Leather cordage keepers / paracord tidies from scrap leather
While generally internet surfing a few days ago I found a site selling plastic paracord tidies which had a few features I didn’t need such as integrated cutter etc. But it did give me an idea for using up some of my scrap leather to make some ‘cord tidies’.
In fact, I’m pretty certain you could do this with any decently sturdy cardboard, the idea is nothing new.
I do a little bit of ‘for fun’ leather work as well as knotting, and have a box of offcuts that aren’t big enough to use for a knife sheath or other project, but are too big to throw away in all conscience.
I made these from roughly 8cm x 3.5cm rectangles of 3.5mm full-grain leather.
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The scalloped shaping is done by hand using a Morakniv 120 wood-carving knife that is shaving-sharp. The easiest way to do this is to cut with the knife held pointing upwards, cutting towards your thumb the way one might peel an apple. It’s safe if you have a sharp knife and are experienced at carving/leathercraft.
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The edges are chamfered using a leatherworking ‘skiving’ tool specifically for that job
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A notch is cut, and I use a 2mm leather hole punch (the hammer type) to make the hole, but this can also be done with an awl, with the point of the knife, or with a normal twist drill even. Not all types of cord needs a hole - any kind of thin thread or fine line is better off just in a slot with no hole. Paracord works well with the hole, it clunks in nicely and feels locked.
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Additional finish can be added by sanding lightly with ~240-320 grit sandpaper, and if you really want them to glow, add matching-coloured boot polish to all sides, and buff when dry.
Variations
I’m quite certain these could also be made in a multitude of different materials, depending what you have available and are comfortable working with:
- Corrugated/packing cardboard would be a very easy version. It can be stiffened and made more robust by painting with PVA glue to harden, or wrapping with duct tape, or masking tape.
- Wood is a material that couold easily be used
- I could also imagine these being quick and easy to design and make in 3D printed plastic - if I create a CAD design for it I will share it here.
If you make these for yourself, please share photos and design variations!
