I received my paracord survival bracelet, and I must say, it is a cool piece of gear. They say it contains over 15 feet of parachute cord. If you have to unravel it and use the cord in an emergency, they will send you a new one for free. I will probably get another one to stick on my pack. They are really well made. The best part is that they sell them to raise money for wounded warriors. Check them out at www.survivalstraps.com I took this pic from their website.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Wounded Warriors (which I've checked out) is a legitimate website and an excellent charity. Regardless of how one feels about the war, the victims deserve all of our compassion and support. However, I'd rather donate to them directly than through purchases from a commercial site. Like Keith, I'd prefer to assume that the original post is a case of enthusiasm rather than exploitation. I certainly hope so!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
On behalf of us sailors in SoFL, Thurston Howell III makes the following reply:
"Speaking with Lovey, we've decided that what's in that photo is an anchor shackle holding that bracelet together, probably chrome-on-bronze, and not a clevis pin clasp. If you really want to do that bracelet right, use the large size version of this , which is 24K gold and what I gave Lovey on our anniversary in Episode 47 on the island in 1966, after Lovey begged me for yet another piece of body art. (The Professor became quite the pro at body piercing during our extended stay on the island, I'll have you know.) I had that shackle hidden in one of the 3 dozen Louis Vitton seatrunks we had brought aboard for our ill-fated 3-hour cruise.
I say my dear lad, and this would be a clevis pin, usually made of common stainless steel and a common mistake. Pulleaze don't make it again." <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I'm no expert, but I think I've seen something resembling the above referred to as a clevis before. Technically referring to the pin portion, most likely. Would "shackle" have passed? 1 2 3 4
I think you got it urbansix. Clevis refers to the pin, but the entire thing is called a shackle. Your 4th reference was the best description. I think the other sources mistakenly left off the shackle description. They would have been correct by calling it a straight pin clevis shackle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ahh, talking about things that don't matter. Aint it fun? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.
At the risk of sounding like the grumpy old codger: the bracelet gives you 15 feet of cord for about $20. My guess is that about $1 of this will go the Wounded Warrior Project. (which does indeed appear legitimate. I looked at their website, and they appear to comply with all the rules - did I mention I make my living auditing not-for-profit organizations?)
The bracelet company's website indicates that they are a family business, not a charity. "A portion of the PROFITS" (my emphasis) goes to the Wounded Warrior Project. My guess, based on my experience with similar product promotions, is that, after paying for materials and paying wages to the family and other business overhead, there's only about $3 of profit - and they don't say what "portion" gets passed along. Typically, the charity would only receive about a dollar, at most, for each bracelet sold.
You can buy 50 feet of cord for about $4. Why not just buy the cord and make a $15 or $20 donation directly to the Wounded Warrior Project or other charity that supports troops or veterans? (I can think of four or five off the top of my head.)
I used to have the same problem when the school wanted my kids to sell candy, popcorn, or other products. If they sold $500 dollars worth of product, the school got about $20. I always made a direct donation to the band, sports boosters, or other organization and told them my kids would spend their time practicing the instrument or sport or - gasp - studying.
Me too - I never buy something based on the charity it's for. I keep the two things separate and only buy things I need/want, and make my donations directly, typically.
Registered: 05/02/06
Posts: 208
Loc: Rock Springs, WY
you forget about the most expensive part of the product, the stainless shackle that will sell for around 7.50 so, 11.50 in parts with out shipping, a half hour at 10 bucks an hour say, you are up to 16.50, add cost of advertising and taxes and such and they are not making much on this.
I think you got it urbansix. Clevis refers to the pin, but the entire thing is called a shackle. Your 4th reference was the best description. I think the other sources mistakenly left off the shackle description. They would have been correct by calling it a straight pin clevis shackle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ahh, talking about things that don't matter. Aint it fun? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Not sure if I want to wear a bracelet in the event I need just 15 feet of cord. I have that much on my hiking staff for emergency and also carry 20' in my pack. BTW does it come in colors? My 13 year old daughter might like one in red or pink. She would think it's cool. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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