What is a Woggle? It’s a decorative woven knot (also known as turkshead knot) that was a traditional part of a Boy Scout uniform. It had a dual purpose of fastening a neckerchief around a Scout’s neck, but it was also a convenient way to carry a length of cord that could be used in the construction of a bow & spindle fire kit. Over the years, an embossed metal “slide” has replaced this original emergency resource.

Today we see many survival television shows and web based videos where hosts and participants wear a Cobra Lanyard Stitch wrist band. At a recent multi-day event in which I demonstrated primitive and survival skills, I noticed that a visitor was wearing such a wrist band. I hadn’t seen one up close so I inquired about it’s purpose and construction. I was told that it contained about 6 feet of paracord at the ready for emergency use. This cordage too can be used to construct a bow & spindle fire kit as well as for a myriad of other uses. The next day he brought extra cord and taught me how to make one for myself.

It’s interesting to know that in parts of Papua New Guinea, tribesmen still wear rattan wrapped around their wrists that they unwind to use with the fire-thong method. So, wearing reserve survival gear has been an historic tradition that has been kept alive for those who want to be prepared. And you thought it was just a fashion accessory…