The balthus knot is among the largest of the knots, producing a bold, symmetric, conical knot that's appropriate for formal affairs and business Dress Wear. Due to its size, the resulting length of the tie will be significantly shorter than other knots, so a longer tie is recommended. It should be worn with a cutaway or spread collar. The Balthus gets its name from its inventor, Balthasar Klossowski (Also known as Balthus), a polish-French Modern Artist active in the early- to Mid-1900s.