Question about knife lanyards?

[Chief RID]

I am intrigued by knife lanyards at the moment. I like the way they add color and overall appeal to a knife. My question is "what is their function and how do they function?". I have gone to the trouble to learn to braid para cord and priced the materials to make lanyards but for the life of me I can't figure out what functionality is added. The pics shown on this forum with knives with lanyards attached, have not given me a clue as to how they are used in carry or securing a knife.

[jmh58]

I use mine on fixed blades.. Make it easier to remove from the sheath on a deep setting knife in the sheath.. Also use a loop lanyard and a carbiner clip attached to my hunting pants belt loop for security.. And they add color!!!! John

[philco]

In addition to providing an easy way to retrieve the knife from your pocket, the paracord in the lanyard can be used for many different purposes in a pinch. The braided lanyard provides a convenient way of keeping an emergency supply of paracord close at hand. Below is a link with several uses for paracord. Some of the uses may require more paracord than would be in a small lanyard, but the link will still give you an idea of just how handy that stuff can be.

http://www.survivorgeek.com/pages/Emerg ... acord.html

[junebug]

i only have lanyards on POCKET CLIP folder......i use to pull knife from pocket ,like a handle extention ,mine hang out side of pocket....(i carry my pocket clip knives TIP UP.....so lanyard hole will also be up top,to let lanyard hang out of pocket)

fixed blades i wrap paracord around the sheath in a pattern......

and i have the lanyard/paracord for the reasons philco has stated....."JUST IN CASE CORDAGE"
paracord can be melted to weld plastic also.....stuff just rocks......internet search should show DOZENS of make shift uses........

usually 7 (or so,depends on type)strands inside of outer cover.....so a few feet can turn into several feet tied together......

i have actually used a LANYARD broke down to hold up the rear broom of my old street sweeper ,when the hydraulic pump went out........and that thing was no light weight.....held at freeway speeds to get me back to the shop
only 2 ratchet straps i had were needed for the 2 side brooms.....and i wanted to go home...lolololol

[guitar1580]

I've only been into paracord for a short time, and it is just great stuff ... cheap, strong, colorful, and all of the camping / survival uses noted above. I've taken a liking to making the lanyards and a few basic knots also. I strung some up for the hop vines last year, and to this day the wind, sun and rain have not faded it or mildewed at all. It looks like new.

Having said that, I like the lanyards on about everything except a knife. I mostly use Buck lockbacks or a Buck folder, which have no lanyard holes anyway. To me, a lanyard gets in the way, except to aid in gripping a very small knife.

I do like the one on my 2AA size flashlight, to help getting out of a jacket or pants pocket. I hang them from the rear view mirror, put them on keychains, use them on ceiling fan & fluorescent light switches, and have a weighted one hanging from the garage ceiling to help park the car in the exact same spot every time. I suppose the weighted ones could be used as a self defense keychain in gun free zones.

The knotless paracord handle wraps are very comfortable on shovels, rakes, lawn mowers, and hand tools. Seems like I've gone through a mile of the stuff around here.

I've given most of my lanyards to friends & relatives. Folkes who aren't used to seeing knotwork seem to appreciate them, although I'm still just learning.
JT

[Chief RID]

Thanks jmh58, philco, junebug and guitar1580. Those are exactly the kind of stuff I am trying to find out. I keep getting more info and feeling more ignorant. I love to gain knowledge about what could be considered elemental things. Can't get more elemental than cordage. Keep stuff coming guys. having this stuff in one place could be very helpful for many. I guess we should limit somewhat to knife related lanyard stuff but it all applies. I have a thread out on the Case thread about knives with lanyard holes but that is somewhat limited. I may start one in a more general thread if there is enough interest shown.

[orvet]

I may start one in a more general thread if there is enough interest shown.

Chief, a great place to start that thread would be the General Off Topic Discussion forum.


I like these lanyards. I have some paracord, but I have not been able to find good clear instructions on how to do it yourself.
Anyone know of a good site with instructions?

[IMBand]

Dale, here is a video that shows a Diamond Knot and it was easy to follow.
The first video I watched was too muddled with akward hand motions and verbal instuction.

IM


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj5S42cXCXw[/youtube]

[guitar1580]

Dale,
animatedknots.com is a good site for knots, and youtube has some good instructional videos on many knots and paracord uses. There are also some good books out there if you do a search.

I think there are a growing number of paracord enthusiasts who will enjoy a thread if you guys start one in the general section. I have lots of pics to contribute, and maybe we can help each other to find the best deals on supplies.

JT

I made this one for my old IH Cub Cadet key, that I'm going to go plow snow on here in a few minutes.