Combining two paths without losing the markings in Inkscape

Question

How can I use the Knot Effect in Inkscape while keeping arrowheads (markers) on those paths? For example, here are two arrows :

In order to use Knot Effect on multiple paths, I tried combining these two paths (following this tutorial), but then I lose a marker (see the image below).

It seems that after combining the paths, Inkscape regards the whole thing as just one path and adds a single arrowhead in the end, thus losing the other one. Is there a way to combine two paths without losing the marker (the arrowhead), in order to use the Knot Effect?

Answer 1

Inkscape can manage only two arrows: at the begin and at the end of the path.

Your starting image is composed by two paths:

The knot Live Path Effect applies to one path only, so you have to combine the paths. This maintain one arrow at one extremity of the resulting path:

Now you can add the arrow to the other extremity of the resulting path:

Rotating the image and adding the Knot effect, the job is done. You can flip the image if you want the right spear on top.

For a more complex drawing, you can convert the arrow to path (see this question), and treat it as a graphic object.

Once the arrows are in the desired position, apply Path > Stroke to Path. This create a group of paths.

Ungroup it, and can place the arrow in the drawing:

Answer 2

You are right. Combining two paths basically turns them into one path. So, you can just use the Fill and Stroke panel, and in the Stroke Style tab, set an arrow head on both the start and end nodes.

Example

Answer 3

The Knot LPE also works on groups. Just group'em (instead of combining).