I used para-cord to create a simple Messenger Bag Handle using common para-cord weaving techniques.
I bought my Bauer Bag at a local Army Navy store for about $20. It’s an Israeli Paratrooper Bag. I just started shoving things inside.
What is in my Messenger Bag
I have a collection of Altoids tin kits inside for sewing, medications, various small repairs, and on occasion a small survival kit. A small knife sharpener, lighter, electric tape, batteries, USB drives, Leatherman, screwdrivers, gun bore light, flashlight, sharpie, pens, a garbage bag, and tissues. On the occasion I am not going to work a Taurus 85 fit in as well. It also holds my various papers and lesson plans.
I like the bag; it is pretty study and well designed. Unfortunately, the strap leaves a lot to be desired. It is small and bunches up. Being a shoulder bag, it can be awkward to fetch it out of the car.
Being in a DIY mindset the other day, and having a lot of para-cord left over from the neck knife project I decided to fix it. I then happened upon an Instructable for installing a Portuguese Sinnet handle on a bag exactly like mine.
Here’s the link for the Instructable if you want to check it out: Instructable on Making a Portuguese Sinnet Handle
This was way easier than I imagined, and it’s the same knot they use to make those para-cord bracelets that sell online for $20. as well as gun slings and belts.
The only thing I changed when following this Instructable was that instead of using two foot long pieces of cord, I used a single piece that was about 3 feet long.
Process for weaving the Portuguese Sinnet Knot
The process is pretty simple: double the rope around one of the loops in the bag and then make the knot over and over until you get the length you want, loop the ends around the other ring and pull them threw the center of the knots using some thread you braided in the sinnet.
This is exactly the same process for making a para-cord bracelet with a jig. The only difference is that instead of a jig I used the metal rings on either side of my bag to hold the ends of my cord.
My Favorite Neck Knife was Discontinued
What made the loss so painful was that I could not get a replacement. In its infinite wisdom Columbia River Knife and Tool has discontinued the Neck Peck knives. I was forced to find a suitable replacement.
After searching online and in a couple different stores I decided on a Cold Steel Bird and Trout. I did not come out of the box as sharp as the I wanted, but it sharpened easily. What I really love about it is the finger ring on the handle. Being able to dangle it on my pinky while performing tasks is nice. That will keep me from setting it down in the woods and getting it lost in the leaves (like its predecessor).
Turning a Good Knife into a Better Kit
While searching online for good neck knives I found a couple of you tube videos about mini survival kits that were attached to different models of neck knives. I must admit I like the idea, but its more important for me to have my neck knife small and concealable rather than have a EDC (everyday carry) wilderness survival kit.
Something I did like with the survival kits was the flashlight idea. So I purchased a small blue led light (I think it was a photon microlight), and while I was at it, I also decided to install a sailcloth needle with about 10 ft of mono-filament line since it takes up almost no space and adds negligible weight.
First I added the sewing needle, then I electrician taped the light over the sheath. For added security, I ran the chain through the flashlight so it would not be able to fall out. I then used a Ranger Band (cut up bike inner tube) to waterproof the sheath and electrician taped it tightly to the sheath.
You Must add Para-cord
Next I took out the innards of some para-cord and used a stiff wire to thread the ball chain necklace in the center of the paracord. I did this mostly for looks but in deference to the idea that somebody may try to choke me to death with my chain, I did it in two sections after putting the chain on the knife sheath so that it can break at the clasp, or at either hole of the sheath.
Lastly I wrapped about yard of 7 strand para-cord around the handle. While this makes the knife easier to hold, and gives me some cordage, it does tend to overcome the friction fit of the bird and trout sheath. Unlike the Peck, which had a raised dot that “locked” into a dimple in the sheath, the Bird and Trout relies on friction only. This makes it extremely easy for the knife to fall out of the sheath.
Still Not Done
Since I have been planning on experimenting with Kydex sheaths for some time, I am going to have to make a new sheath that has a more positive lock on the knife. If Cold Steel’s sheath held the B&T better, this would be a near perfect knife for my usage.
