Jim Sweet, our store manager, went to the ANME (Army Navy Military Expo) in Las Vegas this past week, and wants to talk about the benefits of going to expos.

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How to Make a Paracord Bracelet

• Step 1 .)

Measure your wrist. Multiply this measurement by four. Cut two lengths of paracord to this measurement.

• Step 2 .)
  

Hold the lengths of paracord together and fold them in half. Tie the paracords around the dowel in hitch knots, as shown. Place the hitch knots in the center of the dowel. Line up the four weaving lengths of paracord under the hitch knots.

• Step 3.)

Grasp the cord on the outside left---this is the number 1 position. Working left to right, take the number 1 cord behind the number 2 cord, in front of number 3, and behind number 4. Pull the cord tightly upward to the right, so that it's now in the number 4 position. As you repeat this weaving technique, the cords will continue to rotate positions. Each time, you will grasp the cord in the number 1 position and weave it along to the number 4 position.

• Step 4.) 

Repeat step 3 until only a few inches of each cord are left unwoven. Test the length of the bracelet by wrapping it around your wrist. When it encircles your wrist with 2 inches of excess, tie a temporary knot to secure the ends.

• Step 5.) 

Slide the hitch knots off the dowel. This will result in four loops on this end of the bracelet.

• Step 6.)

 Untie the temporary knot from step 4. Bring the four ends around to the loops so the woven paracord forms a circle. Separate the ends so two are on the left and two on the right, as shown.

• Step 7.)

 Insert one of the left-hand ends through each of the four loops, from left to right. Then insert one of the right-hand ends through the four loops, right to left. Pull these two ends tight.

• Step 8.)

Insert the remaining left-hand end through each of the four loops, and repeat with the final right-hand end. These ends will be harder to push through the loops because there will be less room, but you should be able to do it with some effort. Pull the ends very tight once you've pushed them all through.

• Step 9.)

Clip the ends they're even with the loops. Don't leave any excess paracord protruding.

• Step 10.)

Use the lighter flame to melt the paracord ends on each side of the loops. This secures the ends to prevent them coming loose.

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Bradley’s is set to mark their 20^th Anniversary with a special Civilian and Military Open House at its retail store at 26444 US Route 11, Evans Mills, NY on Saturday, September 22^nd from 11am-4pm.

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Modular Sleep System (MSS)

(History of the Military Issued Sleeping bag)

By: William McKinney

President, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

The Down Filled Intermediate & ECW Sleeping Systems:When I was a young private back in 1982 soldiers were issued 2 different types of military sleeping bags.  Both mode... Read More

Traveling Ultra Light: In most situations Less is usually More

 by: William McKinney

President, Bradley's Military Surplus

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my field training in the military was the importance of traveling light. I will confess this concept wasn’t promoted by the Army or ... Read More

MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment PART III: MOLLE Hydration System

By: William McKinney

President, Bradley's Military Surplus

The last piece of military equipment I will discuss in this 3 part article is the MOLLE hydration system. You have been introduced to the MOLLE tactical vest an...

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MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment PART II: MOLLE-II Rucksack System

By: William McKinney

President, Bradley's Military Surplus

In my last article I discussed the historical background of standard web gear (LCE,) how it evolved into a tactical load bearing vest (LBV) and progressed into... Read More

MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment

PART I: Fighting Load Carrier or FLCS

By: William McKinneyPresident, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

MOLLE (pronounced MOLLY as in the female name) is an acronym for MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is used to define the current generati...

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ECWCS GENERATION III: LEVEL VII

EXTREME COLD WEATHER LOFT SUIT PARKA & TROUSERS

By: William McKinneyPresident, Bradley’s Military EnterprisesWith the exception of the level VII extreme cold weather parka & trousers, I have written articles on all of the Generation III ECWCS items.  In this article I w... Read More

ECWCS GENERATION III: LEVEL V

SOFT SHELL JACKET & TROUSERS

By: William McKinneyPresident, Bradley’s Military EnterprisesI have discussed the attributes associated with silk weight undergarments, grid fleece thermal underwear, polar fleece clothing, wind shirts and various Gore-Tex products. After I cr... Read More