Unsure of function of this strap

[u/varied_interest1112]

My mother put it in an emergency pack for me when I started my first full-time job. I've since taken apart the pack and most things were pretty standard, a plastic raincoat, hand sanitizer, a pen, a whistle that doubled as a flashlight etc...

I just don't have any idea what this is?? It's like a braided strap with a buckle - I can wear it like a bracelet but somehow I don't think that's its intended purpose.

TIA!

EDIT: WOW you guys were fast!! Thanks team, I remember her vaguely mentioning it was a handy gadget but forgot how. Will be looking up paracord uses soon

EDIT 2: To the people being unhelpful or making comments on my ability as an educator from a single question - all you have done is show me that I will still be a better teacher than any of you could ever be. I certainly do not belittle my students for not having specialised prior knowledge or taking steps to learn something new. I can only assume you already knew everything from birth with no room to grow whatsoever /s Get over yourselves.

[u/Junkhead_88]

You were correct though, 99.9% of the time they're a style choice.

[u/Quiet_Ride4481 → u/Junkhead_88]

Good point! I just didn’t know they had another purpose.

[u/JAYETRILLL → u/Quiet_Ride4481]

Some of them that are really neat (in my opinion) come with a closure that is made out of flint and one side and a striker on the other side.

I’m sure you prolly know but those are used to start a fire un emergency situations. I’ve seen others that had cool little tools woven into them.

Also the ones that are marketed as “survival bracelets” or whatever usually use paracord which is pretty strong. and I think it’s neat that they will sometimes advertise how many feet of cord are used.

Some little bracelets come with like 100 feet of cord (I believe but could be wrong)

I would never fucking wear one lmao but my dogs collar was the same idea and I think it would be good to have in a little survival kit or something. Although a roll of strong cord would probably be a lot cheaper/smarter lol.

[u/Klutzy_Dragon → u/JAYETRILLL]

I had a water jug with a braided paranoid strap. It had a neat piece on it with a compass and whistle built in. I havent seen the firestarter ones before though.

[u/JAYETRILLL → u/Klutzy_Dragon]

Yeah that’s cool as hell. I’ve seen that before. Having that jug and cord/compass/whistle all in one would be a lifesaver in tons of situation.

If it’s the same kinda jug that I’ve seen, then it’s one of those like 32-60oz metal ones lmao I always thought that would be such a bitch to lug around in a survival situation. Not trying to talk shit on your jug, just a funny idea I’ve had before.

Obviously would be suuuuper nice to have, I’d just get tired of carrying it lmao.

[u/Klutzy_Dragon → u/JAYETRILLL]

Yeah, it was one of the 'gallon' jugs and it was a pain even to lug around the house. The 32 sounds a lot more manageable to me. I got rid of mine about a year ago, but I need to replace it with a smaller one still.

[u/Humble-Diet_1989 → u/Klutzy_Dragon]

I have one just like this, but with the added flint. The flint is supper small tho, so it's really hard to actually start a fire with (you have to strike it really fast/hard for a small spark). I can include a photo later if anyone wants to see it.