What should be used for backing on reel, how much (min.?) and what size? Which knots are recommended for joining PP to mono, PP to swivel or eye, etc.? What do you use to cut the line/trim the knots? Thanks in advance!

I never use backing. The less knots between my fish and I the better. I only use a palmor knot to attach swivels,lures,and jigs . A sharp knife works good, so does a small pair of scissors (fly tying ones)

What kind of reel? what are you fishing for? I use 30# hi-vis for my jig fishing. I also use the palomar knot to tie my main to my swivel. I dont use backing just put the powerpro directly on the reel.

Chromeo

I use Joe Littles Tie Master, made in Mill Creek especially for superline and is a couple bucks or so delivered. Ties knots in the stuff quick and the knot never breaks, only the line if you abuse it. Back it with 20 pound mono and use the a double version of the same kind of knot. Have gotten damn near spooled a couple of times and the backing knot holds fine also. This also ties a two turn mono knot that beats any knot anywhere, and it's so quick I pretty much use it all the time now. I cut the stuff using a pair of metal cutting scissors that you can get cheap at Harbor Freight Tools - these are the same things I use to cut goose wing and leg bones with.

Thats it , Joe Littles tie-master knot tool is the way to go. It only takes a few times using it and it then becomes second nature. I wont go fishing without it. Its become part of my arsenal. I have personally seen a guy loose 3 big kings at astoria a few years back , while he mocked me for having the tool.. I then showed him the knot strength the tool makes and he was a beliver. I also use the tool for all my knots. I have never had a knot break while using the tool, your line will break before the knot ever does, regardless of what type of line you have.

I prefer to use backing on the stuff and I use 30# Berkley Flyline Backing. Just enough wraps to cover the spool 2 times. Then Use back to back uni-knots for the backing/braid join. With backing you'll never have the braid slip on the spool. This has happened too many times to me not to use backing. Besides if you take a fish that far down into the reel you've lost all control of the fish anyway. I never fear the knot breaking or the fact that the backing is lighter test wise than the mainline because I don't take the line that far into the spool.

If you don't use a knot tier (have never used one) then tie using a Palomar knot. Almost all other knots will fail way before the break strength of the line.