rather than creating new products from new materials, we focus on keeping existing materials in use for as long as possible. We believe that extending the lifespan of durable materials is a responsible step, even as we continue to learn and refine our practices.

Not exactly—and that’s part of the appeal. Because the rope is reclaimed, color and pattern vary slightly from leash to leash. Each one follows the same design and quality standards, but no two are identical.

Leashes are made in small batches in the Pacific Northwest. We prioritize careful assembly, consistency, and attention to detail over speed or mass production.

Knotty Paw is for people who want a well-made leash, care about how products are made, and like the idea of giving good materials a second life. You don’t need to be a climber—just someone who values durability, simplicity, and dogs.