Neat start for the ubiquitous paracord fob/lanyard

[rusco7614]

Hi guys,

I recently come up with this option for starting a four-strand crowned plait paracord fob, which I was really pleased with. All the lanyards/fobs I have seen elsewhere seem to start with an overhand knot (simple, but not very neat) or with a bead (I guess to keep the two legs of the starting loop together).


Completed fob, with Matthew Walker (MW) start, four-strand crowned plait, and footrope knot to finish.


MW start.


MW start (alt view).


After tying a MW in the longer piece of cord, insert the shorter section through the bottom part of the knot.


Underside view, showing shorter length of cord passing straight through bottom part of MW knot (using a small screwdriver, fid, or similar tool can make opening up the knot easier). You're now ready to start the crown plait.

Hope this is of interest, and hope the pictures make sense.

Russ

[deckhandiana]

That's brilliant, Russ, thanks.  I'm always looking at new ways of starting key fobs.  TIAT's blood knot on a loop (see his lizard tail sinnet) is a good alternative - as is his beginning to his round crown sinnet.

What have you used in the past? I usually use a three-strand plait, then a MW with the six strands - going on into crown knots or whatever.  But the plait can be a bit too bulky.

all the best,

Diana.

[Essexman]

I sometimes use a bead, or a lanyard knot looks good too.

Why not use the MWK at the start and finish? i.e. top and bottom?

[rusco7614]

Yep - a four-strand MW would work at the bottom as well. All comes down to personal preference with regard to aesthetics.

[dewildeman]

Rusco, I stopped using beads and went with starting the sennit with a wall knot and then a crown sennit.  I like the looks of the cord coming out of center instead of the sides, and you can always add a bead.

Dehandiana, you might take out the inner strands of the paracord to cut down on the bulk.  I usually "gut" the paracord for knife lanyards, it's easier to thread through the lanyard holes on most knives that way.

[deckhandiana]

I hadn't thought of that - thanks, dewildeman, I'll give it a go.

Diana.

[7times6]

I use a four strand diamond knot (over 2 under 2).
As I draw the diamond knot taught, I hide one of the pair (the one closest to the soon-to-be fob/sennit) in the diamond.

Although, I like the way yours flows into the fob.