Epiphany

[Springchicken]

When I started down the bushcraft route, many years ago and for a variety of reasons, I was told that the Scandinavian grind was the one to have on my knife. I took this as gospel and so bought suitably ground blades from then on, ignoring other options.

Now, courtesy of my Peltonen M07, I find myself both enjoying and being impressed by the sabre grind.

My question, then, is this: is there anything - tool, skill or whatever - that you have previously ignored or shunned but which is now an integral part of your bushcraft armoury? How did your epiphany come about?

 

[Chris]

I have grown to appreciate and enjoy a well used, battered, rugged and functional cheaper knife (like my Companion HD or Skrama) just as much as I enjoy looking at and using my fancy expensive ones like my Woodlander/Woodlore.

The most important part to me other than function, is a knife that tells a story through it being well used. A knife that’s put food in bellies, constructed shelters, and kept people warm with firewood almost feels like it has a soul.

A pristine Woodlore tells me nothing and makes me feel nothing. A battered old Mora tells me hundreds of stories and brings me a deep appreciation of it as a tool. An unused knife is a paperweight, not a knife.

 

[Harold Godwinson]

Blimey, where do I start?

In the 40 odd years I've been playing bushcraft I think I've had so many "why did I buy this" moments over kit recommended by others whether friends, influences (YouTube) or so called gurus.

Wasn't until about 15 years ago I realised that all kit is personal. What works for me, at my skill level, isn't potentially right for others. Likewise my location and it's environment are completely different to say a YouTuber in Arizona or Finland, so copying them is totally dumb bottom. Even UK based people live in different environments, Dartmoor is different to the south downs for example.

That's a long winded way of me saying, that what I do now is enjoy watching and reading about other people's gear and adventurers but I don't try to emulate them, my kit hasn't really changed in about 10 years.

My one tip to avoid the bushcraft money pit is to list everything you carry, after each trip evaluate it, what worked what didn't, and only change something if it failed you. Don't listen to influencers who are potentially trying to sell you something, and if someone else tells you this is the best x or y ask yourself and them why? Do your research and don't buy blindly...

Lastly there is always that frivolous buy, and if your budget stretches to it... Lucky you.

Me, personally, before I buy anything these days I ask myself if I can make it myself cheaper, do I really need it and do I already own a alternative that might do the job.

I'd rather spend my money on a trip or holiday than senselessly replacing kit that doesn't need replacing. That's my epiphany

 

[forrestdweller]

once upon a time i thought head torches were silly (that was before LED's became common and they were bulky monsters): in 2006 i got a "petzl" which i had for 12years (and which convinced me that trying read at night with a wind-up torch isn't a good idea)

 

[Woody girl]

A hammock.changed the comfort level of camping totaly, and I love being able to see out, rather than being zipped into something that cut off all connection with nature.

 

[Springchicken]

Blimey, where do I start?

In the 40 odd years I've been playing bushcraft I think I've had so many "why did I buy this" moments over kit recommended by others whether friends, influences (YouTube) or so called gurus.

Wasn't until about 15 years ago I realised that all kit is personal. What works for me, at my skill level, isn't potentially right for others. Likewise my location and it's environment are completely different to say a YouTuber in Arizona or Finland, so copying them is totally dumb bottom. Even UK based people live in different environments, Dartmoor is different to the south downs for example.

That's a long winded way of me saying, that what I do now is enjoy watching and reading about other people's gear and adventurers but I don't try to emulate them, my kit hasn't really changed in about 10 years.

My one tip to avoid the bushcraft money pit is to list everything you carry, after each trip evaluate it, what worked what didn't, and only change something if it failed you. Don't listen to influencers who are potentially trying to sell you something, and if someone else tells you this is the best x or y ask yourself and them why? Do your research and don't buy blindly...

Lastly there is always that frivolous buy, and if your budget stretches to it... Lucky you.

Me, personally, before I buy anything these days I ask myself if I can make it myself cheaper, do I really need it and do I already own a alternative that might do the job.

I'd rather spend my money on a trip or holiday than senselessly replacing kit that doesn't need replacing. That's my epiphany

I agree with pretty much everything you say here. I am a great fan of writing down things that have proved useful on various trips; they always get included on the next one and, invariably, don't let me down. I find that it works for food, too.

If I feel I am in the market for something new or a replacement, I sniff out reviews, pay attention to the ones that cover actual usage in detail and then wait a few weeks to see if I still really need it before pressing the 'add to cart' button. Sadly, I don't have the patience or expertise to create things myself, unless they're wooden!

As you say, the selection of all gear is personal - to the environment, to the season and to the individual.

 

[Ozmundo]

Slow down.

I have become content with being still, not worrying about getting somewhere.

I do enough and carry what I need to be comfortable.

If I am moving I will regularly stop to have a drink and/or snack. I used to be into long distance routes and ticking off way points.

I think the hydration on the move (water bladders etc) is counter productive, a bad influence from the competitive end of the spectrum.