Hi, just wanted to make clear that I had no intention of starting agruments here! And glad to see that none have started, more to the point! Keep it clean, people ...
Clearly, from the posts so far, it kinda depends on who gave you bushcraft/survival 'bug' in the first place - I must admit I started with Lofty, simply because I'm from Hereford and so naturally had an interest (dare I say sense of pride) in the SAS, etc. So for me, in the beginning it was a combination of wanting to be able to survive and live off the land, and to have the physical/mental toughness to 'rough it' in all weathers. Though I appreciate that if you've come through the Woodlore route, you're more likely to appreciate the more craft-based/ancestoral elements of what we all enjoy.
Not trying to state the obvious here, I'm just interested in people's different reasons for wanting to 'go down to the woods', as it were - and I think the old Ray or Lofty debate is a good way of drawing out personal preferences and motivations.
Though I have to say, the comment made about Ray Mear's branded equipment is spot on ... there does seem to be a heck of a lot of people all chomping at the bit to get their hands on a Woodlore knife! And not just because it's a fine piece of kit, if you know what I mean.
Reminds me of when Mick Tyler (Breakaway Survival, Hereford) told of how he survived in the Malayan jungle for 2 years, on and off, relying on nothing but a tempered-steel parang and a roll of gaffer tape. No frills - that always floats my boat!
Just a bit concerned about some of the 'equipment fetishism' that seems to go on, as if a Woodlore knife is somehow better than, say, a Gene-Ingram knife, just because Mr Mears has put his name to it. Sorry - being a bit contentious here (and kind of off-subject), but I do wonder how many people end up forking out on this kit, when they could do just as well with something at a fraction of the price.
Then again, Lofty has his ruddy great machete on sale ... so please excuse me whilst I go and eat my hat.
Keep 'em coming ... especially if you can recommend the names of any other 'gurus' - I'm all ears.
G