Paracord for Survival – How to Wrap a Knife Handle with 550 Paracord (Video)

Not using paracord for survival prepping? If not, you should. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways real, mil-spec 550 paracord can save your life. Trapping, fishing, shelter construction, personal hygiene, the list goes on.

Integrating paracord with another survival tool, like wrapping it around a machete handle, makes it so convenient to carry that there’s no reason not to include it in your arsenal.

Paracord for Survival Video - How to Wrap a Machete Handle with 550 Paracord

Paracord Wrapped Machete Handle - Step by Step

Materials List:

• Approx. 14 feet of 550 paracord
  
• Large paperclip
  
• Needle nose pliers
  
• Scissors
  
• Lighter
  

Instructions:

1. Place your machete or knife on a flat surface. Find the mid-point of the length of paracord rope and center it under the top of the handle.

2. Make a loop on the right side, running the remaining length of cord under the handle and over the left-side strand of paracord.

3. Take the left-side strand and run it over the handle and through the loop on the right side.

4. Finish the weave by pulling the strands tight.

5. Make a loop on the left side, running the remaining length of cord under the handle and over the right-side strand of paracord.

6. Take the right-side strand and run it over the handle and through the loop on the left side.

7. Again, pull the strands snug to complete the weave.

8. Repeat this process down the entire length of the handle. Be sure to push the strands of paracord up against the previous weave to ensure a nice, tight weave pattern.

Remember to alternate the loops right, left, right, left, etc. so the weave interlocks properly.

9. Bend a large paperclip straight. Using the needle nose pliers, bend a small crook in one end.

10. Run the crook through the last weave on the palm-side of the handle.

11. Bring the strand from the finger side of the handle up, around, and place the end in the crook.

12. Work the crook backward, pulling the paracord completely through. Both strands should be side-by-side.

13. Knot the strands at the base of the handle.

Tip: Pull one strand at a time while pushing on the knot to tighten properly.

14. Measure out about 6 to 8 inches from the first knot and make another knot to form the wrist strap. Make the second knot loose initially so you can make adjustments. Once satisfied with the fit, fully tighten the knot.

15. Cut the excess cordage, leaving ½ to 1 inch. Singe the cut ends of paracord with a lighter to prevent fraying. You can compress the melted ends with your fingers for added durability.

But please note, they will be (naturally) very hot.

Done! In addition to your knife, you now have nearly 14 feet of 550 paracord for survival situations and emergencies.