Paracord

I could, literally, go on about paracord for hours on end... Paracord (parachute cord) has been used by military personnel over the years as well as by survival enthusiasts. There are thousands of different knots out there that you can tie with paracord. The most common knot is the Soloman Bar, also known as a Cobra Stitch. The picture on the left features a 3 strand weave with an addition. After speaking with Kevin at The Paracordist (www.paracordist.com), he has made the BSB Fire Making Survival Bracelet, pictured here.

The craftsmanship that goes in to this bracelet is just amazing. You can see the care and dedication he has put in to the design and practicality of the bracelet.

Taken directly from www.paracordist.com is the following description:

Bracelet weave uses about 25% more cord than a cobra stitch of the same length (unless of course you use cobra back and forth until you have an absurd thick and uncomfy bracelet)'

• Single cord construction, easily unravel
• 3/8" diameter firesteel cut to 1" acts as button for loop closure
• I.D. plate is made by my friend Bucketosudz from Artisan Attributes, specifically for this creation. Plate has square ground edges which double as effective scraper for the fireseel.
• I.D. plate can be engraved or decorated. I'm thinking I.D. info or critical medical info.
• Single or double thread of jute runs through top of bracelet (8"-16") it is only on top so not uncomfy to the wrist. Removable for tinder.

The entire design just screams Survival. 

There are a few main sources in addition to Kevin that I go to for help on a regular basis. Stormdrane, http://stormdrane.blogspot.com , has an unbelievable archive of paracord projects where you could easily lose an entire day just researching projects listed on his site. Along with his great descriptions for each project, he usually attaches video instruction as well. 

The other main source for any of my paracord projects is JD at fusionknots.com . JD not only has a whole slew of information listed at his site, he has a youtube page dedicated to the demonstration for each of his knots found here, http://www.youtube.com/user/TyingItAllTogether

In addition to his website and his youtube channel, JD has a book out called Decorative Fusion Knots. I own this book and can tell you that is has been unbelievably helpful in many of my own projects and I highly recommend this for anyone that likes to do any sort of work with paracord.

Many people are seen wearing paracord bracelets, usually a cobra weave, and do not realize the full practicality of what they are wearing. 550 Paracord can be found at just about any military surplus store, or at a lot of outdoor stores, like Moosejaw or REI. You just have to take the time to sit down and actually do the work. and in the end, you will realize how awesome and functional 550 paracord really is.

**The image at the top of the article was used with permission from Kevin @ www.paracordist.com . **