Knife lanyard question

Beads are kind of an infinite thing.

A while back I bought a few of the 'fancy' knife store beads you mention. Over time I found other sources. They're everywhere once you gear yourself to look and notice them.

I make lanyards for most of my knives (mostly Reeve coils with enough tail to utilize the bead(s) for loops or decor) of different lengths, depending on the knife I'm trying to dress. I use good leather thong/laces or gutted/ungutted paracord depending on the knife and the look I want.

I think a lot of people miss the boat using only paracord. Leather can give a great look too. Good boot lace leather is available cheap at any shoe shop. And shoe polish can give you about any shade or color you want it to be. Pretty simple.

Then I try to find a bead or two to incorporate into it. I like some kind of thumb loop (or even wrist loop on larger fixed blades) or slip-loop utilizing the beads for when I need to secure the knife when working say over a lake or in some situation where I can't drop the knife. If you leave the beads loose on the lanyard you can create slip loops that will disappear when not needed.

Actually beads are everywhere, the problem is usually hole size for most beads on the market. I stopped buying the 'fancy' skulls and stuff because I found that cheaper, unique beads look better anyway and can make more of a statement. They're almost everywhere.

There are some great beads out there...you just have to attune yourself to looking for them locally and being cognizant of the hole size needed for paracord or leather. Many locales have dedicated bead stores. Flea markets are wonderful for finding unique beads as are antique stores or flea malls. Or just go through your mom's stuff and take them.

Main thing is to train yourself for noticing all the beads that are really out there and finding those with a larger hole size. Some can even be drilled out.

Once you start looking I think you may find more great beads out there than just what the knife stores try to sell. Enjoy.
 
check your local army navy surplus store thats were i get mine and they have tubs full of beads all of them are 15 cents each
 
Stainless steel M6 nut fits 550 Paracord nicely, cheap and not bad looking.
Do a search on Amazon for Pandora beads or Tibetan Silver beads, they're used in DIY bracelets and necklaces. The Pandora have a hole that will fit 550 Paracord.

I just use the Stainless steel nuts and half nuts and washers M6 for 550 Paracord, M5 for gutted 550 Paracord.

nutsnstuff_zps9afc79c6.jpg
 
My lanyard beads are just 1/4" hardware nuts. Very utilitarian while still providing an interesting transition.
 
I've made my own out of wood, really easy and infinite customization. Also not a fan of skulls etc.

http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Beads--1280
Surely they have something....I've never been a fan of the skulls and crazy expensive beads either.
Edit...didn't find much I liked...I either didn't like the design or it cost way too much for something I put on my lanyard.

I did like these.
grindworx-concave-bead-thumb.jpg
hinderer-beads-mount-st-helens-ti-blue-thumb.jpg
spalinger-bronze-cinch-bead-thumb.jpg


edit: Wow those were 3 separate pictures. Funny how they line up so well
 
Stainless steel M6 nut fits 550 Paracord nicely, cheap and not bad looking.
Do a search on Amazon for Pandora beads or Tibetan Silver beads, they're used in DIY bracelets and necklaces. The Pandora have a hole that will fit 550 Paracord.

I just use the Stainless steel nuts and half nuts and washers M6 for 550 Paracord, M5 for gutted 550 Paracord.

nutsnstuff_zps9afc79c6.jpg

What's that hand held gizmo on the right. Stun gun?
 
What's that hand held gizmo on the right. Stun gun?

n7titan got it right, it's a 1300°C cigarette lighter/blowtorch that I use for singeing the ends of 550 Paracord, the intense heat fuses the strands immediately so it blackens less. It's a very accurate way to get heat where you want it.
They used to be expensive but they're cheap now. They don't last like a Zippo, that's my third in 5 years.
 
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