What is a lanyard for on a pocket knife?

So the cord pulling the firing mechanism on the cannon is not a lanyard because it does not go around your neck or arm?

Its just the "yanky cord"?

What does one look like? Don't get to fire many cannon myself. That said, if you call it a "yanky cord" enough, apparently that becomes correct usage.
 
Should they also include "supposably" and "definately"? I, very often, for some reason omit the "r" in "surprise." Maybe they should include that too.

Everyone is free to call it what they want, but until the dictionaries start changing the definition of "lanyard" due to a small group of knife enthusiasts who use the word incorrectly, then calling something that cannot go over your wrist, shoulder, or neck a "lanyard" is incorrect.

I'm going to start calling "choils" "artichokes." Its correct 'cause I did it!

Marcinek, I think that most here came to this thread because they were interested in what are popularly known to knife enthusiasts as lanyards. You are certainly correct in your insistence that they are properly termed fobs by the authority of Merriam-Webster, et al. I am also one who is not eager to see terms misused nor to bow to popular usage too quickly, however I am definitely more interested in how others tie their knots, what they might use for beads, and why they put fobs (see?) on their knives than what they supposedly--read, "should"-- call them.

I often enjoy reading your posts and your acerbic take on things. I see on your Profile Page that one of your interests is "Being a smart-ass". This is perhaps an interest that is not universally shared.

--Steve
 
So the cord pulling the firing mechanism on the cannon is not a lanyard because it does not go around your neck or arm?

Its just the "yanky cord"?

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Lets talk knives here on BladeForums.

A lanyard goes over your wrist or is looped over a thumb and then over the back of the hand, so you dont drop your knife. For safety reasons and/or so you are not out an expensive knife. Lanyards can also otherwise be attached for example to your body i.e. over the shoulder and/or neck for the same reasons.

A fob is an appendage fastened to your knife for easing extraction of said knife from your pocket. There is a precedent for why its called a fob and it works the same as a fob on a pocket watch hence the term 'watch fob.'

A fob is often also or exclusively for decorative purposes - same as on pocket watch fobs of yore.
 
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..., however I am definitely more interested in how others tie their knots, what they might use for beads, and why they put fobs (see?) on their knives than what they supposedly--read, "should"-- call them.

Just as no one is stopping people from calling their fobs lanyards, no one is stopping anybody about talking about knots and skull beads. I don't recall saying that was off limits.

As much as I should have that power, I don't. :cool:
 
So I dont even know how to call it anymore but it is cool looking(at least in my opinion).
IMG_20161219_171428_688.jpg
 
Just as no one is stopping people from calling their fobs lanyards, no one is stopping anybody about talking about knots and skull beads. I don't recall saying that was off limits.

As much as I should have that power, I don't. :cool:

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/fob
Sorry - if it's not attached to a watch, it isn't a "fob." It's something, but it isn't a fob. Let us know if OED changes that. ;)
 
Lets talk knives here on BladeForums.

A lanyard goes over your wrist or is looped over a thumb and then over the back of the hand, so you dont drop your knife. For safety reasons and/or so you are not out an expensive knife. Lanyards can also otherwise be attached for example to your body i.e. over the shoulder and/or neck for the same reasons.

A fob is an appendage fastened to you knife for easing extraction of said knife from your pocket. There is a precedent for why its called a fob and it works the same as a fob on a pocket watch hence the term 'watch fob.'

A fob is often also or exclusively for decorative purposes - same as on pocket watch fobs of yore.
As a guy with both a cord on my knife and a pocket watch I can agree with this. I like a cord to help with extraction from a deep pocket style sheath and because I hate clips on my folder. I don't use them as a lanyard though attached to my wrist as I would rather have it fall than flail around if I drop it but know either scenario can be bad.
My pocket watch just rides in my pocket with no fob.

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Not true. Or a key ring. Like your definition says.

Mirraim Webster says "a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch"....not "exclusively" to a pocket watch.

I can only conclude that you've been coopted by "Big Lexicography." Time will tell...
 
Just as no one is stopping people from calling their fobs lanyards, no one is stopping anybody about talking about knots and skull beads. I don't recall saying that was off limits.

As much as I should have that power, I don't. :cool:


Thanks so much for not stopping people or limiting the discussion. We are in your debt, sir.
 
I like to put a simple 550 cord loop on scout style knives so I can twirl them on my finger. Don't care what they are suppose to be for this is what I do.
 
ok here is something interesting I put it on my key holder and the fob or the loop or the bling is always easy to grab with the three things in my pocket. but with my knife thats the full width of my pocket and the only thing in my pocket it ends up under the knife.
 
So I just got this baby in the mail today--a user in great condition. It came with the lanyard untied and the lanyard pin loose in the box (sorry, no one's corrected Chris Reeve yet to change to fob and fob-pin). I'll be putting a new yanky-thing on this one and have to decide on cord and maybe a bead. I've got a CF and ti bead on my Shiro 111 CF and it would be great if I could find something with Micarta to go with this one.

My large 21 bocote, large KnifeArt 21 CF, and Wilson Combat StarTac all have factory lanyards (there I go again using Chris Reeve's improper nomenclature) and I'm starting to find them too-short and stubbily unattractive. The StarTac and KA Seb have their original beads appropriate to their exclusive sellers and I'll for sure re-use those. Sebs really require 440 cord as 550 is a tough fit through the pin without being substantially gutted.

Looking at the pic and then the knife just now, though, I recall some guys leaving out the pin and just stringing through the opening holes. That's kinda cool and maybe I'll look at what I've got for 550 and run something through there now. Might be back in a bit with another pic....

0KQdCw4.jpg
 
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