What is paracord?
If you've missed out on paracord, don't worry, we'll tell you all about it below, so that you don't make a mistake when making your purchase.
You've been hearing about it for a while... you've clearly understood that paracord is widely used in the field of survival, but you haven't really grasped all the characteristics of this little piece of string with its amazing capabilities...
So here at Tellknives, we'd like to tell you all about this high value-added rope!
A rope "made in the USA
As is often the case, it all starts in the USA, with a rope made from several braided strands and surrounded by a nylon sheath. This rope, highly resistant by design, was used by American paratroopers during the Second World War. The prefix "para" was added to this cord, whose astonishingly sturdy properties need no further demonstration.
Paracord then became widely available, and several types of rope were developed, varying in thickness and therefore also in strength.
Different types of paracord
550 paracord
This is the most commonly used type. 550 stands for pounds and refers to its tensile strength. Converting pounds into kilos gives a tensile strength of 250 kg. Its 7-strand, nylon-sheathed core generally measures 4mm in diameter and can therefore support this load.
Paracord 275
Now that you're beginning to understand, you can see us coming... this paracord has half the tensile strength and can therefore support a total weight of 125 kg. Its 4-strand core measures just 2.4mm, allowing it to be used in a different way.
Battle Cord
This thick paracord features a 7-strand core in a nylon sheath. It can withstand a tensile load of 1200kgs with its 7 strands and 150kgs per strand.
Micro Cord
Micro Cord measures 1.18mm in diameter. Highly resistant, it is often used for DIY, backpacks, emergency kits, bracelets, cords, key rings and much more. Its tensile strength is 46 kg.
Nano Cord
This very thin paracord (0.75mm diameter) is nonetheless an excellent ally for all your DIY projects. Given its diameter, its tensile strength is just 17 kg.
A vast choice of colors
Of course, paracord is an opportunity to combine business with pleasure. And when it comes to being well-equipped, let's have a choice of colors!
It's even become an accessory for certain blades. Many knifemakers use paracord for their most beautiful braided pieces, and of course, equipment manufacturers are redoubling their ingenuity to come up with new colors and new effects...! At Tellknives, you'll find our favorite brand: Atwood Rope, offering a huge variety of different paracordes!
All sizes
Of course, paracord balls come in all sizes. If you'd like to take it around the block, no problem - we've got just what you need, just order...a spool!
Multiple uses
You'll find that your ball of paracord will last you a long time...
Remember how your grandparents never threw away a piece of string? It's the same with paracord...
Many survival enthusiasts weave a section of paracord into their expedition bags or bracelets. In its braided form, it takes up very little space and can get you out of a tight spot. Just undo the braid and you've got a good length of ultra-strong rope!
You should also know that if you cut your paracord, you'll slice the nylon sheath and gain access to the strands, which can be pulled out one by one to make separate strong threads. You can make 7 fishing lines from a single 550 paracord...
Numerous paracord accessories have been created to simplify your life, but nothing beats familiarizing yourself with a few possible uses for paracord to imagine all the potential you can get out of it. There are many books available to help you with this!
In addition to their robustness, all paracord is resistant to rot, UV and mildew.