The History of the Lanyard

The history of the lanyard is not a long one, nor is it a very complicated one. As is the case with so many of the inventions that have been developed through the centuries, the lanyard was made to fulfil a need. Sailors aboard tall ships had a very real problem and they needed a solution.

Imagine, if you can, that you are a sailor aboard a tall ship. You are a member of the crew and one of your jobs is to climb up and down the masts, raising and lowering the sails. This is a dangerous job at any time. The rigging is wet and the ship is moving with the waves. You and the ship are sailing in southern waters; you are not going to be wearing a lot of clothing because the weather is very hot. You are probably not even wearing shoes because it is much easier to climb the slick ropes in bare feet.

Now imagine that there is a storm on the horizon. The ship begins to rock at a much faster pace and the deck of the ship is pitching from side to side. Waves are crashing over the sides of the boat and the deck is slippery under your feet. The Captain sees the storms clouds and orders you to climb up the mast and lower the sails. You are going to need both of your hands to get up the lines as quickly as possible. You scramble to the top, but discover that the line is tangled and you do not have a knife with you. You hastily descend to the deck, grab a knife from the nearest sailor, and go back to the mast. How are you going to be able to climb up the lines with the deck rolling and pitching while holding a knife? You dare not risk dropping it into the ocean, and seconds count. The entire ship and crew is at risk, the sails have to come down immediately. This is a problem that faced many a sailor.

The sailors came up with a very ingenious solution to this dangerous and life-threatening problem. They designed the lanyard. It was a simple cord that they hung around their neck. Once around their neck, they could attach a knife or other similar tool to the rope. With this simple device, they could climb up and down the rigging and never have to worry about losing their knife. The sailor never had to be concerned about having to find a knife in an emergency because it was always with him; yet with the lanyard he was able to have his hands free to climb and do all the other jobs aboard the ship. This device probably saved many a sailor. It was simple, practical and every sailor could have one and was able to fashion it to meet their particular needs.

People in the world today are not often asked to climb the mast of a tall ship during a raging storm, however they are often required to have various items on their person at all times. Smart individuals have adapted the lanyard to make their daily lives easier. They are using the lanyard for everything from an ID holder to a secure camera carrier. Take a lesson from the past, rather than trying to juggle and hold countless items, get a lanyard.