Lanyard/fob cord types & supply

M

Menocu

Joined
Jan 29, 2006
Messages
135
Just wondering what kind of cord you guys who make a lot of this stuff use and/or where you order it from?

I got a roll of cord from a local surplus place, and it flattens out REALLY easily like it doesn't have nearly enough of a core. Not a problem for things like square stitched fobs, etc.. but really hard to make something like a monkey's fist or even a basic noose/"chris reeve knot" with because it's so "squishy"

Any recommendations on what I should be looking for in a cord, or where to obtain any kind of variety online?

Thx in advance :)
 
Hollow braid, even when filled is apt to flatten like that. A solid braid, where the yarns bind together through the center of the core will maintain it's shape.

I use a hollow braid 3/16 inch cord in bright orange for anything I take into the woods. Helps old eyes when you drop something on the forest floor. I never could understand people who want camo everything.

I have a neighbor who owns a rope factory. What would you like and I'll ask him for a good price.
 
I usually use 550 paracord. It can be found online from many sources, I just happen to use the Supply Captain website.
 
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...EI_RELATED_ITEMS_PRODUCT_PAGE&vcat=REI_SEARCH

REI, based in Washington State (just to the north of me, one in Georgia is closest to you), supplies all of my lanyard cord. Love it. I can't tell you how many lanyards I've tied with it. Ties nice and heat/burns seals at the tip just like downtown with a Bic. Approximate 300# tensile strength.

Use the green (professional looking) and red multi-color the most. The orange is easiest to see. The white, looks brilliant, shows soiling the quickest.

I have lanyards on hatchets, knives, propane lighters, zipper pulls, necklaces for whistles (use a slipknot without a keeper end for around the neck) and about anything else that will hold still for it. Usually tie the Hangman's/Chris Reeve knot http://www.knifeart.com/how.html. Its complexity dovetails nicely with my skill. Needed help with the Monkey's Fist, only did one.

Can't explain my fascination with lanyard tying other than being inspired by others here, particularly our good friend from south of the border. Also, the outstanding book Shipping News, by E. Annie Proulx (note to self: make it to Newfoundland), made knots seem like good fun.

Best,

oregon
 
Thanks for the help guys. Between rei and the supply captain I should be set for a long time :)
 
I mostly tie the Hangmans noose also, but I like to have the cord flat and take out the center of the cord before I start. I also take the piece of cord I'm using (550) and soak it in hot water for 5 mins or so. I run it through a towel but leave it damp/wet. This allows a tighter knot and when dry it becomes quite stiff/rigid.
 
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