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People have been adding accessories to their handmade knives ever since the invention of the tool. Whether you own a combat knife, a survival blade, or a utility knife, you always add accessories to it. When it comes to different kinds of knives, nearly all of them, you know, tend to have holes in their handles, and honestly, a lot of folks don’t really know what those are meant for. One use of holes on knife handles is for installing a lanyard. These simple yet handy accessories can enhance a knife’s appearance and functionality.
It is not uncommon for people to install a lanyard on their knives right after they buy them. However, other people later realize the importance of a lanyard and want to buy one for their blade.
Adding a lanyard to your knife is a worthy investment, and you can’t go wrong with buying one. That said, not all lanyards are made equal, and a large variety of lanyards are available on the market. So if you were looking for the best lanyard for yourself, then you have landed at the correct article. We are going to list down our picks for the best lanyards from various categories to help you make up your mind.
Simply put, a lanyard is an extension of your knife that comes in the form of a cord or a strap. This accessory can be secured to your knife’s handle via dedicated holes, and it extends the knife’s contact point for the user. Whether you use a knife for self-defense or outdoor use, this accessory instantly makes your knife more useable.
It is difficult to drop or lose your knife when it is attached to your wrist via an additional cord. Not to mention lanyards are beautifully designed to add a level of customization to your knife. You can make your knife more expressive by adding a unique lanyard that matches your taste.
Lanyards also offer a variety of grips, whether it is a one-finger grip, two-finger grip, wrist grip, or a full-hand grip. So depending on how you want to secure your knife, you can choose from different lanyards that offer different grips. Either way, once you get used to using a knife with a lanyard attachment, it is going to be difficult to use it without one.
From the added grip support to the visual appeal, a lanyard is going to change the way you use knives forever.
A high-quality knife lanyard is a blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. When it comes to material durability, the most coveted materials are paracord and leather.
Paracord is highly prized for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for the adventurous outdoorsman.
Leather, on the other hand, exudes a classic appeal and tends to age gracefully while providing a sturdy grip. The ease of attachment is a crucial factor that cannot be overlooked.
A well-designed lanyard will have a simple yet secure attachment mechanism, allowing for swift access to your knife while ensuring it remains steadfastly in place during your endeavors. Lastly, a lanyard’s aesthetic appeal significantly enhances the knife’s overall allure. A myriad of designs ranging from minimalist to ornate, along with a palette of colors, allows enthusiasts to personalize their gear, reflecting their style and the character of their blade.
Whether you lean towards a rugged, practical lanyard or a finely crafted ornamental piece, the market offers a vast array of options to ensure your knife is not only readily accessible but also a reflection of your persona.
Customization speaks to the heart of every knife enthusiast, allowing a personal touch to their cherished blades. For those with a penchant for DIY, making your knife lanyard can be a rewarding endeavor. With a bit of paracord, leather, or even paracord beads, and some simple tutorials easily found online, one can create a unique lanyard that resonates with personal style. There are plentiful resources available, from online forums to instructional videos, providing a step-by-step guide to lanyard making. The process not only imbues a sense of accomplishment but also deepens the bond between the artisan and the blade.
Video credit: The Weavers of Eternity Paracord.
On the flip side, for those seeking a professionally crafted piece, some artisans excel in creating custom lanyards. They can be found on platforms like Etsy, at Noblie knife store, or local craft fairs. These skilled craftsmen can tailor a lanyard to your exact specifications, ensuring a perfect marriage between your knife and its new accessory.
Attaching a lanyard to your knife is a straightforward affair. The process generally involves threading the lanyard through the hole at the end of the knife handle and securing it with a knot or a bead. Whether you opt for a simple knot or a more elaborate weave, the attachment process is an opportunity to further personalize your knife, making it truly your own while adding an extra layer of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Video credit: Emerson Knives.
Proper maintenance and care of your knife lanyard are quintessential in ensuring its longevity and continued aesthetic appeal. The regimen begins with regular cleaning. For fabric-based lanyards like paracord or nylon, a gentle hand wash using mild soap and water will suffice, while leather lanyards may require a specialized leather cleaner to maintain their suppleness and luster. It’s imperative to allow your lanyard to air dry thoroughly to prevent any mildew buildup.
Beyond cleaning, a routine inspection for signs of wear and tear is prudent. Look for fraying, discoloration, or any weakening of the material, especially around the attachment points. A worn lanyard can be a liability, potentially leading to loss or damage to your knife. If you notice significant wear, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Furthermore, if your lanyard comes adorned with beads, charms, or metal components, ensure they are securely fastened and free from tarnish. A metal polish or Renaissance Wax can help keep metallic elements shiny and corrosion-free, while gentle buffing can remove any scratches or tarnish.
For those with a penchant for customization, maintenance is also an opportune time to refresh the look of your lanyard, perhaps by adding new beads, charms, or even re-weaving a paracord lanyard in a new pattern.
YouTube video by: The Weavers of Eternity Paracord.
There is no shortage of lanyards online, and it is easy to get tricked into buying a low-quality one. That is why we have picked only the best knife lanyards among hundreds of products. Without further ado, here are our picks for the best knife lanyards:
CooB Knife Lanyard | Best looking lanyard
If you are looking for a lanyard that can add both functionality and visual appeal to your knife, then the CooB Knife Lanyard is a good option for you. This lanyard offers the perfect blend of design and durability with a decent length making it ideal for pocketknives.
The CooB Knife Lanyard is handmade, and if you buy it from the official store, you can rest assured that you are getting the real thing. The unique feature of this lanyard is the animal-themed bead attached to the strap, and there is a wide selection of animals to choose from.
Specifications
Size: 5-5,3″
Color: Red, Green, Blue, Black, and Golden
Material: Paracord, Bronze
Pros
Cons
FOOMEXT EDC Knife Lanyards | Best design lanyard
If it’s the style and design you are looking for, then the FOOMEXT EDC lanyard should be your consideration. This lanyard has a vintage design with a touch of modern colors, making it a striking option for your knife. It comes with three beads, and the cord material is strong enough to withstand most heavy-duty uses.
Like the previous entry, the FOOMEXT EDC is also handmade and promises high quality and durability. This knife lanyard is designed with outdoor use in mind, and therefore its design matches a hunter’s knife the most. With that said, you can also use it for knives that are mostly used at home or for work.
Specifications
Size: 4″
Color: Green, Blue, and Brown
Material: Paracord, Bronze
Pros
Cons
Combat Ready 5.75″ Monkey Fist Lanyard | Best combat lanyard
If you use your knife primarily for self-defense, then the Combat Ready 5.75″ Monkey Fist is a great option for you. The green camo design and the larger fist grip make this lanyard ideal for combat knives. This lanyard doesn’t have any extra beads or other distractions attached to it.
The Monkey Fist lanyard offers a minimalistic design required for hand-to-hand combat. Fits perfectly in your fist, and the other end of this lanyard has a steel ball wrapped inside the cord for added defense.
You do not want to be hit by the steel ball-wrapped end of this lanyard. This handmade lanyard is going to make your combat knife is designed to make your combat knife even more effective and mean-looking.
Specifications
Size: 5.75″
Color: Green camo
Material: Paracord, Steel
Pros
Cons
M-Tac Knife Lanyard Zeus | Best nylon lanyard
Paracord may be durable, but it can’t match the toughness and the smooth finish of a nylon lanyard. All the previous entries in our list of best knife lanyards were paracord based. However, the M-Tac Lanyard Zeus is made from nylon, which makes it much more durable and resistant to various elements. If your knife gets exposed to elements quite often, then the nylon construction of this lanyard makes it a perfect fit for your blade. Nylon is water resistant and can resist the most abuse the environment can throw at this lanyard.
As far as the styling is concerned, this lanyard comes with three beads that complement the knife with their golden color. Ideal for knives that contain a hint of yellow or golden color in their construction.
Specifications
Size: 5.3″
Color: Olive, Black, Camo, and Coyote
Material: Nylon, Metal
Pros:
Cons:
275 Paracord Dual Bead Knife Lanyard | Most customizable lanyard
Couldn’t find the right color lanyard for your knife yet? The 275 Paracord Dual Bead Lanyard offers 36 different cord colors for you to choose from. The cord color is not the only customization you can choose when buying this lanyard. You also get to choose between five different bead colors.
So, if you are someone who likes to match their lanyard precisely to their knife and taste, then this lanyard is the perfect option. This lanyard also offers a decent size and a good grip, so you get style and function with this product.
Specifications
Size: 7″
Color: 36 distinct colors
Material: Paracord, Steel
Pros
Cons
1. Why would I need a knife lanyard?
A knife lanyard serves multiple purposes. It enhances the accessibility of your knife, ensuring it’s within easy reach whenever needed. Additionally, a lanyard provides an extra level of security to prevent accidental loss or dropping of the knife, especially in outdoor or challenging environments. Moreover, it can be a personal expression of style, adding a unique aesthetic touch to your knife.
2. What materials are commonly used in knife lanyards and which one is the best?
Knife lanyards are crafted from a variety of materials including paracord, leather, nylon, and metal chains. The “best” material largely depends on individual preferences and the intended use. Paracord is highly versatile and durable, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. Leather, on the other hand, offers a classic aesthetic and tends to age gracefully over time. It’s advisable to consider the environment in which you’ll be using the lanyard and choose a material that aligns with your needs and style.
So there you have it, we have listed all the best lanyards from different categories to aid your buying decision. Each entry in our list is unique and brings its distinct features to the table. You can’t go wrong with either of the products listed above. However, you should only pick the one that matches your needs and, most importantly, falls within your budget.
Now that you know, which lanyards are best from each category you can skip the lengthy research and buy one that suits you the best.
Author: Aleks Nemtcev | Connect with me on LinkedIn
References:
Top 7 Paracord Knife Lanyards and Why You Need One outsidepulse.com
Paracord Lanyard Patterns | Tutorials ideas4diy.com
5 Reasons to Add a Lanyard or Fob to a Pocket Knife blog.knife-depot.com
I’ve always underestimated the utility of knife lanyards until I started using one. It’s a game-changer, especially when outdoors! This list you’ve provided gives some great options for all knife enthusiasts. I’m excited to try a few more designs!
I’ve got a bit of a knife collection going, and the whole lanyard thing has always caught my eye. Apart from jazzing up my blade, they’ve got some nifty practical perks like that extra grip or making pocket pulls a breeze. After giving this post a read, I’m thinking of trying out a few lanyard looks on my go-to EDC. Any of you folks have a line on top-notch paracord brands or some standout bead designs?
You’re on the right track, buddy! Lanyards can definitely add a personalized touch to your EDC. As for paracord brands, I’ve personally had a good experience with “Titan Paracord.” It’s sturdy and holds up well over time. For unique bead designs, there’s a craftsman on Etsy named “CathayBlade” who makes some pretty neat custom beads. Might be worth checking out for something that catches your eye. And remember, the best part about lanyards is making them your own, so have fun experimenting!
Cheers,
Tom