The Fascinating History of Paracord: From WWII to Your Wrist

Paracord, short for parachute cord, has a rich military history that dates back to World War II. Today, it's found everywhere from survival kits to fashion accessories. But how did this humble rope make such an incredible journey?

The Origins: World War II

Type III paracord, also known as 550 cord (due to its minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds), was originally developed for use in parachute suspension lines during World War II. American paratroopers quickly discovered that this lightweight, strong cordage had countless applications beyond parachuting.

After landing, soldiers would cut their parachute suspension lines and use the cord for various tasks:

Securing gear and equipment
Building shelters
Repairing clothing and equipment
Creating traps and snares
Emergency medical applications

The Anatomy of 550 Paracord

What makes true military-grade paracord so special is its construction. The cord consists of:

Outer sheath (mantle): A woven nylon outer layer that provides abrasion resistance
Inner core: Seven 2-ply yarns (strands), each capable of holding approximately 35 pounds

This construction gives paracord its versatility. In a survival situation, the inner strands can be removed and used separately for tasks requiring finer cordage, such as fishing line or sewing thread.

From Military to Mainstream

After the war, surplus paracord became available to civilians. Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and survivalists quickly adopted it for their gear. By the 1980s, paracord was a staple in survival kits worldwide.

"Paracord is one of those rare pieces of gear that every outdoorsman should carry. Its strength-to-weight ratio is unmatched, and its applications are limited only by your imagination."
— U.S. Army Field Manual

The Rise of Paracord Crafting

The craft of weaving paracord into bracelets, keychains, and other accessories emerged in the early 2000s. Veterans returning from service brought their knowledge of knot-tying and paracord use into civilian life, many finding it a therapeutic outlet for creativity and focus.

Today, paracord bracelets serve multiple purposes:

Emergency preparedness: A standard bracelet contains 8-10 feet of usable cord
Fashion statement: Available in countless colors and patterns
Military and first responder pride: Thin line designs honor different service branches
Memorial and awareness: Custom bracelets commemorate loved ones or raise awareness for causes

Why We Use Paracord

At Knot Forgotten, we use genuine MIL-SPEC paracord in all our products. Here's why:

Durability: Nylon construction is water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and UV-resistant
Strength: 550 lb minimum breaking strength means it's ready for emergencies
History: Using military-grade materials connects our products to their heritage
Quality: Only genuine paracord meets the standards our customers deserve

The Future of Paracord

From parachute lines to fashion accessories, paracord has proven its versatility over 80 years. As we continue to develop new weaving techniques and designs, one thing remains constant: the military heritage and quality that made paracord legendary.

Every bracelet we craft carries this history — a connection to generations of service members who discovered that a simple piece of rope could be a lifeline, a tool, and eventually, a symbol of strength and preparedness.