"Bushie-sexual"

U

untamed

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Jan 7, 2003
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Just a minor rant of sorts . . . bushcraft goes boutique!

Like "tacticool" designs (think MOLLE/PALS webbing that are actually design elements rather than actual attachment points and shemags) or even classic military designs (think Ray Ban Aviators and cargo pants), it seems the outdoor stuff have have caught the eye of the fashion/trendy/hipster set :rolleyes:

Kletterwerks focuses on "heritage"-style packs before the hi-tech suspension and fabrics came along. Of course it's by the Gleason's of Mystery Ranch packs fame so the quality is there and it was these designs that started it all for them back in the mid-'70s.

So does http://topodesigns.com/collection/klettersack/

So far ok, but as I understand it, the Swedes a generation ago grew-up with the long-time outfitters Fjallraven. Just as the ubiquitous Jansport pack was to you Yanks, there was the Kanken to the Swedish youth. Watch in awe and wonder below. . .

[youtube]XN-MVH1AL4M[/youtube]

But wait there's more! Have you seen "Best Made" brand of axes? (Look closer at what's written in their M&M-colored handles. Be the envy of your friends!)

AFA_RED-960_1024x1024.jpg


AFA_COURAGE-960_1024x1024.jpg


AFA_COMPASSION-960_1024x1024.jpg


For the ultimate accessory though, carry in style!

axe-sheath.jpg


Whether "tacticool" of "bushie-sexual" though, you know it's PRICED accordingly! ;)
 
The Columbia employee store has a line of retro packs as well.

I personally don't care. Buying an axe is a better investment then buying the latest iphone IMO. Though I have to admit I think I was born a hundred years too late so that view might be skewed a bit. :D
 
Peter Buchanan-Smith of Best Made is a graphic designer, and his painted axes are somewhat of an art form for him. I don't think this is much different from embellishing a knife with fancy handles, inlays, etchings, etc.

If it makes you feel better, he makes a killer "unfinished" axe for those who want to rage against the artsy ones. Here's a nice review:

http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogs...finished-hudson.html?_sm_au_=iVVbSktMkjFZNS0s
 
CapitalizedLiving said:
Peter Buchanan-Smith of Best Made is a graphic designer, and his painted axes are somewhat of an art form for him. I don't think this is much different from embellishing a knife with fancy handles, inlays, etchings, etc.

If it makes you feel better, he makes a killer "unfinished" axe for those who want to rage against the artsy ones. Here's a nice review:

http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogs...finished-hudson.html?_sm_au_=iVVbSktMkjFZNS0s
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Yup. Back in the day a quality fixed blade was one with no forging marks. Now you have people putting faux ones on blades made by using the stock removal method. Same difference.
 
CapitalizedLiving said:
Peter Buchanan-Smith of Best Made is a graphic designer, and his painted axes are somewhat of an art form for him. I don't think this is much different from embellishing a knife with fancy handles, inlays, etchings, etc.

If it makes you feel better, he makes a killer "unfinished" axe for those who want to rage against the artsy ones. Here's a nice review:

"snip"
Click to expand...

Fancy designs? I'm all for it (I like sketching stuff myself too). For a collector, I imagine that would be nice too.

However, personalizing or putting-in your own efforts into whatever "embellishments" on your hand tool that you actually use? I'm of different mind is saying that, that is highly satisfying. I've done it myself.

Like I said, this is just a minor rant of sorts, but the brick-wall irony of something that's supposed be about back-to-basics or essential living for the common man is now turned into a fashion add-on/accessory is to big to be ignored, especially considering how much they cost.

There now, THAT makes me feel better! ;)
 
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That leather carry strap sheeth thingy is actually pretty awesome ! I might be tempted to get one if it's not too expensive.
 
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It may seem a little silly, but it's not any sillier than some of the stuff I've seen on this forum. Just sayin.'
 
That axe sling is pretty cool. I wouldn't have much use for it, but it is pretty cool. It looks like something you'd see in a zombie movie.

There are plenty of items I have only because they are different or interesting... several of my knives fall in to that category.
 
bushcraft was trivialized as soon as it became a weekend activity and something to post about on forum boards. complaining that someone is making money off of it just smacks of jealousy ;)
 
idaho_crosscut said:
bushcraft was trivialized as soon as it became a weekend activity and something to post about on forum boards. complaining that someone is making money off of it just smacks of jealousy ;)
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Wow! Dr. Phil, is that you?! Welcome to Bladeforums! That's absolutely brilliant psychoanalysis. . . :rolleyes:

Could you do us all a favor though? For your 22nd post here, if in your professional opinion, bushcraft has been "trivialized" as a "weekend activity or something to post about on forum boards" then WTF are you doing here and responding!? "Trivial" ain't it? :eek:

Poor me, I'm sooo "jealous" of your intellect contributing to this thread :thumbup: ;)
 
I remember back in the 70's when Eddie Bauer carried serious, high quality winter gear - parkas, sleeping bags, etc. Really good stuff. How times have changed.
 
Jeez, I didnt know it was that touchy of a subject for you! I figured since you were throwing around a vitriolic rant you could take a jab or two, but I should have followed the advice of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Ill just shut up so you can quit acting so defensive.
 
sodak said:
I remember back in the 70's when Eddie Bauer carried serious, high quality winter gear - parkas, sleeping bags, etc. Really good stuff. How times have changed.
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Sodak, eddie bauer got back into technical gear-- check out their "First Ascent" line of gear: http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/first-ascent/index.cat

I have one of their cheaper rain shells and it has lasted 4 seasons of trail work-- no zipper failures and it still keeps me reasonably dry. pretty good if you ask me!
 
idaho_crosscut said:
Jeez, I didnt know it was that touchy of a subject for you! I figured since you were throwing around a vitriolic rant you could take a jab or two, but I should have followed the advice of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Ill just shut up so you can quit acting so defensive.
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Crosscut:

Listen up; allow me to explain something to you. . . sweet and slow just the way you like it, Ok?

Somebody starts a thread on a subject he thinks is worthy for discussion... You decide to chime in by giving your thoughts...you agree, OK, then you expound further as why... You don't agree? Why that's OK too and you still get to give you thoughts... As you Yanks say, "everyone can put something to the table" so that a good time will be had by all talking about the subject.

You with me so far? Good...

What you are NOT expected to do is give something empty/idiotic/useless because you pulled out of your a$$! You can interpret my post indeed as a "vitriolic rant" but it wasn't directed against anyone/anybody in particular but reflecting on the changing times as someone else stated.

You see, if you wanna go that route, why there's the sub-forum "Whine & Cheese" for that and believe me, I can be a hell of a lot "touchier" for you, if you're into that thing... :wink: I also know a thing a two about what a "jab" or being "defensive" really is...(For that go Prac/Tac subforum, haven't posted there for a long time but you can do SEARCH on me there trust me :wink: :wink:)

BTW, I checked you profile. So you work outdoors and lead trail crews huh?...Fantastic! Good for you!...But your last "high horse" statement just doesn't impress me kid (yeah, I'm a lot older than you and seen/done/worked a lot more)... You really wanna impress? Simple; contribute something to the discussion that's actually impressive!

To be fair though, the last part of your statement sounds like you're half-way functionally thinking/decent.


idaho_crosscut said:
Sodak, eddie bauer got back into technical gear-- check out their "First Ascent" line of gear: http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/first-ascent/index.cat

I have one of their cheaper rain shells and it has lasted 4 seasons of trail work-- no zipper failures and it still keeps me reasonably dry. pretty good if you ask me!
Click to expand...

By God NOW you're on track! That wasn't hard at all was it?
 
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