Type of cord for a lanyard?

Matt Shade

Matt Shade

Joined
Nov 24, 1999
Messages
4,981
What type of cord is usually used and how long of a peice does it take?
I'm thinking of keeping a length of para cord or whatever in the pouch for my multi lock, then I can tie it onto my knife whenever I need it but don't have to put up with it when I don't. I think there would be room with it in the smaller pouch along with the tool kit.
I just got a new pinnacle, and its the most expensive knife I've ever carried. The thought of dropping it in an attic full of insulation or something similar isn't real apealing
smile.gif


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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Hi Matt, most people use para-cord, but you can use round bootlaces or leather laces, just depends what you like and whats easiest for you to find.

Jake
 
Matt- I go to those outdoor/hiking stores (Eastern Mountain Sports for example) and buy the climbing cord. It's quite cheap, it's very strong and they usually have all kinds of wacky colors if you like that kind of thing. I've been using that stuff for a couple of years now and the lanyards that I tied on knives in the beginning are still real strong. Donald.
 
Donald, I should have bought stock in Eastern Mountain Sports. I usually went to the store by Columbus Circle, or the one in Ardsley NY when I visited my parents there. I did stop by Houston Street twice.

I never seemed to get out for less than $80, and usually a lot more. They never ran out of gear I wanted. Just don't buy anything till it goes on sale!
 
Having lost one "black knife" in the woods, may I suggest bright yellow or orange paracord?

I have 'em on my SAK's, will put one on my Shadow IV, and a buddy put all sorts of orange paracord on his new Randall M16 so he doesn't suffer the same fate as I. (But my lost knife was a cheap Glock!)
 
John,

Most people want something much less strong for a neck cord so it will break if it should get caught on something or someone grabs it.

Brass or steel ball chain is popular. You can pull the guts out of a piece of para-cord and thread the chain inside it if you like that look, or it feels better to you.

Paracord is generally rated at around 550 lbs, the 2 to 4 mm cord that EMS etc sell should be much stronger. During my ski patrol days I carried 100 ft. of 6mm rope for self evacuation from chairlift. Free rappel from chair perhaps 1/2 dozen times in training over the years.


Mike
 
Kevin- That idea about the bright colors makes alot of sense in fact they also have a cord that is partially wrapped in a strand that is reflective, so if it's dropped in the woods and it's hit with any type of light it shines like a bastard. The woods, boy that brings back memories, is'nt that the place that has alot of those things they call "trees" ? Donald.

Esav- I know what you mean, I normally go to Houston as I think he's got a better selection than the guy on C.C.
 
Speaking of losing a black knife in the woods, can you imagine anything less helpful than a camo SAK?
 
I suggest black accessory cord used by mointain climbers. It is very strong, rated at 200+ lbs for a 3.3mm cord, and readily available. I have used it on several of my knives.
 
i dont know which comapny it is,but ive heard of using a ball chain for a neck knife.
 
A ball chain makes a good neck knife system, but use the "necklace" grade chain, not the stuff on the roll at the plumbing supply house! The necklace stuff is the stuff we use to hold our ID tags (dog tags) and the small clasp will break away (hopefully!) when sufficient force is applied. The bathroom stuff is much stronger, so be careful.

Bruce Woodbury
 
Mike, the 2-4mm rope is just braided nylon, the 6mm you rappelled on was a 'kernmantle' rope, most likely static. it has a core which is where the strength comes from. the sheath just adds abbrasion resistance. the 2 is usually not rated, the 4 sometimes is, but it's usually about #200-#300.
Nowhere, the glow in the dark cord is probably Kelty trip tease. For high-vis, it would be my choise.

[This message has been edited by scouter27 (edited 09-25-2000).]
 
Thanks for all the help guys.
Especially the website on knots, reminded me of a few that I had forgoten I knew how to tie.
I may try one fo the extra mylon bootlaces I have for awhile, but will probably pick up some cord as soon as I can.

Oh yeah can you burn the ends on the paracord to keep it from unraveling? Or do the ends have to be tied off and then cut?
I'd rather not have the inside of the cord pulling out all the time.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Matt,
You can certainly melt the ends of paracord to keep them from fraying. What I usually do is melt one end with a lighter, spit on my thumb and fingers to keep from burning them, and then roll the end between my thumb and forefingers. I then repeat the process for the other end. This high-tech method produces a rounded, non-fraying end that is easier to feed through small lanyard holes. Hope this helps!- hat

[This message has been edited by hat (edited 09-25-2000).]
 
Try using heat shrink tubing from the auto parts store...An inch or so used to "whip" the ends of some cord will provide good support but will give way after 10-20 pounds of force...Much more than your knife will generate...

Running Dog

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Running Dog Knife Company

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runningdog@dog.com</A>
www.runningdogknife.bigstep.com
 
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