Paracord Fid (Needle)

Image Source: Paracord Planet

Paracord Fids (Needles)

Making your next bracelet just got easier

At least once a week, I try to highlight an innovative or exciting product; this week I want to call attention to one that is going to make your Paracord projects significantly easier. I know this will simplify your life, because we receive this question on a regular basis: “What is the point of a fid, or needle or whatever you call it?” This is a good question, because if you work with Paracord on a limited basis you may think there isn’t much to it. But the more work you do, the more you understand how a fid can help you. I will provide you with some background on the fid and explain how it can improve your projects for very little cost.

Image Source: Maine Historical Society

Fids are traditionally made of bone or wood--obviously the most readily available materials to people living in the rural parts of the world. The basic idea behind a fid is similar to that of a needle—to enable the individual to weave something that they are otherwise unable to weave with their hands—but with rope or cord rather than thread. This ability is particularly important when working with Paracord, because of how fine the cord is and how tight the weaves generally are.

Image Source: Paracord Planet

So why use a fid? Plain and simple, it will enable you to make Paracord projects you currently cannot and it will make your current Paracord projects easier. Everyday examples of this include finishing your bracelets. Yes, it is a small thing, but tucking the ends of your Paracord back into the bracelet to achieve a clean, professional finish can be frustrating; by utilizing a Paracord fid in your work, this becomes a breeze. Another very real way a fid can help you includes when you want to work that beautiful breast-cancer awareness ribbon into your Paracord bracelet while maintaining the tightness and integrity of the Paracord weave. The fid is great for getting in between the Paracord without disrupting your bracelet. A fid can also be quite beneficial for certain weaves such as the Turk’s Head and other tricky ties. A small tool that can make a big difference.

My hope is that this blog answered any questions you may have had about what a fid is or how to use it; you can find all your fids at Paracord Planet. Feel free to comment any questions you may have or tell us what project you are going to use your fid on! Like our Facebook page for great deals and enjoy your new tool!

Paracord and Personality

Paracord and Personality

Which Paracord are you?

For the past few months I have been bringing you as many great Paracord ideas and Paracord products as I can find, but today we take a step back. We offer a huge variety of Paracord here at Paracord Planet ranging from 750 to Nano cord and everything in between and receive plenty of amazing feedback from you guys every day. But have you ever stopped to think why you buy the particular Paracord that you buy? Sure you say: “Because I want to make one awesome bracelet,” which is definitely true. But have you ever wondered what your Paracord selection said about you, or better yet, what Paracord you are?

This might be a long shot, but I believe your Paracord says a lot about who you are as a person, essentially, certain Paracord reflects a certain personality. Much in the same way you can take a quiz to find out “What Game of Thrones character are you?” you should be able to discover what Paracord type you are, based on how you respond to a few behavioral based quiz questions. If only a quiz of this magnitude existed…

Introducing our first-ever Paracord personality quiz “Which Paracord are you?” This will reveal your Paracord Personality analog. As a result, you might discover a new Paracord you have never tried before and in the process find out something totally new about yourself! Are you reliable Mil-Spec or flashy Glow-In-The-Dark? Take the quiz to find out and feel free to leave a comment below to let us know if you think it was right. Also, stop by our Facebook page and ‘Like’ it to get all the latest and greatest deals!

Reflective Paracord

Spring is Reflective Paracord Season

Spring is finally here, enjoy it with Paracord

            For most of the country, this past winter was one of the roughest in recent history with record lows or unseasonably long stretches of cold being felt from coast to coast. Fargo, ND (our headquarters) was no exception; we endured weeks where the futile barometer never rose above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it is with a happy (and warm!) heart that I write this blog to usher in Spring 2014. Many of you in warmer climes may argue that it has been spring for several weeks, that I should have written this sooner and so on; I will counter by saying it is currently 35 degrees here, close to the warmest temperature this spring. Spring in Fargo is something akin to a garage sale: all the things that have been stuck inside all winter are finally put out for all to see (and it’s not always pretty). We take to the streets and sidewalks en masse to walk, run or just feel natural light.

            Thus, the motivation behind my blog this week lies in my concern over the safety and enjoyment of this collective spring of ours. It is obvious that Paracord makes everything better, but you may be wondering how it can really make your spring that much better (especially because if you live north of Nebraska you are already dancing in the streets). The answer: Reflective Paracord. This little gem of a Paracord is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe! Not only does it come in a great selection of colors to enable you to coordinate it with any outfit or other Paracord project, but it is still 550 lb test so it is as reliable as ever.

            What really makes Reflective Paracord the perfect cord for spring is safety. Adding a small amount of Reflective Paracord to your Paracord projects obviously adds style, but as you head out the door this spring, be safe with Reflective Paracord. Reflective Paracord is the perfect cord to put into your shoelaces, make a headband with or create a dog collar. It can also be used to tie a water bottle, braid a dog leash or create a traditional bracelet; the idea is to make sure your traditional spring equipment is as reflective as possible. That way, when you venture out into the early morning darkness or are outside enjoying the evening into the night, you will be as safe as possible.

Do not be afraid to try our Reflective Micro Cord as well!

Be sure to check out our complete selection of Reflective Paracord, starting at only $3.99 with a wide range of colors. Also, ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to stay up on the latest deals and be entered to win an array of fantastic weekly giveaways. Drop a comment below to let me know what you will be making out of reflective Paracord this spring.

750 Paracord

750 Paracord

Paracord Planet

Have you ever just wanted a little more ‘oomph?’

            550 Paracord is great, we all know that, but if you are a red-blooded American like myself, sometimes you just need a little more. Whether it is based on necessity or just peace of mind, 750Paracord has an added 200 pounds of tensile strength to put your mind at ease. The ‘Closer’ as I fondly call it, is one of the most unique Paracord types we offer and just so happens to be one of the best kept secrets in Paracord.

Paracord Planet

            The fundamental difference between 750 Paracord and 550 Paracord is the number of yarns in the cord. 550 Paracord consists of 7 yarns of Paracord, each comprised of 3 strands. 750 is unique in that it offers 11 yarns each made of 3 strands for 200 pounds of added strength. Despite these modifications, 750 Paracord is still only approximately 1/32 of an inch bigger than 550 Paracord, making it surprisingly easy to work with.

Image Source: Outdoor Life

            Ultimately, 750 Paracord is a very unique type of Paracord that can be great to have around. My personal suggestion is to have a length—possibly a hank—in your survival bag. These ‘Grab and Go’ bags are predominantly prepared among survivalists to have the bare essentials at the ready in a moment’s notice. 750 Paracord makes a great addition to survival kits in particular because it pays to be extra-prepared in survival situations.  

            Of course, our 750 cord is not only strong, but also comes in a variety of colors to enable you to use it in your regular Paracord projects. And as always, it will never rot or mildew and it is made in the USA!

Thanks for reading guys, drop a comment below to let me know what you are going to use 750 Paracord for and like our Facebook Page to stay up to date on the latest deals.

Exclusive Interview with TIAT's J.D. Lenzen

Exclusive Interview with J.D. Lenzen of Tying It All Together

 J.D. Lenzen, creator of the famous ‘TIAT’ YouTube videos stops by to answer a few questions for us!

J.D. Lenzen of Tying It All Together

We took a week off, but the Paracord blog is back and better than ever, this week featuring an exclusive interview with J.D. Lenzen. J.D. is the creator of the ‘Tying It All Together’ (TIAT) videos on YouTube, the author of the Paracord Fusion Ties books with another coming out this year; and an inspiration to millions of people worldwide. J.D. was kind enough to grant us an opportunity to get to learn a little more about him, how his knot tying began and where it is headed.

Sam: How did you get into knot tying originally?

J.D.:

Having a restless nature, I suppose. When I was a kid, about 7 or 8, I started tying lanyards to pass time and occupy my mind, but I quickly grew bored with the limitations of flat (lanyard) cords. So I started fiddling with rope. By my teens, I’d memorized nearly all of the practical and decorative knots in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK). In my early twenties I began breaking knots down into their component parts—studying the techniques for tying them, then reorganizing them by to their fundamental structures. By my late twenties, I’d established a style of tying I call Fusion Knotting, or innovative knots and ties created through the merging of different knot elements or knotting techniques. I still enjoy tying historical knots, but my primary passion is Fusion Knotting. This style of tying provides me more creative freedom and has allowed me (and others) to shift knotting from a finite field of study, to an expansive and infinite expression of creativity. I'm still restless, but now I have something to show for it.   

Sam: You work full time as an environmental chemist, how did your hobby of knot tying become a second full-time job?

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The Top 5 Ways to Store Paracord

Frederick of Paracord Planet

Keeping it Simple: The Top 5 Ways to Store Paracord

Paracord can be a little tricky to handle at times, today I present you with the top 5 ways to store it

You love having Paracord with you in the field, but how to properly store and travel with it? Paracord is obviously one of the best survival tools to have on hand, the only problem with carrying Paracord is how likely it is to get mixed up with any knives, food or other tools you might have in your pack. Trust me when I say it is not fun to have to try and ‘quick deploy’ some hideous tent stake-Granola bar-Paracord combination. To make it a little more fun, I employed a ranking system along 4 dimensions: time to store, time to deploy, ease of redeployment and aesthetics (we Paracorders are a stylish bunch) on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. These methods are ranked from 5 to 1, with 1 being the overall best method.

Image Source: Trekker Outdoors

The Paracord Donut

Time to Store: 3

Time to Deploy: 4

Ease of Redeployment: 2

Aesthetics: 5

Score: 14

The Paracord donut comes in at our 5^th spot mainly because of the time it takes to store and redeploy it. The donut knot is a very good way to store Paracord in terms of both speed of deployment, and aesthetic appearance once finished. However, the chief problem is wrapping the donut initially and re-wrapping it once deployed. It is easy to imagine trying to use this method in the field and getting your Paracord caught on a variety of branches, leaves and rocks. If you are looking to store your Paracord in this way, click here.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Fast Rope

Time to Store: 5

Time to Deploy: 4

Ease of Redeployment: 5

Aesthetics: 2

Score: 16

Also known as the ‘Quick Rope,’ the Fast Rope method of storage is the king of simplicity in the Paracord world. No complicated weaving pattern here, simply extend one hand and do a figure eight pattern between your thumb and pinky finger. Although this method is simple, it does not look particularly good and is much more prone to snagging and accidental deployment than other methods of storage. Instructions on how to make it are provided by YouTube user WheeliePete.

Peanut Butter Jar/ Pop Bottle

Time to Store: 3.5*

Time to Deploy: 5

Ease of Redeployment: 5

Image Source: Field and Stream

Aesthetics: 3

Score: 17

The peanut butter jar method may have won out entirely if not for two factors: preparation and aesthetics. Using a peanut butter jar or pop bottle to store your Paracord is a great idea, but not quite as simple as tying a not. You are definitely going to want to clean the containers out thoroughly beforehand to prevent your Paracord from becoming a sticky—although tasty—mess.  Furthermore, to make the jar as effective as possible you must drill a hole in the lid/cap which can be a pain if you do not have a drill in addition to the likelihood of you breaking a cap before you get it right. The last aspect is appearance, obviously no one really wants a glaring peanut butter label in the field with them, but with a little additional preparation and some camouflage Duct tape, your container will look right at home. Idea Credit: Jim Ratermann.

The Daisy Chain

Image Source: aplusssurvival

Time to Store: 4

Time to Deploy: 4

Ease of Redeployment: 5

Aesthetics: 4

Score: 17

This method is also mentioned in our Shock Cord blog post as great way to store Paracord while making a usable storage chain out of it. The Daisy Chain ranks #2 on our list because it is a nice, simple method that can be made and deployed quickly while looking rather stylish. The main disadvantage is similar to that of the quick rope in which you still risk it getting caught and tangled on things in the field or in your pack. Overall, the Daisy Chain represents a great storage method with simple and straight forward instructions by Reality Survival.

The Spool Tool from TricornE

The Spool Tool

Time to Store: 5

Time to Deploy: 4

Ease of Redeployment: 5

Aesthetics: 5

Additional Functionality: +5

Score: 24

One of our favorite products here at Paracord Planet, the Spool Tool is a great addition to any Paracord arsenal. Ok, so I may have cheated in creating a new ranking dimension just for the Spool Tool, but as the author and fan of the Spool Tool, I can do that. Not only is it extremely easy to quickly wrap your Paracord around the quality-constructed tool, but it also looks sharp and keeps everything neat and tidy. In the spirit of equality I did take off one point because it doesn’t deploy quite as quickly as some of the other methods, but it is still rapid. The Spool Tool receives its bonus because it possesses lighter storage, a cutting blade, fusion notches and a handy spot to clip a carabineer. The Spool Tool is the ultimate mobile Paracord storage method.

Feel free to comment below with your own ranking or tweet us @ParacordPlanet using #ParaStorage to tell us what method should have won. As always, ‘Like’ our Facebook page to stay up to date on our latest deals and giveaways and visit Paracord Planet for the best Paracord available.

Polyester Paracord

Image Source: Paracord Planet

Polyester Paracord

This week we breakdown Polyester Paracord, is it really just an afterthought to Nylon?

            I have written about unknown and misunderstood products in the past, but perhaps none are quite as maligned as Polyester Paracord. Polyester has long been considered the black sheep of the Paracord family with no real home, always playing second-fiddle to Nylon. The general public assumes Polyester Paracord must in some way be inferior, but today I will explain that although they have their differences, it is how you use the Paracord that determines its value. You may want to start adding Polyester to your Paracord adventures immediately.

Image Source: Camping Life

            So what are the real differences between Polyester and Nylon Paracord? The first characteristic Paracorders notice when working with the two cords is the difference in feel. Many users believe Polyester is ‘rough’, making it less comfortable to work with. I am not here to say anyone is incorrect in feeling this way, only to point out that my marketing intern hands have no problem working with it. There is a difference in the material texture, but in my opinion it is slight and certainly does not impair the use of Polyester Paracord.

            Another difference the user will notice is the ‘stretch’; this is not necessarily a negative characteristic, in fact, depending on how the cord is being used, it can be a definite positive. Nylon has far more ‘give’ or stretch than Polyester; thus both are highly practical, depending on the situation. In instances where elasticity is a necessity such as mooring lines on a sailing vessel, Nylon is preferred. On the contrary, when hoisting supplies as most campers do to keep them away from bears; Polyester Paracord is preferable because it will not stretch out overnight.

            The last key difference between Polyester and Nylon is the price. Both cords are extremely competitively priced from Paracord Planet with Nylon at $9.25/100 ft hank and Polyester costing $8.49/100 ft hank, but Polyester has the added incentive of saving you around $4 every 500 feet! Add the price difference to the fact that like Nylon Paracord, Polyester Paracord does not rot, and you can begin to see the merit of Polyester.

Image Source: Paracord Planet

            Ultimately, when choosing your Paracord it is imperative to have a clear picture of what you intend to use it for. Paracord planet offers eight different types of Paracord ranging from standard 550 Nylon to 550 Polyester and Micro Cord so you will be properly outfitted for every project. It is important to keep in mind the weight tests of each Paracord you are considering as well as the difference in elasticity to make sure you will not be surprised by anything. Make sure you think of Polyester when considering your next Paracord Project!

Please comment below with your thoughts on Polyester or any other type of Paracord you like to use and be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to stay up to date on all the best daily deals!

The Paracord Olympics

The Paracord Olympics

Wishing you could do an Olympic event? Now you can with our Paracord Olympics!

            Every two years the world is blessed with what is arguably the greatest sporting event on our planet, the Olympics. Tomorrow, the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi begin and it forced me to think about what events I would most like to compete in. Naturally, when you have Paracord woven (pun intended) into your life as much as I do, your thought lines converge and I began to wonder what Paracord Projects were analogous with specific Winter Olympic events. Here are a few of the best. (If you are looking for some patriotic Paracord kits, look no further than right here!).

Olympic: Figure Skating 

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Paracord: The Celtic Heart Knot (TIAT)

   

Image Source: AP/ TIAT

            Although figure skating is not my personal favorite, according to a recent poll by US News Figure skating is the most watched sport in the Winter Olympics. With that in mind, I do think figure skating is incredibly elegant and graceful. Figure skating takes strength, but also extreme muscle control and grace, somewhat akin to the Celtic Heart Knot by TIAT. This knot can be tricky, but don’t go Tanya Harding; if you pay careful attention to the instructions you will come away with an elegant knot that is great for a necklace or bracelet. Try our Rose Pink, or any of our other 300+ colors!

Olympic: Speed Skating 

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Paracord: Quick Deploy Bracelet

   

Image Source: AP/Para King

            Watching Speed Skating with Apolo Anton Ohno has to be one of my favorite Olympic Activities. If you have never had the opportunity to watch, it is somewhat akin to sprinting in track except that the athletes all share one lane and have giant razor blades attached to their feet. It is an awe-inspiring combination of strength and determination. Ohno is one of the most decorated speed skaters in U.S. Olympic history and has been in his fair share of spills, but he always comes out on top. That is where I drew the comparison to a Quick Deploy Bracelet, the one pictured here is created with 100% Paracord Planet Paracord by the Para King and can be fast and taken apart faster to have a large amount of Paracord readily available in an instant.

Olympic: Biathlon 

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Paracord: Making a Gun Sling

  

Image Source: Ammoland/TACummings

            The Biathlon has to be one of the most unique events in all of sports. Born of Northern European hunting tradition, the discipline combines the endurance of cross-country with the precision of a world-class marksmanship competition. I found its closest analogy to be that of crafting a Paracord gun sling (video from gearsNtools). Similar to the cross-country aspect of the Biathlon, creating a Paracord rifle sling creates an incredible amount of patience in pursuit of a bigger dream. They also draw on firearm technology in that the Biathlon uses some of the most precise firearms in the world and slings serve to protect and make using your firearms as comfortable to use as possible. If you do endeavor to make a gun sling, keep in mind the cross country aspect of the Biathlon and stay patient, the results will be well worth it.

Olympic: Hockey 

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Paracord: Monkey’s Fist

  

Image Source: Sports Illustrated/Para King

            Few events in Olympic history are as iconic as the moment pictured above, The ‘Miracle’. In 1980, viewed as unimaginable underdogs going into the Semifinal against the seemingly unbeatable Russians, Team USA came up with one of the greatest upsets in the history of modern sports. Team USA went on to win gold and as sports so often do, the significance of the victory transcended the game and had major political implications as the U.S. was still in the middle of the Cold War. Just as Hockey is a game of intricate play design and huge hits the Paracord Monkey’s Fist represents both skill and power. Designed to emulate the unique way in which monkeys whip their arm when striking, the Monkey’s Fist is more than just a neat key-chain, but a capable self-defense weapon in dangerous situations. The weave is not overly difficult to do, but the project is far easier to complete with a Monkey Fist jig from Paracord Planet where you can find all necessary supplies, including ball bearings (The pictured Monkey's Fist is created by Para King using Paracord Planet Paracord).

Olympic: Curling 

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Paracord: Ultimate Survival Bracelet

  

Image Source: CBS

            Alas Curling, one of the most maligned sports in the Olympics for being simply put: ‘strange’. As a native Minnesotan, Curling holds a special place in my heart (Minnesota is a Curling powerhouse!), I myself have never participated, but respect the sport and those athletes that participate in it. People may not see the connection between Curling and Paracord, but trust me it is there. Curling is very unique in the range of skills is requires, teams must be athletic enough to push the rock precisely down the ice at a specific target, but must also have an excellent grasp of strategy and tactics. Curling simply has so many variables ranging from strength to knowing how hard to sweep to which rocks to aim for, that you really need to be prepared for anything. That is why it compares favorably with the idea of the ultimate survival bracelet. Pick Paracord, your array of survival buckles such as a compass, whistle or storage container from Paracord Planet and any Paracord weave you want and make the Ultimate Survival Bracelet so you will always be prepared. (And try Curling!).

I hope after reading this you feel inspired to take on some of these Olympic challenges, maybe while you cheer on Team USA? As always, please like our Facebook page and comment with the Olympic Paracord challenges you are taking on! Let the games begin!