When I first started using Paracord I had a hard time not burning my ends to a black crisp. I decided to try a windproof butane lighter and to my surprise it left nicer singed end with no black marks on my cord.

Step 1: Materials Needed

First off gather all the materials you need.

To cut I prefer side cutters over knives or scissors for the nice clean cut they give.

Windproof lighters can be found at almost any corner store, the one I have was purchased at the dollar store and is refillable.

A piece of paracord

Step 2: Trimming the Cord

Once your piece is finished cut excess cord as close as possible. Try and make sure the inner cores are even with the outer sheath otherwise they will just melt or burn and make a mess.

Step 3: Burning the Ends

During the heating of the cut ends make sure to keep the lighter or cord moving.

CAUTION: MELTED NYLON CAN STICK TO SKIN AND BURN

This part requires caution as you need some way to push the cord down to lock the melted fibers into the un-melted ones, I personally use my thumbs as they are very calloused from work but for most people I would suggest using the side of the lighter or another flat object.

As you can see in the picture the area around the burn marks show no sign of blacking from the lighter.

Hope this helps