Yes, I was under-appreciating the reasons for a lanyard, but only after reading the replies and hearing you say it does it occur to me. I can see a lanyard (as a loop) as being effective, but what I had in mind were those knives where there is some braided line (about 6" or so) dangling from the lanyard hole. I suppose you could store extra cordage that way, but it sure seems like it would often get in the way. You know, kind of like certain motorcycle riders will have leather strips dangling from the ends of the handlebars (now, please don;t tell me there is a purpose to that <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)

When (someone) said one of the uses could be to extend the handle a little for "chopping", I really didn;t envision holding on to the lanyard and wailing away at something. He can correct me if I'm wrong, but what I think he had in mind was sliding your hand down the handle a little (like maybe two fingers on the handle and the last two gripping the lanyard), thereby giving you a little more leverage. You know, I'm not sure I'd be tempted to do that but you never know what you might need to do in a situation.

I think, like one of you said, it might be best to have a lanyard ready... like maybe in the extra pouch on some sheaths, or somewhere..... then put it on when the need arises.

Thanks for the input...