Many 5m cords are stronger thatn paracord. Paracord is popular because, unlike other, possibly stronger cords, the inner strands can be used for a variety of puposes when a smaller diameter cord is needed.

what do you mean? What else can you use the inner fibers for?

also I found this cord. its 5mm and holds 5000lbs (holy crap)
http://www.neropes.com/climbing/tech_cord_specs.htm

<<Parachute cord (550 lb. test strength or better) is one of the most useful components in a kit. The more you have, the better. Be sure to buy mil. spec. para-cord with internal strands. The civilian version isn't as strong, generally only about 300 lb. test, and it does not have a multi-strand core which is so useful for so many things. To check, cut it open. The civilian cord has a core of "fuzzy" material. The mil. spec. cord has seven identifiable twisted strands in the core (each about 35 lb. test). Each inner strand is itself comprised of three strands (each about 11 lb. test). The sheath is rated at about 300 lb. test by itself.>> (From the ETS website)

Cord in general is just so usefull to have. paracord, because it can be broken down into smaller diameter lengths, is even more versatile than other cord. I really feel like a fool, because i can't think of any examples at the moment <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />!!!!

Anybody want to help me out? Doug? Chris?

How wide was the belt? Would it have been suitable for dress pants, or was it more of a military web belt width?

The narrower the belt, the less cord it will hold. I just bought 15 m (50 feet) of mil spec para cord (white) and I also recently bought the same length of cheapo orange cord. I would like to make a couple of belts; I don't have a problem cutting the orange rope short to make a dress belt, but I don't want to cut the para cord.

Slatts's web page is great and it's an ingenious belt, but there's no indication of what the width of the belt is or how much cord is needed (that I could say, anyway). Assuming the green cord is 4 mm, then it appears he is using a 2" wide buckle (this would appear to be corroborated by the metal "eraser cap" on the pencil being approx. 1/3 the width of the buckle).

I just attempted to make one. It's quite easy once you pick up the knack. I had 25ft of paracord and started to make a belt about 2 1/2 " wide. I only managed to make it about 6" long! This sure holds a lot of cord. I don't think that if I made a belt, I would use it. I had the idea of making a wallet sized section of this braid to carry in my back pocket. This way you would be able to carry a lot of cordage in a compact package and it would be easy to unravel without it getting tangled up. However I can think of what I could use as end pieces. In the end I thought I could just use another, short bit of paracord in a loop throught the end loops to stop it from unraveling. However I can't manage to make the sinnet anymore. i'm trying to make it on a pencil but it keep slipping off and getting twisted. Any ideas?

Thanks for the response.

In answer to your question, if you're going to make it on a pencil, I'd try a couple of elastic bands wrapped around the pencil as stoppers to prevent it from slipping off; also, I'd try lashing the pencil to something or maybe supporting it between the uprights of a wooden chair back if you have access to one. I'd think it was like making a fishing net - very difficult to do if it's not supported at the top end.

I will try to make a narrower belt using my new para cord. If it works, I will report back with more info.

Thanks again.

I guess it was about 2 or 2 1/2 inches. i can't really remember. I don't have belt loops on many of my outdoor pants, so I was more concerned about getting a lot of cord (and slipping a sheath for a fixed blade and wave) on it than for use as something to keep my pants. IMO, the 5mm paracord is too thick to make a comfortable dress-belt.

I'm considering making a strat for my office BOB instead of a belt.

Let's see. 10 foot of paracord in a survival situation.....

start by pullling out the inner strands. Un-ravel one of the 1 inner strands and splice - 30 foot fishing line. Use another cut to 2 foot lengths on a squirrel pole as 5 snares - dinner for a fortnight. Use the other 5 inner strands to hold the shelter together 10 foot of outer sheathing cord can be used to hold the ends of a canoe together so you can fish the center of the lake. Heck, now youve got shelter, food and water who needs rescue! Settle in and enjoy your freedom from urban blight!

The wonderfull uses an 'old hand' has for paracord!