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  1. daveO

    Mechanix Gloves

    I've been using their original gloves for years now and love them. I got them for working on the cars but now I've got four pairs for general use. I've only managed to wear out one pair so far. I wore through one finger and set fire to the palm with angle grinder sparks. It's amazing how much...
  2. daveO

    What are you buying yourself for Christmas?

    I've bought myself a couple of suede drawstring pouches from a leather worker on Etsy. I'm trying to spend all our Xmas money locally and with independent sellers this year.
  3. daveO

    A battery-powered workshop lamp recommendation.

    If you're lucky enough to use Makita 18v tools then the LED lamp they sell to use those batteries is amazing and not very expensive as a bare unit. It's the DML801 that I've had for a few years now and I can't recommend it enough.
  4. daveO

    What could i make with sheepskin offcuts?

    Insoles for boots and slippers. I get a bit of foot pain and sheepskin has been the best material I've found for warm supportive insoles.
  5. daveO

    Camper vs hiker vs farmer

    The Farmer is currently £23.50 on Amazon and there's one as-new on warehouse deals for £21.50.
  6. daveO

    Sold Fallkniven U2 and CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5

    Price drop on the U2 to £45 posted for the weekend only. After that I'll probably withdraw it from sale.
  7. daveO

    Camper vs hiker vs farmer

    Keep an eye on the Amazon warehouse deals. They tend to get knives sent back with damaged packaging (IE the seal has been broken) and the discount can be really good. I got my officer's knife for under £20 and a hiker for about £11. There's a farmer on there now for £22...
  8. daveO

    Sold Fallkniven U2 and CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5

    U2 still available :thumbsup:
  9. daveO

    Pigments for illuminated manuscripts

    I remember reading about oak galls being used to make ink after Toddy mentioned something about it a while ago. http://www.medievalcodes.ca/2020/01/oak-gall-ink-explained.html
  10. daveO

    What happened to pipkins?

    Thanks, Toddy, that's all really useful information. I've been looking around for something similar and came across this American infomercial style microwave cooker that seems to be a legless pipkin/tagine hybrid. I think if I want the authentic experience though I might have to get something...
  11. daveO

    What happened to pipkins?

    When you say fragile do you just mean from thermal shock or do you think they would have broken in use a lot? I assume more modern firing techniques would increase their robustness a bit though. How did the weight compare to a similar sized cast iron pot out of interest?
  12. daveO

    What happened to pipkins?

    Another bit of info and a recipe here https://dailyprandium.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/a-history-lesson-in-a-pipkin/ I never thought of using grape juice in a stew but maybe I'll have to press some next year and see how it works.
  13. daveO

    What happened to pipkins?

    I was reading a book that discussed the historical popularity of pipkins. For those who don't know a pipkin is a glazed earthenware cooking pot with a lid, hollow handle and three little legs. Very similar to some of the smaller cast iron dutch ovens that are popular now but more designed to be...
  14. daveO

    Outhaus Merino blankets?

    Definitely too pricey for me sadly. They don't seem to want to show off the hardware for the leather straps either which seemed odd. I wasn't sure if they were double layered either though which might add to the price.
  15. daveO

    Outhaus Merino blankets?

    Three times the price of the Outhaus ones but I was quite taken with the look of the Petromax version in the green and black colour. https://heinnie.com/petromax-wool-blanket/
  16. daveO

    Any idea how to fix this?

    In fairness I should say this pouch is 9 years old now and has been used a lot. Back then they didn't cost much over a tenner but given the price rise now I think I'll definitely consider that one if I have to replace it.
  17. daveO

    Any idea how to fix this?

    Looking at it closely it wouldn't be that hard to unpick and re-stitch the one side of it. It doesn't have to look especially neat but I'm just not sure if I'll just make the rest of it worse by trying to fix that one bit. It's definitely an option if repair doesn't work out though.
  18. daveO

    Any idea how to fix this?

    One of my Maxpedition pouches has developed an unfortunate rip in the material that makes up one of the internal pockets. I think the material has come away from the seam at the side and has frayed as it unravels. I need to stop the rip getting any worse and then patch it on both sides I think...
  19. daveO

    Whale saves train!

    My dad is a structural engineer and has been asked to provide calculations for various bits of urban sculpture over the years. I bet the guy who did the calcs for that at some point got told 'don't you think this is a bit over-engineered?'
  20. daveO

    Leaving the forum.

    I found "The art of mindful gardening" very useful. A lot of the principals transfer to bushy activities.