Bryan, try the makers' forum. I'd jump on it myself, but only on my own stuff. Sounds like it could be a good project for you if you're so inclined.
My list...man oh man. I have neglected replacing my gear for a long time, in part because my tastes don't really run to a lot of the high-tech gear currently available. I keep thinking "I'll just learn how to make it myself"
I love learning how to do/make different stuff
I guess I can cross something off the list: I just ordered a couple more Trams. I've got a 12" machete coming, and a 14" bolo. I've got a piece of fir driftwood for a golok-style handle with copper bolster/guard, and I'm not sure how I'm going to do the other one.
First off is a new pair of boots, but it's a bit tedious to do the shopping part: comparing features and prices, trying them on, all that stuff bores the hell out of me. I've got an old pair of Raichles that are more comfortable than runners, but they're getting pretty tired. Even well-maintained leather doesn't last forever - though after 15 years and about 5 pair of Vibram soles I guess they don't owe me anything !
A new internal frame pack...thinking about 60-70 litres, fairly long in the torso, separate divided sleeping bag compartment, minimal external pouches...right now the MEC Brio packs are front runners for me. Since my Jansport Spire 70 -one of their few good packs IMHO- was stolen out of my storage locker along with my mountain bike and CF-issue Silva Ranger, I'm down to my old school MEC Huscaran daypack (30 litres maybe?). The part about the theft that really burns is that the compass is tough to replace. It's not even useful to most people because it's in mils - though I doubt the deadbeat who took it really cares. Grrr, thieves are scum.
Now that I've got my new pack rod, those first two are priorities.
I'd like to get a sander in here somewhere so I can start doing my own (stock removal) blanks instead of buying them. I've been checking them out every time I'm in the building supply, but I haven't started seriously looking yet.
My float tube is so UV-damaged now that the backrest/chamber pulled right off the last time I picked it up by the handle, so a new one made the list.
A possession & acquisition license (PAL) is in my future, soon followed by a heavy-barreled 10/22, then a .308 (and eventually maybe one of the Sako trg's
....)
A #3 Grohmann (boat knife) with the overlap sheath, an F1, maybe a GB hatchet and an OHT, a forge....help !!!!!
