Knotsmith Custom Lanyards

When it comes to bird hunting, most of us enjoy the finer aspects of our sport. From guns, to attire, to the gear we carry afield, we pride ourselves on having the nicest and best we can afford. It only makes sense, therefore, that we would want to complete our hunting ensembles with an accessory of fitting quality: a custom-braided lanyard from Knotsmith.
    A practical indulgence or a gift for the hunter who has everything, a Knotsmith lanyard tells the world that the wearer takes pride in his appearance and values every detail of the wingshooting life. It can be made as simply or extravagantly as desired, with every piece fashioned with care and showing the same attention to quality.
    Larry Smith has been making custom lanyards in north-central Texas for more than 20 years. He crafts each by hand, using kangaroo-leather lace herringbone-braided over nylon-cord cores. The combination is strong enough so that a whistle or whatever other tools are attached won’t flop about as you walk or ride.
    Knotsmith lanyards are customized to individual specifications. A T2 (Type 2) Lanyard is the standard platform and is available with a round or flat neck. It comes with either a fixed neck loop or a slide for adjusting length. Fixed or detachable call loops can be added to the T2—and most of the other models—for carrying duck (or turkey, or predator . . .) calls. The T3 Leash/Lanyard is based on the T2, but it has a bolt snap that can be opened to become a 32" leash. The T4 Lead/Lanyard can be converted from a standard lanyard to a slip lead with a 5" hand loop and a 29" head loop with adjustable slide. The T5 Utility Lanyard is designed for carrying pistols, range finders or transmitters, and there is even a fly-fishing lanyard for carrying clippers, forceps and so on. (Braided dog collars are also available, with optional brass nameplates.)
    The possibilities to customize are endless. Leather colors include tan, chocolate, black, natural, burgundy, green and red, and you can have color accents in the lanyard body and knots. Slides are typically braided, but they also can be had of wood or antler. Accessories include a variety of swivels, snaps and clips; brass compasses by True Nord or Marbles; brass, aluminum or plastic flush/covey counters; Acme Thunderer or Fox 40 Classic whistles; and a quail call. (There is even an “SSM Package,” which includes a brass compass, two brass flush counters, brass swivels and a brass whistle—so named for a review and ads that have appeared in Shooting Sportsman.)
    This past summer I was generously gifted a Knotsmith lanyard, and it immediately became one of my most prized possessions. My T2FN-C features a flat braided neck, a slide knot, two brass flush counters and a brass swivel with an Acme Thunderer whistle. The piece is truly a work of art that is not only beautiful but also a pleasure to wear.
    Prices for these lanyards are not cheap (as described, my T2 costs $465); then again, they are one-off heirlooms likely to be passed to the next generation. And who else among your hunting partners can boast of having a bespoke lanyard?
For more information, contact Larry Smith at Knotsmith, 214-893-9003; http://knotsmith.com.  —Ralph P. Stuart