Paracord!

July 1, 2014

First used during World War II, paracord (or parachute cord) is a very strong nylon cord that can be used in lieu of shoelaces, bungee cords, or rope in emergency situations. Paracord bracelets resemble friendship bracelets--if the string used to make friendship bracelets were several times thicker--and they're popular among outdoor types, survivalists, and preppers because many designs can be easily converted back to rope if needed. In this collection, Mikkelsen (Paracord 101; Prepper Paracord) provides directions for 21 different paracord projects--the majority of the entries are bracelets, although there are a few other projects included. Most of the techniques involve little more than basic knotting, and since the cord is so thick, the projects are quick to make. Paracord is available in many colors, so crafters can make a variety of colorful accessories to suit their personal style. Mikkelsen's directions are excellent, with plenty of close-up photographs of each knot or weave, making the creations easy to replicate. He does a good job distinguishing among accessories that are suitable for survival purposes (i.e., can be unraveled and used as rope) vs. those that are simply something fun to wear. VERDICT It's a rare book that has the potential to interest young people who like to make bracelets and lanyards out of colorful cord as well as the survivalist/prepper audience, but this one just might.

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