Paracord Monkey Fist

The Monkey Fist knot has a long history since 1800's, main purpose as a weight at the end of a rope or  just for decorative use.
The monkey fist was also used as a melee weapon among sailors  and gangs.

In this guide I will show how to make the Monkey Fist using a marble inside the knot.

The first few attempts could go wrong - this knot needs a LOT of patience so take your time and especially the final tightening part, do it slowly and you will get a cool Monkey  fist.

Everyone are welcomed to vist my blog for more paracord guides and projects: 
http://paracord-projects.blogspot.com/

Step 1: Option 1, Monkey Fist Guide

Step-1 Many objects could be used inside the knot preferably round or square, I chose to use a marble. The marble is light weight and you can get it in different sizes. It is possible to use metal balls but they are heavy and will  "upset" metal detectors. 
For this project you will need 4-5feet paracord , scissors, lighter, pointy object and a bit of  
patience.
In this guide I used a small marble so 3 times around every side is enough to cover the marble.

Step 2:

Step 3:

At this stage insert the marble into the center.

Step 4:

Before you start the thightening process just count that you have even cord on every side.
In my example I should have 3 times marble cover on each side.

Step 5:

This is the last step, from this point you will have to start  tightenings the cord. Just remember, do it slowly dont pull to hard on the first few tightenings. When the cord is getting hard to pull use the pointy object.

Sometimes its trail and error to find out  how many time we have to wrap the paracord around an object to get the right cover.
It can also depend on the thickness of the paracord.

Step 6:

At this step you have  few options to end the monkey fist, you can make a simple knot, snake knot, diamond knot or any other finishing method, you can find guide for Diamond knot and more at my blog: 
 http://paracord-projects.blogspot.com/

Congratulations on your first monkey fist.

Steps For Diamond Knot:
1. Create the diamond knot (see guide image).
2. Before tightening the knot slide in the 2 end cords. (see marked image).
3. Cut the 2 end cords close to the knot.
4. Lighter, water to dip your finger in (when fusing), pointy object to push warm cord into the knot.
Start by fusing together the 2 end cords, try doing it neat and carefully to get nice finishing. When both ends are fused warm them with the lighter and push them in the knot. Now you can attach a ring to it (or before) and pull the ring and the bottom 2 cords to get the final tightening.
 

Step 7: Option 2, Monkey Fist Guide

In this guide I am  just  showing another way how to hold the cord between the fingers.
Try both ways and  you will find out which way is more comfortable for you. I find this method easier for bigger marbles.

I also recommend using some sort of pointy object I chose my nail punch.
Once the knot is finished the pointy object will aid you when pulling the cord to tighten the knot around the marble.

Step 8: "Easy Monkey Fist" Guide

I was just thinking that not everyone finds it easy making the monkey fist knots between 2 fingers so I made this DIY aid I call it the "Easy Monkey Fist". All that is needed is to wrap the cord correctly in the monkey fist knot then take it off and tighten it.

It's made from scrap timber (L-shape screwed together) and 4" nails. I drilled nail sized diameter holes so the nails could be removed / pulled out easily.
The small gap on the base is for holding the start cord.
3 screws (optional) to fix it to a solid bas.
It is optional to drill a few more holes to fit different marble/small ball size.
 

I tried it myself a few times and it only took me a few minutes to make a perfect monkey's fist.

Just remember, do it slowly dont pull to hard on the first few tightenings.
 

In this guide I used a large marble so 6 times around was enough to cover it.
Also remember the bigger the core object is the more paracord you will need + extra cord for final finishing: snake knot, cobra knot etc'.

Step 9: Golf Ball, Tennis Ball Monkey Fist

Got some 8mm  cord today so I made a Giant monkey fist using a golf ball as the core. It's actually easier to make a monkey fist from thicker cord.
Getting bigger with tennis ball.

Step 10: Gift Exchange - Paracord

Here I made a few paracord knots for my Gift Exchange match nepheron.
From the left:
1. small monkey fist, marble as core combined with snake knot.
2. Snake knot  with diamond knot.
3. Square knot  with diamond knot.
4. Cobra and knig cobra knot with diamond knot.
5. Survival bracelet, cobra knot. I left the end cord loose so nepheron can adjust it to his wrist size.
6.Large monkey fist (big marble) and Giant monkey fist from 10mm paracord, golf ball as core. The baby in the image was not included....  ;-)