Yes, here we go again! I’ve written about local sources for paracord at least twice:
Home Depot Now Selling Paracord……Not Really, and
More Local Paracord Options
Yesterday, I stumbled across another option, and while it wasn’t paracord in bulk, the way I prefer to buy my paracord, it WAS…the real deal! Or at least mighty close. And better still, made in the USA!
While killing time while watching my daughters fill a shopping cart with odds and ends at the local Michaels, a craft and hobby supply store,
I ran across and end cap loaded with paracord and paracord craft accessories. And since they have a few locations around the world, odds are most of my readers has a location near you.
(Click to enlarge)
Regarding the products I’m speaking of, all are made by a “Division of Pepperell Braiding Company, In Continuous Operation Since 1917” Located in Pepperell, MA. I’ve looked some of their products over, and they are much better than I expected.
Paracord, per MilSpec MIL-C-5040H, states that Type III (550 cord) should be composed a sheath with 7 to 9 twisted strands. Containing 7 strands of twisted nylon, the Pepperell paracord seems to have both the look and feel of the old military surplus cord I am used to seeing (when old surplus milsurp 550 can be found). Excellent!
Is it 100% MilSpec? Probably not, particulalry when you consider the colors offered. THe rainebow color scheme you see above is NOT a certified MIL-C-5040H color! . But as far useability goes, I’m going to say I’m satisfied with this product line.
As to local selection, they had quite a range of colors and accessories to offer.
Buckles of various sizes, whistles, skulls, compasses and even completed bracelets with a variety of the accessories mentioned above.
And for those wanting to try it yourself, the even had DIY paracord kits, with all the materials and an instruction book.
If you were looking for ideas, they also offered a book, Parachute Cord Craft: Quick and Simple Instructions for 22 Cool Projects. Looking through the book, I even saw some things I was interested in trying, including a simple flipflop modification, similar to my custom paracord footwear.
I was obligated to pick up a variety of their products…for research, of course. I also picked up one of the DIY kits, something I’ve not opened yet, waiting to do a full review on it. I’m looking forward to checking it out.
While these products won’t fit the bill for some of the hard core paracord enthusiasts, this product line is a great option for quick projects, and they are readily available.
Finally, I’ve found a decent local source for some decent paracord.
Now to find a local source for manatee steaks……..
Peace,
db
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Okay, that was just wrong. Manatee Steaks? Puhleeze. I was starting to consider you an honorary cracker until I saw that (okay, some of my ancestors may have eaten them, I admit it). I will eat alot of the native foods that most won’t (boar, mullett, squirrel, polk salad, palm shoots to name a few) but i draw the line at Manatee.
What do you have against manatee? Have you tasted it, and it does NOT taste like ribeye???
I have absolutely nothing adainst manatees, heck I’ve hugged Snooty. I’m just pretty sure it ain’t worth the problems tasting one. What with the FFWC breathing down your neck for catching snook outa season. I am sure they don’t taste like ribeye, but gator don’t taste like chicken. Closer to fishy pork as my youngest put it. I once read where they served 2 porpoises at George Washington’s Inaugural Ball. I ain’t standing in line for a taste of Flipper either.
So you CAN’T prove that they don’t taste like ribeyes!
😛
Perhaps a manatee farm would help to boost the numbers in the wild? I would be willing to shell out a few FRNs for free range river grass fed manatee steak (providing they DO taste like ribeye and not fishy diesel fuel as I suspect).