Best paracord survival bracelet? -firesteel, tinder, scraper and sling

That looks great! Is the ferro rod held on by a plastic bead?
 
Excellent design!

Some ideas:

1) Try running the jute through some gutted paracord to maintain the overall look.

2) The firesteel is a little on the clunky side for EDC. Could you use a longer, but smaller diameter piece tucked inside the weave under/around the metal? The metal already makes the top rigid, so firesteel tucked in there would not radically change the "dynamics" of the bracelet with regards to the on-wrist feel.
 
I guess some don't like it, but I think the twine tinder strand ADDS to the looks of it! diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks I reckon...
 
Thanks for all kind comments AND the great suggestions. I thought a lot about this before deciding to finally make a working version. This prototype is almost but not quite ready for prime time. Here are some of my thoughts and things I'm still testing.
1. I'm wearing this edc including while doing yardwork - I want to test the strength of the burned end retention on the toggle. Will it withstain or do I need a knot? I hope not to knot as it will add bulk.
2. The plate may need another iteration. I think rounder corners to start. maybe a bit more curve also.
3. Plate fastening: will jute wear and break too soon at plate edge, perhaps a rounded rather than "squared" edge?
4. If u have no knife can u get the scraper and jute off?
5. Test sling use and connections
6. Do a video showing that it works for all intended uses!

I'm thinking it will be called the "Paracordist's B.S.B (Best Survival Bracelet) - everything else it just B.S.!"
 
Some response to your thoughts:
1) In my experience, molten nylon is plenty strong for these purposes. You may want to take a few centimetres of gutted paracord, put the burnt end in the middle of it, and then burn the new paracord to make the end retain a bit more securely without greatly increasing bulk.

2) Rounding the corners would probably make it more comfortable, but increasing the curvature may not be comfortable. This is definitely a guess-and-check thing.

3) Jute is not particularly abrasion-resistant with metal (especially if the holes haven't been deburred), so chamfering the holes would work wonders for durability.

4) A sharpish rock could probably wear through the jute quickly enough, but it's definitely something to test.

5-6) Sounds great!
 
thanks for this detailed input!

antikythera said:
Some response to your thoughts:
1) In my experience, molten nylon is plenty strong for these purposes. You may want to take a few centimetres of gutted paracord, put the burnt end in the middle of it, and then burn the new paracord to make the end retain a bit more securely without greatly increasing bulk.

2) Rounding the corners would probably make it more comfortable, but increasing the curvature may not be comfortable. This is definitely a guess-and-check thing.

3) Jute is not particularly abrasion-resistant with metal (especially if the holes haven't been deburred), so chamfering the holes would work wonders for durability.

4) A sharpish rock could probably wear through the jute quickly enough, but it's definitely something to test.

5-6) Sounds great!
Click to expand...
 
Here it is without the scraper. Checkout the baby spear fishing on the food jar LOL.

005-1.jpg

004.jpg
 
I like that weave that you did on that bracelet. I made a cobra weave and just making it I thought about how tedious it would be to unravel, is your easier to unravel? Great Idea with the firesteel and striker, I just think that the jute does not really fit in....gotta find another way to do that. Also not sure of the weight of the steel button flopping around, but I would try it out also. Good job.
 
I'd in addition to the jute being put in a strand of gutted cord, you could probably fit tinder tabs in as well- the can be compacted pretty well (I have some in a knife kit that are almost perfectly flat)

the short length of firesteel could also be put in gutted cord (might have to size down the steel a little) as a possibility
 
good stuff, expecially the last part; you got me thinking. thanks.
mtwarden said:
I'd in addition to the jute being put in a strand of gutted cord, you could probably fit tinder tabs in as well- the can be compacted pretty well (I have some in a knife kit that are almost perfectly flat)

the short length of firesteel could also be put in gutted cord (might have to size down the steel a little) as a possibility
Click to expand...
 
What if you reversed the placement of the striker and firesteel? If the firesteel was drilled and placed in the front, the striker plate could be used as the toggle and you probably wouldn't have to take anything apart to use it. Maybe the addition of some shock cord so it will stretch a bit, that would be handy for using the striker. Rounded corners would be good for the striker and it would be flatter against the back of your wrist. The jute would still look fine weaved in the bracelet and if it wasn't attached to anything you wouldn't have to be concerned about it being a durable component. It could just be easy to remove and use as tinder.

I do like your ideas. You are very inventive and practical!
 
schmittie said:
What if you reversed the placement of the striker and firesteel? If the firesteel was drilled and placed in the front, the striker plate could be used as the toggle and you probably wouldn't have to take anything apart to use it. Maybe the addition of some shock cord so it will stretch a bit, that would be handy for using the striker. Rounded corners would be good for the striker and it would be flatter against the back of your wrist. The jute would still look fine weaved in the bracelet and if it wasn't attached to anything you wouldn't have to be concerned about it being a durable component. It could just be easy to remove and use as tinder.

I do like your ideas. You are very inventive and practical!
Click to expand...
great input schmittie; I'm thinking about all these ideas and options.

here is the schematic for those wondering!

Copyofbsbschematic.jpg
 
if the firesteel is to bulky maybe you couls find a way to use a thinner piece like the ones that come on the back of the mag blocks. you wouldn't be able to drill a hole trhough it though.
 
Thanks for input hughewil. the issue is attachment while still offering a striking surface, preferably without taking the whole thing apart. I thought about adhesives or grooves on a smaller steel, but that would interrupt the striking surface making it less than the full inch. If I go with the intent that the firesteel is unaccessible unless in dire need, then I could bury a smaller on in there some how. The size of this toggle is not bothering me any more than a typical plastic buckle, or a knot/loop style braclet closure. I'm wearing it while using a computer mouse and its not bad.
hughewil said:
if the firesteel is to bulky maybe you couls find a way to use a thinner piece like the ones that come on the back of the mag blocks. you wouldn't be able to drill a hole trhough it though.
Click to expand...
 
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