Thursday, July 26, 2012

Caterpillar Solomon Bar (on a clip)



This is a picture tutorial of how to make a Caterpillar Footed Solomon Bar on a clip. I like the neatness and overall cool factor a clip provides to a paracord bracelet (even though the plastic clips aren't as strong as paracord!) and for that reason I like tying with them and showing others how to as well. Once you learn how to incorporate clips it`s very easy to try out different braids with them. 

The Caterpillar Footed Solomon bar is an easy variation of the very popular Solomon Bar or Cobra Stitch that look's great and is very unique.

First step is watch the video by JD of TIAT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBTvbfI9W34 about how to tie this great braid. Unlike JD I used 7 ft of the camo colored cord and 4 ft of the black. I tied about a 7" bracelet and had more than enough of both colors left over. After you've cut the cord you are ready for the first step in tying.
1. Find the middle of the longer cord (camo) and tie a cow hitch/larks head on one side of the clip.







2. Find the middle of the shorter cord (black) and tie a cow hitch/larks head on the other side of the clip (divided). 
3. Start the longer cord (camo) as JD does in his video. Then pass the shorter cords (black) through the loops.

4. Start tying the braid as JD does. I flipped my bracelet to the underside to tie exactly like JD does.




5. After reaching the desired length run the shorter (black) cord through the cow hitch then cut and singe ends.

6. Cut and singe ends of the longer cord (camo). It should stay in place if you flare the singed ends since it is tied in a square knot.



 This is the difference between the loop and knot version and the clip version. The clip version looks neater and you don't have an uncomfortable ball underneath your wrist.

Thank you for reading and I hope this is helpful. If you have any questions feel free to post or contact me through this email.

Thanks again!

Zack


Monday, May 21, 2012

Turkey Tote Take 1




This was my first attempt at a turkey tote, a paracord handle that makes it easy to carry a turkey out of the woods. I used a tire-tread bar as the hand grip and extended the start of both cords to make the tote part. I used a metal split ring to form a larks head/cow hitch around the turkeys legs ( here a piece of metal) but you could just as easily use the paracord to form a larks head.

It's a simple design that is as strong as the paracord it's tied with. Next time I'll make the handle longer for a better grip and make the paracord that hold's the legs longer as well.
Until next time-TUATKTD (tying up anything that's Knot tied down!)





Sinnett Knife Lanyard with clip

This project contains both square and round sinnet braids as well as wall knots. I like this design because it has no weakness, ending and starting with looped paracord. This is possible because I ran the braid over the cord in the middle. That is I started in the middle of two cords with a variation of the square sinnet knot, ran out both loops then started braiding over one of the loops.

This project is also neat because I took the inner cords out of the green cord but left them in the desert sand cord. It worked well and gave it an interesting look compared to either the fully inner-corded or no inner cords. It works well, looks good, and hangs the knife where I want it.
Signing off- TUATKTD




Saturday, May 19, 2012

Stitched Solomon / Snake-bite Fob


Still tying! Sorry for my long absence been a busy time I'm ready to get back to the project. Just tied this fob for my Swiss army knife. I actually started with the snake-bite, then the two cords down about 3 inches, and came back with the stitched solomon. If I do this again I'll start with the Stitched and end with the snake-bite, putting the excess cord in the middle of the snake-bite. Have more posts on the way, stay tuned!


Thursday, January 26, 2012

Para-cord Duck call lanyard with retriever loops

 
This is a custom lanyard that incorporates the entire duck hunters needs. The 4 "drops" or noose knots are for holding duck calls.  The 2 loops are for attaching dog shock collar controllers or any other retriever device. With a simple "larks head" or "cow hitch" these loops will hold these devices secure while letting your hands stay free.
The color of this lanyard was camouflage on one side and orange on the other. This way the orange stays hidden from the ducks but is there if you loose it in the brush.



Sunday, January 22, 2012

First Para-cord Duck Call Lanyard

I made my first duck call lanyard for a buddy at N.C. State. He wanted a lanyard to hold 5 calls in black and camo color. I learned a lot from making this lanyard and I've also made changes since this one. The first thing I learned was the design. The design is essentially two stands of para-cord in a snake-bite braid . I started in the middle of the two ropes with a square sinnet knot. This allows the cord to remain strong by not compromising it by cutting and knotting it back together. For the "drops" or nose knots that hold the duck calls I put 2 para-cord strands in the middle of the snakebite braid. This gives more strength to the braid and insures the drop will not break or come apart from the lanyard.

I also try to use each aspect of the rope for something. I've seen others tie onto their lanyards to make drops. My system doesn't rely on knots but rather each cord is made into the lanyard. Also if I cut a piece of rope it has two ends. I try to use both ends by running each out of the lanyard to hold duck calls. I used 3 pieces of rope (so 6 ends) to tie this lanyard.

I've learned a lot since this lanyard that has lead to some design modifications. I use more cord for the "drops" in an effort to let hunters pick up one call at a time without moving the rest of the lanyard. I also make each side one color instead of both sides being both colors. For example on this lanyard one side would be black and the other camo. I'm still learning and updating my design. My hope is to continue branching out with different designs and applications of para-cord.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Quacky Calls Collaboration

I'm working with Chris Harrell of http://quackycalls.com/ on duck call lanyard systems. Chis is located in eastern North Carolina and makes custom duck calls and turkey calls. If you go to the store section you can see pictures of my custom lanyard systems. You will also see order options for colors available and styles. Also check out Chris's calls they are priced affordable and are of high quality.

Monkey Fist Croakies

 I really like making the monkey fist knot and I wanted to see what it can be applied to. I tied this using JD's design of knotting two pieces of para-cord together (I used a lanyard knot but an overhand knot will do) for a two color design. Since I used para-cord and not a steel ball for the middle of the monkey fist it's light weight but still has the look of a regular monkey fist. I tied multiple overhand knots to attach the croakies to your glasses.

Bug Belly Bar Key Fob

This is a bug belly bar key fob in neon green. I've seen this in a bracelet and on a clip so I'll probably try that soon. I really like this design it's wide and flat and it also is very intricate.

Stitched Solomon Bar


This is a stitched solomon bar bracelet in black and woodland camo finished with a lanyard knot. I really like this design because it is slender and it is a little thicker than others.  The design is from JD of TIAT. Also Stormdrane has his own versions of this design.