Toy collection not needed for the bush

R

raym

Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
24
I'm new here and some may take offense at my observation but it's not meant to offend.

I'm nearly 60 years old and I detect that the average member here is closer to half that or less.In the 70's,I lived for over three years in the Alaskan bush.The nearest neighbor was about 25 miles distant.I point this out to demonstrate that I don't speak from theory.

An enthusiast of whatever (knives,guns)is usually emotionally wrapped up in toy collecting,whether one is aware of it or not.As long as one is AWARE of that fact and therefore does not take it too seriously,everything is fine.However,I get the sense that many do take it quite seriously,hence my remarks.

When I lived in the bush,I kept things very simple and every experienced bushman I've known has done likewise.As far as edged tools are concerned,a couple of decent knives along with a couple of axes,splitting maul and saw was all I ever needed and I LIVED in raw wilderness.

I get the distinct sense that many are not happy unless they are on a shopping spree which inevitably leads to more repetition and complexity.To those who believe this to be neccesary,I suggest that falling back to basics will prove to be superior.

Regards,
raym
 
I think that many people buy more than one of a tool (axe,knife etc.) just to be sure. They may have grown up using only a 20 year old splitting axe and never had the pleasure of using a fine cutting implement like a Gransfors Bruks. For instance my first real outdoors knife was a KABAR Camp knife, but after getting a puukko and a short axe I figured it was much more practical. Of course many people buy expensive knives because admittidley it's nice to have something that was made with care, and in some cases to admire a work of art.
 
Most of the people on this forum would agree with you. But being that it's still a part of a knife forum, most of us can't help but getting new knives when we can. I wouldn't let my gear take over my love of getting outdoors though, that's the main point.
 
From the practical point of view, you are 100% correct (although I only wish I was half your age). From an enjoyment standpoint, I enjoy getting and using a few new toys:) . However, I don't confuse that with "needing" them.
 
I get the distinct sense that many are not happy unless they are on a shopping spree which inevitably leads to more repetition and complexity.To those who believe this to be neccesary,I suggest that falling back to basics will prove to be superior.
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Your average caveman did not have "a couple of decent knives along with a couple of decent axes, a splitting maul and a saw"...and he lived in raw wilderness quite successfully.

I understand your point, but might not our hypothetical Neanderthal friend find your collection of tools frivolous toys?

Besides, buying knives makes me (and many others around here) happy, among a whole list of other things not necessary to survival.
 
raym said:
An enthusiast of whatever (knives,guns)is usually emotionally wrapped up in toy collecting,whether one is aware of it or not.As long as one is AWARE of that fact and therefore does not take it too seriously,everything is fine.However,I get the sense that many do take it quite seriously,hence my remarks.
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I agree, and to paraphrase, don't let a knife (or gear) define you. Unfortunately, many people do and because they don't know any better or possess certain skills, they think a knife or gear will give it to them; so they go for the latest gimmick or fall for commercialism. I myself have been guilty of such. Heck, I am buying this forum's knife (I don't need it, I want it). Nonetheless, in the last six years I have found knife peace through (albeit small) increases in knowledge and practiced skill. There is truth in the statement, "The more you know, the less you need." My knife is an $11 Frosts Mora. I have gone back and tried some of the expensive knives only to come back to my very simple blade because it actually works better (for me anyway).

And while I am on my soapbox about gimmicks and commercials, I think it is sad that kids today can know 1,000+ different brands and not know 10 trees or plants in the environment they live. As I tell my five year old, "If they have to have a commercial for it, you don't really need it. If you REALLY needed it, you'd already have it or know where to get it." (Hmmm... think I will add that to my signature)

Hope I didn't offend anyone either. Peace, Chris
 
hollowdweller said:
I totally agree with you. On the other hand I love knife collecting.:thumbup:
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well said HD..... :thumbup: i believe in keeping it simple for sure... :D but i still enjoy have a selection to choose from...i have been a knife collector the vast majority of my life.....
 
My problem is that there isn't a decent knife shop in these parts, so I'll buy a knife or ax online. When it shows up I'll unwrap it, pick it up and immediately know it's not for me-- handle too small or wrong shape, balance is all wrong, etc.

In this way I've accumulated a ton of really nice knives (and a couple tomahawks) that I never would have bought if I could have felt them in my hand first.
 
One response demonstrated an attitude which indicated that he felt criticized for collecting,etc.This was not the point I was making at all.My observation was being addressed to those who think the collections are neccesary.

And no,the caveman analogy does not fit.

Another seemed to suggest that I advocated second rate equipment.I fail to see that connection either.

Apparently,my use of the word "toys" ruffled a few feathers.It was a philosophical phrase.

But it appears that a couple of you actually did get my point.
 
Raym, I had to smile when I read what you wrote here because I'll be 60 later this year, too, and sometimes I just have to shake my head when I read what some of these youngsters here post. I realize that these "children," as I so often think of them, have mostly grown up in cities with computers and cell phones, not in the small towns, deep woods, swamps, and farm lands of America using knives and other basic tools like so many of us old codgers did. I try really hard to be patient when I read some of the immature things posted here, but I have to keep in mind that these "kids" very often don't even have a male role model in their lives to ask the things they ask us about sometimes. Most men my age had a daddy to give them their first knife, to show them how to whittle without cutting themselves badly, to make them a slingshot, take them fishing, and teach them how to play mumblypeg out in the yard under a tree. I've got a photo here beside me taken of my daddy over 50 years ago. He's down on one knee with his arm around me, and damned if he doesn't look proud, too! It's a rare and very lucky kid to be raised today like we were. Just ask my wife who's been an elementary school teacher for many years now. She sees the disasters all too many families have turned into. I'll bet you know as well as I do the reasons most of this has happened, so I won't go into it.

Well, I didn't mean to get too philosophical here, but I sure know what you mean about this "live to buy, buy to live, get all those shiny toys right now" lifestyle so many folks pursue now. Sure, I enjoy having a few new toys now and then, too, but I like to think I'm not as thoroughly suckered into the current fads that some others are. I think those of us with some years and some real world experience under our belts sometimes need to spend the time and effort to try to guide a youngster in some useful and intelligent direction. Some of those that sound so completely mindless, though, I don't usually bother trying to help. There is one boy, though, who has had a rough year and who lives on what some of us call the Left Coast that will be receiving a small package from me soon, and I suspect its contents will help encourage him further along in the right direction. I hope so anyway.
 
raym,
I am guilty of "buy it to try it" and move on if the new one is better. It is the only way I know to improve my kit. I have a bunch of knives but my to go gear has only two attached to it. I like to spread things around a bit too :)

I do like my gee gaws but my go to gear is butt ugly and built like a hammer. Still trying to further simplyify maintaining the Mauser.

What did it take to get you out of the sticks?

2Door
 
I get it and agree, I love this forum and am here quite a bit but I would sooner pull all my toenails out with a pair of pliers as pay 500 dollars for a knife to whittle sticks with. I have the knives I use and very rarely want another, the same with all my favorite things.
It seems some people are always looking for the next greatest thing and others are satisfied with the familiar. Chris
 
lmalterna said:
raym,
I am guilty of "buy it to try it" and move on if the new one is better. It is the only way I know to improve my kit. I have a bunch of knives but my to go gear has only two attached to it. I like to spread things around a bit too :)

I do like my gee gaws but my go to gear is butt ugly and built like a hammer. Still trying to further simplyify maintaining the Mauser.

What did it take to get you out of the sticks?

2Door
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To answer the last question,I was running out of money for supplies (flour,beans,etc) and didn't want to trap as I have an objection to that.
 
raym,
Understood- I prefer shooting an animal to trapping or poisoning.

runningboar,
At what point in the development of a tool should we stop trying to improve? Was the matchlock the pinnacle of firearms? Some boots don't fit my feet, same with some knives.

2Door
 
DR MUDD,

I appreciate your comments.It's my observation that in this materialistic culture we live in,many seem to think that they can somehow "BUY" competence by purchasing something new and trendy.
 
lmalterna said:
runningboar,
At what point in the development of a tool should we stop trying to improve? Was the matchlock the pinnacle of firearms? Some boots don't fit my feet, same with some knives.
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You reach a point where improvement is minimal and cost is IMO insane.

To directly answer your question, never, but there should be substantial improvement in order for me to give up the boots that do fit. Chris
 
magneto said:
OK then, what did he have?
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He had a rock, magneto...and he liked it!

And that rock...when he got hungry...he ate the rock! And he liked it!

raym...I do agree with your overall point...I carry a carbon steel slipjoint. Its all I need to cut things, but its kinda like kissin' your sister.

I just bought a Schatt and Morgan peanut that's too pretty to use. I wanted it.

The world might be a nicer place if we could all buy or own anything for pure enjoyment once in a while...maybe just an ice cream cone.

In fact, eveyone, go out and and get one right now! It's Friday afternoon and quitting time for me!

Everyone take pointless pleasure in your weekends!
 
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