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Ditto!
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"Carl's Lounge" (Off-Topic Discussion, Traditional Knife "Tales & Vignettes")
- Thread starter jackknife
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
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- 11,783
Aw, c'mon....
After a couple years with a slick new ride, I've recently returned to my old faithful, the bicycle that was my "car" for almost four years back in the day. I missed it.
Hot stuff new bike:
O'ertaken:
Old Faithful:
Now with new tires and the beginnings of modest rust removal (note the shiny handlebars!):
pertinux said:2) You bicycled in your bare piggie toes?
sturzi said:
I'm hoping your pedals are a little more forgiving than mine?
(for Sturzi)
Either that, or you have feet of steel!
~ P.
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2007
- Messages
- 888
Well, here you go, my "car" 
It's in dire need of a new chain and brake pads, at least I fixed the lights now that the days are getting shorter.
The pedals are comfortable enough for a few kilometers to the lake and back...
^ Caught it three times, but eventually dropped it in the end
It's in dire need of a new chain and brake pads, at least I fixed the lights now that the days are getting shorter.
The pedals are comfortable enough for a few kilometers to the lake and back...
Right back atcha
^ Caught it three times, but eventually dropped it in the end
~Sigh~
My Trek was stolen out of my storage unit last week. I don't even know if I am going to replace it. Makes me sad thinking of all of the good times on the trails I had with that bike... AND knowing that whoever stole it will never have to deal with the irate former owner of said stolen bike.
On a brighter note I have a little something in the flavor of a "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" experience that I think Carl, the founder of this thread will find interesting. If I get a chance tonight I'll post a pic or two. He has a soft spot for old equipment that lasts for years and years and the older bike brought it to mind. I have one that will be tough to top.
Will
My Trek was stolen out of my storage unit last week. I don't even know if I am going to replace it. Makes me sad thinking of all of the good times on the trails I had with that bike... AND knowing that whoever stole it will never have to deal with the irate former owner of said stolen bike.
On a brighter note I have a little something in the flavor of a "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" experience that I think Carl, the founder of this thread will find interesting. If I get a chance tonight I'll post a pic or two. He has a soft spot for old equipment that lasts for years and years and the older bike brought it to mind. I have one that will be tough to top.
Will
Well, here you go, my "car"
It's in dire need of a new chain and brake pads, at least I fixed the lights now that the days are getting shorter.
The pedals are comfortable enough for a few kilometers to the lake and back...
^ Caught it three times, but eventually dropped it in the end
Oh man, a real working veteran. Love it!:thumbup::thumbup:
Karen and I just sold off our well used Trek 860's. We wern't using them much anymore for their original purpose, so after almost 20 years of service, a young couple down the road took them off our hands. We still want to have a few bikes on hand for our more civilized rides in the park, or on the C&O canal trail. We're actually thinking of folding bikes for easier transport in vehicles. But for now, the only two wheel vehicles we have are our scoots. Very sad.
Alright Carl, here is one for the 'Extreme Minimalism' file. You might get a chuckle out of this one.
1997: I was a few months out of college and working at my first real engineering job at The Great Yellow Father (our nickname for the heavy equipment manufacturer ). I was driving home after getting my first paycheck that was not already spoken for what with catching up on moving and school expenses that had piled up. I had never had a pair of insulated hunting boots, always before I used whatever work boots I had as that was what I could afford. Hunting season was a month or so away so I decided on the way home to stop in at the Red Wing store and see what they had. The guy running the joint measured my feet and after some hemming and hawwing told me that my size was 11 1/2 to 12 EEEE. A pretty rare size. He tells me he has some old stock that he thinks might just be the ticket. Goes in the back and comes out a few minutes later with a pair of Made in the USA Irish Setters. I tried them on and was in heaven. Very well insulated and made these things were love at first sight.
Fast forward to opening morning of deer season 2010: I am on top of a very large and steep mountain in pitch darkness. On the last swipe of my feet, as I scrape away leaves at my favorite stand, I feel a click on the bottom of my boots and then a small crash down the side of the mountain a few yards. The tread on my boots has come off and went sailing down the side of the mountain. I end up having to walk down this steep brute (covered with slick dry leaves I might add) with one side of my shoes as slick as the bottom of a ski. Time I get back to my cabin the other side is gone too. Here's what it looked like:
It is hard to tell you how much this hurt. There were my boots, the only pair I had owned that fit right. I had hunted them hard but had really taken great care of them. Nowadays you have almost no chance of finding that size in a decent pair of hunting boots. I literally had repair shops laugh at me when I tried to talk someone into fixing them. I couldn't throw them away but I couldn't get them fixed either. Finally I heard of this cobbler who specialized in fixing boots and mountaineering equipment. I sent him some pictures and he told me it would be no problem.
Got them back a couple weeks ago and here is what they now look like:
So tell the truth, I know you folks have talked about the 'one knife man' but have you ever run into a 'one pair of boots man'? Hahaha, I'm getting a good start on being just that. I have maybe 25 years until retirement... wonder if these old boys will take me up to there in style. They just might.
Will
1997: I was a few months out of college and working at my first real engineering job at The Great Yellow Father (our nickname for the heavy equipment manufacturer
). I was driving home after getting my first paycheck that was not already spoken for what with catching up on moving and school expenses that had piled up. I had never had a pair of insulated hunting boots, always before I used whatever work boots I had as that was what I could afford. Hunting season was a month or so away so I decided on the way home to stop in at the Red Wing store and see what they had. The guy running the joint measured my feet and after some hemming and hawwing told me that my size was 11 1/2 to 12 EEEE. A pretty rare size. He tells me he has some old stock that he thinks might just be the ticket. Goes in the back and comes out a few minutes later with a pair of Made in the USA Irish Setters. I tried them on and was in heaven. Very well insulated and made these things were love at first sight. Fast forward to opening morning of deer season 2010: I am on top of a very large and steep mountain in pitch darkness. On the last swipe of my feet, as I scrape away leaves at my favorite stand, I feel a click on the bottom of my boots and then a small crash down the side of the mountain a few yards. The tread on my boots has come off and went sailing down the side of the mountain. I end up having to walk down this steep brute (covered with slick dry leaves I might add) with one side of my shoes as slick as the bottom of a ski. Time I get back to my cabin the other side is gone too. Here's what it looked like:
It is hard to tell you how much this hurt. There were my boots, the only pair I had owned that fit right. I had hunted them hard but had really taken great care of them. Nowadays you have almost no chance of finding that size in a decent pair of hunting boots. I literally had repair shops laugh at me when I tried to talk someone into fixing them. I couldn't throw them away but I couldn't get them fixed either. Finally I heard of this cobbler who specialized in fixing boots and mountaineering equipment. I sent him some pictures and he told me it would be no problem.
Got them back a couple weeks ago and here is what they now look like:
So tell the truth, I know you folks have talked about the 'one knife man' but have you ever run into a 'one pair of boots man'? Hahaha, I'm getting a good start on being just that. I have maybe 25 years until retirement... wonder if these old boys will take me up to there in style. They just might.
Will
Will, that is absolutely outstanding!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
You will defiantly go in the Maximum Minimalism hall of fame. you beat me. I had one pair of Chippewa boots for 20 years, but you beat me by virture that mine still had a year or two life in them if I pushed it. But you pushed it to the max, and then had them brought back from the dead. Way past where the rest of us would have struck our colors.
I, Carl, Grand High Muckba, bow to your dedication to those boots!
You will defiantly go in the Maximum Minimalism hall of fame. you beat me. I had one pair of Chippewa boots for 20 years, but you beat me by virture that mine still had a year or two life in them if I pushed it. But you pushed it to the max, and then had them brought back from the dead. Way past where the rest of us would have struck our colors.
I, Carl, Grand High Muckba, bow to your dedication to those boots!
Hahahha, cool! Don't know that I've ever made it to a hall of fame in anything before this.
I thought you might enjoy that story Carl. I honestly don't know why, but taking very good care of equipment and making it last really makes me feel good. Good honest wear from using something doesn't bother me but seeing something deteriorating due to lack of maintenance or abuse makes me cringe. As I see more and more of life I have come to believe that some folks are just born this way. I have very good friends who will find out about my hunting boots and think "Why would anyone do that?"
Humans are a squirrely bunch aren't we?
Will
I thought you might enjoy that story Carl. I honestly don't know why, but taking very good care of equipment and making it last really makes me feel good. Good honest wear from using something doesn't bother me but seeing something deteriorating due to lack of maintenance or abuse makes me cringe. As I see more and more of life I have come to believe that some folks are just born this way. I have very good friends who will find out about my hunting boots and think "Why would anyone do that?"
Humans are a squirrely bunch aren't we?
Will
leghog that is very cool. Love to see a pic or two of those.
That is exactly what I was hoping would be the case with these boots as I got some years on them, I'd resole them and rock on. Problem was that either I missed the signs that the treads were getting ready to come off or else they just didn't give me one. In any event these things lost their tread where I had to climb down about 1000' in elevation over some really steep ground just to get back to the cabin. I ended up mangling the midsole beyond repair in the process. If it had happened while I was on a hunt that was close to my truck they probably could have been repaired pretty easily.
Will
black mamba
Gold Member
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- Oct 21, 2009
- Messages
- 23,777
I had a pair of Danners bought in 1982 that I still had until about 4 years ago, when they gave up doing flood cleanup work with my volunteer service organization. Roughly 27 years as the only pair of boots I had, and I found them on sale for $59.95 back in '82. Not bad!
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2005
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- 71,784
Hey, I've got SOCKS I've had 30 years! 
Black Mamba that would have been a real bargain. Danner makes some really good stuff don't they? My humble Irish Setters were expensive even back when I bought them: $235 in 1997. But they were worth it to me. Shame they went offshore.
Jack.... you can keep the pics of those socks to yourself I think!
Will
Jack.... you can keep the pics of those socks to yourself I think!
Will
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2005
- Messages
- 71,784
Jack.... you can keep the pics of those socks to yourself I think!
LOL! Hey, they're still pretty decent!
black mamba
Gold Member
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- Oct 21, 2009
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- 23,777
Dr Will, those Danners were on sale for half price, so they were normally $120 in '82. I doubt they even make the same thing today, it was all leather except for the soles (vibram), but if they did, they'd be $250 today.
This pic is from Danner's site. These are the boots I bought 28 years ago and still have (granted, I did not wear them at all during my two assignments in Hawaii or in my travels throughout Southeast Asia and the South Pacific). They now cost more than three times what they retailed for then. $335 today.
Below is Danner's ad copy:
Created with the help of two career Army officers from Fort Lewis, Washington, the USA-made Fort Lewis™ is FORSCOM approved and loaded with all the features a warrior or law enforcement professional needs. A cushioning Vibram® Kletterlift outsole fights fatigue on long marches. Made of a specialized dry ice compound, the outsole remains flexible in extreme cold to aid slip resistance. The full-grain leather upper and GORE-TEX® lining keeps the boot waterproof. Danner’s famous stitchdown construction gives a more stable platform underfoot and superior durability. Features 200 G. Thinsulate™.
Boot Details
Made in the USA
Berry compliant
100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® liner is engineered to keep your feet dry and comfortable - even in extreme conditions
200 grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation offer lightweight warmth for those needing protection in cold climates
Full-grain leather can be easily polished and is preferred by those in uniform and on special tactical teams due to its durability and ability to be cleaned quickly
Danner's hand crafted stitchdown construction provides a wider platform for increased stability underfoot. This construction makes the boot recraftable in our Portland factory
Approved by the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)
Lace-to-toe provides a secure fit
Vibram® Kletterlift outsole is specifically designed for comfort and durability. The heel provides lightweight comfort as well as superb shock absorption. The compound guarantees great traction and stability on both wet and dry surfaces
Fiberglass shank
10" height
Men's 74 oz, Women's 64 oz
Recraftable
Below is Danner's ad copy:
Created with the help of two career Army officers from Fort Lewis, Washington, the USA-made Fort Lewis™ is FORSCOM approved and loaded with all the features a warrior or law enforcement professional needs. A cushioning Vibram® Kletterlift outsole fights fatigue on long marches. Made of a specialized dry ice compound, the outsole remains flexible in extreme cold to aid slip resistance. The full-grain leather upper and GORE-TEX® lining keeps the boot waterproof. Danner’s famous stitchdown construction gives a more stable platform underfoot and superior durability. Features 200 G. Thinsulate™.
Boot Details
Made in the USA
Berry compliant
100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® liner is engineered to keep your feet dry and comfortable - even in extreme conditions
200 grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation offer lightweight warmth for those needing protection in cold climates
Full-grain leather can be easily polished and is preferred by those in uniform and on special tactical teams due to its durability and ability to be cleaned quickly
Danner's hand crafted stitchdown construction provides a wider platform for increased stability underfoot. This construction makes the boot recraftable in our Portland factory
Approved by the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)
Lace-to-toe provides a secure fit
Vibram® Kletterlift outsole is specifically designed for comfort and durability. The heel provides lightweight comfort as well as superb shock absorption. The compound guarantees great traction and stability on both wet and dry surfaces
Fiberglass shank
10" height
Men's 74 oz, Women's 64 oz
Recraftable
Last edited:
The Berry Amendment now U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 2533a. In procurement actions, DoD must prefer USA made products. Those Danners are made in the USA.
Cool boots leghog. They appear to have the same general stitching format and construction as my hiking boots which are the explorer model. I've only had them for 8 years or so but I have over 1000 miles on them so far and they look fine. I've only used them for hiking and spring gobbler season though as they are uninsulated.
We have quite a few elderly boots around this joint.
Will
We have quite a few elderly boots around this joint.
Will
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 20,039
My little sister gets married tomorrow. The groom is good people, I like him, he is a friend and someone I would like to call brother in law. My sister is often chided that she married a guy just like her brother (he's a knife/sword/gun nut). I will hopefully be coherent enought tomorrow and Sunday, and not in a diabetic coma from all the food and hard cider I will consume. If you feel the Earth moving, it's because this fat guy is dancing his heart out (I don't get mad, sad, I just dance and sing when I imbibe). It's a Polish wedding, so you know madness will be first order of the day. Polka, beer and pierogies for all. Our family does it up right. Please join me in wishing well to the young couple.
NOSTROVIA!
NA ZDROWIE!
CHEERS!
NOSTROVIA!
NA ZDROWIE!
CHEERS!