One more thing about parachute cord, the 550 comes from the parachutes used in aircrew emergency, like bailout or ejection. A standard T-10 or MC-1B military paratrooper chute uses 375lb cord with 4 inner strands, it is a larger diameter chute with less stress on the cord. Both are great, excellent quality, etc. The newer freefall cutes use kevlar lines. FYI.

Thanks, good to know.

I have purchased black and orange from CountyComm and both are authentic.

Is there an Army/Navy Surplus store physically near you? If so, they will more than likely have both real and knock-off paracord. Ask which one is 550lb test strength, 7 strand nylon and they will be happy to tell you. Enough people buy the fake kind out of ignorance that they have no real motive to steer towards it.