Jeff iv got some of the real para cord that the British army use right now.
it is not 550 with the 7 strands, it has a single braided strand inside and that is filled with nylon i think. but its very strong, rot proof and lasts well.

PM me your address and i send some over.

it's cheap on the bay.

FWIW, Army/Navy, or Military Surplus stores/outlets usually have quite a stock of it, and it usually is reasonable in those places, last I visited one anyway.

I get my mil spec straight from the mouth of the horse, so to speak....

It really is pretty stupid that I brought it up, sorry for the hyjack, I appologize!  It makes no difference.  But to further muddy the wallow, British mil spec is quite different than USA mil spec... but rope is rope and it is all good.

Mike

hey tippit, i just tried it out on an old knife that i cleaed up.  works great i can see that most of the knives that i make for me will have this handle. simple and dont take near the time  as to making a real pretty hard handle.  thanks

Hey Mike, I appreciate your comments as I didn't know of the difference when buying it as 550 paracord.  I've had offer of a sample of the original USA mil spec and the British cord just to see the difference.  But beyond that any cordage with or without the filler will work just fine...Doc

thanks for the info doc!!! my next knife is getting it done to the handle for sure

nice, Jeff. I just saw a pic in a new Knife Illustrated of a wrap similar to that, with epoxy kicked into the mix. Looked neat.

Tippit, didn't I hear you say the guy that first mentioned you use paracord should get a free knife?  :rolleyes:  

Great tutorial, I'm just surprised you're not doing turks-head knots and all that by now. Must be spending all your time hammering and grinding steel instead of "knitting".

JC,  I thought that was a given! I have done some fancy knots on the end of the cord...but when you cut the wrap off after the week of hunting for a new one, a simple over hand knot will do     Doc

Yes but those really fancy knots cut off so much nicer after a week.........bowdoc

Have you tried expoxying the cord like Ray mentioned? Maybe get the same effect without having to retie. Course, don't fix what ain't broke...I can testify they provide excellent grip even when covered in bear fat.  

I haven't tried to epoxy...but there may be one in bear camp next spring.  Best place to try anything different  

What a great idea men.Doc we could put it to the test next spring.Let's say skinning bouts 28 bears in two weeks ?? bowdoc

Yer killing me Bowdaddy! That just ain't right, rubbing it in on a feller that cain't go...    

Maybe you could put in a good word for me to Tom and I could come as camp skinner?

Well I love ya and all,but camp skinner is not what they call ya up there.There ai'nt many women and children around and I believe the term is camp lady of the night.Now Tom may and I say may be looking for a good strong young male baiter to give him a hand...........bowdoc

You mean a masturbaiter don't you Doc  

Now those are not polite things to say...you've seen me handle a knife, right?