Valentine's Day Victory

Image Source: TIAT

Valentine’s Day Victory

This week we not only remind you that Valentine’s Day is in a week, but help you out with a few great Paracord ideas that the special person in your life is bound to love.

            If you guys are like me, the coming days are likely to be filled with worry, trepidation and fear and that is not just because football is over for the year; Valentine’s Day is next week. But what must not be lost in our wailing and gnashing of teeth is the idea that this might just be one of the most important holidays of the year. You may laugh in the face of danger and think of Valentine’s Day as a simple corporate gimmick designed to make you spend what little money of yours survived Christmas, but to the special someone in your life—it is no laughing matter. Valentine’s Day is something akin to a tryout, not only are you judged against your peers (trust me this happens), but fail to make the cut and you may find yourself back in your parents basement, for much different reasons than high school.

            So this Valentine’s Day, we at Paracord Planet have you covered, let’s make the team. If anything is true about women it is this: (1) They love getting thoughtful gifts that you either took the time to make or otherwise picked out in a way that shows your thoughtfulness (2) They love getting gifts. So we are going to put both of these facts to work you this week, you are going to make your special lady a Paracord Product. Women will love the fact that you took the time to make this yourself, it will look great and if you the two of you are into the outdoors at all, it is an extremely practical gift as well.

Image Source: HypKnotic via Etsy.com

            For the advanced Paracorder that is looking to really give their loved one something nice, JD the great guy from Tying It All Together (TIAT) offers a tremendous video on how to tie a ‘Celtic Heart’ knot. He shows both a large and small knot version of the video, the knot is sure to capture the heart of your lady. As JD himself explains: “...The knot looks amazing as the center piece to a necklace or bracelet,” I could not agree more myself.            Regardless of if you are a rookie in the Paracord game or a Pro, not to worry. I advise       buying Paracord from Paracord Planet in two of your significant other’s favorite colors, otherwise ‘Rose Pink’ and ‘White’ are two great Valentine’s Day colors. For beginners I recommend this video  from YouTube User tovamos816, which should clearly explain how to make a basic Paracord bracelet. For those that are a little more advanced, I recommend this video on the ‘Solomon’s Heart’ Bracelet, provided by YouTube UserChaoticThinking1. It is a beautiful design that will remind the woman in your life of Valentine’s Day every time she wears it.

Image Source: Paracord Planet

Be sure to share and comment what option you went with as well as like our Facebook page, thanks for reading! I almost hate to say it, but for those of you out there who suffer from clumsy fingers, a lack of time or simple apathy, there is a solution for you. This Paracord Planet page offers a multitude of bracelets that come with several great options. Most notably, the bracelets allow you to pick your colors and even get custom engraving. However, when choosing custom engraving, please allow extra shipping time for the engraving process. No matter what Paracord need you have, Paracord Planet has you covered and is sure to make your Valentine’s Day a huge success.

Be sure to share and comment what option you went with as well as like our Facebook page, and please subscribe to our RSS feed so you never miss an update, thanks for reading!

The Super Paracord Blog

Super Para Blog

With the America’s biggest game at the forefront of our focus, I thought I would talk a little Football… and Paracord of course!

            Like many Americans, I have an obsession with football; however I believe I take my devotion to the sport a bit further. Not only did I play football in college, but I am also a lifelong Vikings fan; trust me when I say nothing reveals the character of a man quite like devotion to the Vikings. I love football and view it as an art form, much in the same way I do Paracord. As you all know, I am extremely passionate about Paracord and this week we will combine ingredients for one awesome blog!

            In many ways, making Paracord projects is analogous to the game of football. It takes preparation (getting the right cord—colors, amount and other necessary supplies), focus (ever tied a Paracord knot?) and nothing is sweeter than victory (that perfectly finished bracelet). Not to mention the studying involved; be it game tape for football players or How-To video for the avid Paracorders out there. Just as a receiver makes a stunning one-handed toe-tapping fingertip catch, so must a Paracorder gracefully dance from thread to thread, being sure to juke, spin and hurdle when necessary. I find the two entities similar and that is a large reason why I love them both, but how do they intersect?

As this Paracord Planet team member Paulette’s photo demonstrates, football and Paracord go together like Brady and Belichick. Paracord is a tremendous material to make bracelets with not only because of its survival capabilities, but also for how stylish you can make it. Paulette is sporting a Turk’s head knot bracelet she made using ‘International Orange’ Paracord from Paracord Planet. Her friend in the photo has a fairly simple Cobra Weave pattern bracelet using ‘International Orange’ and “Midnight Blue.” This is a great example of just one of the ways you can use Paracord to demonstrate your team spirit; there are many videos out there on how to do everything from a bracelet to a lanyard and you can always get your favorite Team’s colors from Paracord Planet.

In fact, Paracord Planet is having a sale on Broncos and Seahawks Combo Kits right now, be sure to check them out. If you are interested in making a Turk’s head please click here, if you do not have time to make your own before the big game, check out our fishtail bracelets or all our bracelets and simply pick your team’s colors. Lanyards can be found here. 

No matter which team wins on Sunday, be sure to enjoy the game with your friends and family and keep your eyes and ears open for Paracord Inspiration.

Paracord Planet is always having great surprise sales, “Like” our Facebook page to make sure you are always on top of them. As always, please share and comment!

Dream Weaver: Sam's Six Favorite Paracord Weaves

Dream Weaver: Sam’s Six Favorite Paracord Weaves

I have blogged about great Paracord products, gear and ideas in the past; this week I take a little time to point out a few of my favorite weave patterns.

Image Source: Tangled Knot Designs

        Shark Jaw Bone

Selfishly, this one occupies the top spot based on pure aesthetics. I think this bracelet has a very sleek, aggressive look to it, something that can be hard to capture in Paracord Products at times. You can easily learn to make it here from the experts at TIAT. As always, I recommend taking advantage of Paracord Planet's amazing color selection to be sure you find the perfect colors.

Quick Deploy

In contrast to my first indulging ranking, this one is based purely on functionality, which after all, lies at the core of every Paracord project. This weave pattern enables you to quickly deploy your Paracord in a matter of mere moments—the perfect bracelet to carry on all of your adventures. The video by YouTube user paradudeaz offers a great tutorial on how make one of your own. Paracord and shackles can be found at Paracord Planet. 

Extreme Weave (Trilobite Bar)

This is another weave that wins mainly on appearance.The almost-striped pattern is extremely unique and as a sports fanatic, a fresh red and white weave really reminds me of baseball. 

Image Source: Paracord Planet

 It is also a very flat weave making it very comfortable to wear (even as I type this incredible blog) so you never need to take it off. DIY kits for this weave and others are available from Paracord Planet. If further instruction is needed TIAT offers a video that helps explain in great detail.

Triple Cobra

As an avid hunter I am licking my chops for hunting season (figuratively for hunting, literally for lunch break) because this year I am going to be making several Paracord slings for my rifle and shotgun. There is a plethora of ways to make them out there, but this video by YouTube user gearsNtools shows the best weave, the triple cobra. As a hunter who has had his fair share of poor quality slings over the years a strong, broad sling that doesn’t dig into your shoulder is ideal. Not to mention it will not rot or mildew and in a pinch I have quite a bit of Paracord on hand! A great selection of high-quality camo Paracord can be found here. 

Image Source: TACummings

Switchback Path Bar

The Switchback Path Bar weave makes the list not only because it reminds me of mountainous switchback roads as I stare over the plains of North Dakota, but also for its incredible design. 

Image Source: TIAT

The switchback is extremely appealing to the eye, offering an intricate, recognizable, multicolor design. It also is unique in the elasticity of the bracelet offered by the special weave. Be sure to check out TIAT’s video on how to tie it.

Sailor/Turk’s Head Knot

Image Source: WhatKnotShop

The Turk’s Head Weave is an awesome weave that offers one of the most ornamental Paracord designs possible. As the young woman in the video explains, for all of you ladies out there looking for a great summer bracelet, this weave will replace that short-lived hemp bracelet. Paracord abounds with longevity because it will never rot or mildew no matter how much time you spend in the sun or water this summer. As a guy, I also think the Turks head looks terrific when made with masculine colors. In addition to its use as a bracelet, it can also be used as a can coozie or coffee holder.

As always, be sure to check Paracord Planet's Facebook page for the latest deals, share and comment and let me know what your favorite weave is!

Mighty, Mighty Micro Cord

Mighty, Mighty Micro Cord

Last week I showed you how a little light can make a big difference, this week it’s cord.

            For every Batman there is a Robin, for every Jordan there is a Pippen and yes for every 550 Paracord there is a Micro Paracord. However, don’t let the small stature of this cord fool you. Micro Paracord is one of those underappreciated cords that many think is too weak to have a real niche in the Paracord world and in accordance, ignore it. Today you will realize how useful Micro cord is and just like Indiana Jones without his whip, your Paracord adventures are not complete without it.

            Ever have a customer say “I like your bracelets but they are just too bulky” or “Gee, I would love to buy this for my son, but those are way too big!”? Well that is where Micro cord picks up the slack (pun intended, as usual). At approximately 70% smaller in diameter than traditional 550 cord, Micro cord is the perfect blend of strength (100 lb test) and size. Micro cord can be used to make smaller less obtrusive bracelets which can be especially appealing to women and children looking for lighter survival gear.

            Beyond bracelets, Micro Paracord is the perfect Paracord to use for necklaces. No one wants a stiff, noose-like leash around their neck; Micro cord provides the perfect balance between function and comfort. It is also small enough to make small symbols for your necklace such as a cross or breast cancer ribbon. Additionally, micro Paracord holds a distinct advantage over its 550 counterpart in that it can be used to fish with in a pinch—no need to tear apart the sheath!

As always, be sure to check Paracord Planet's Facebook page for the latest deals, share and comment! If you are looking to pick some up, Paracord Planet is my favorite supplier!

Beating the Boot Blues

Beating the Boot Blues

A simple answer to an age old problem.

            I put my boots away last night and thought to myself for likely the tenth time: I wonder how long these laces will last. If you are like me, the laces on your boots are about as reliable as cell phone coverage in Western North Dakota; no matter the quality of the boot, your laces never last. After a few weeks of trudging through water or snow followed by subsequent drying in my home, my laces look like something that should be found in a sarcophagus. When I tie them I inevitably am left with a chalky residue and as the rabbit rounds the tree and is heading for home, they are sure to snap.

            Well I have had enough, and am doing something I should have ages ago: replacing my regular laces with Paracord. For all of you out there who have not done so already, it is time to replace your footwear laces with Paracord laces. Whether they are snow boots, hunting boots, or the latest Jordan’s, your footwear could use a lace upgrade. And for all you weekend warriors out there, Paracord makes a great replacement laces for hockey laces which are constantly getting cut in the locker room or any football cleat out there. Paracord is incredibly strong and will never rot or mildew, regardless of if you are trudging through the North Dakota snow or going for an evening run in a normal-climate state, Paracord has your back.

            The reliability of Paracord laces are only matched by its style and practicality.  Standard Paracord 550 is available from Paracord Planet in over 300 incredible colors. Ranging from ‘Acid Brown’ and ‘Arctic Camo’ for those boots to ‘Starburst’ for your latest Nike Frees, Paracord Planet has your Paracord lace needs covered (be sure to check out the color chart for the full selection). Additionally, there is always the added benefit of every Paracord product: survival. Paracord is a great item to have on you, especially in the outdoors because you never know when an emergency situation might occur and you might need some strong cord to fasten a shelter or splint.

As always, be sure to check Paracord Planet's Facebook page for the latest deals, share and comment!