...of which I am proudly one.
For what it's worth, I dont think squidders was pointing at you Greg, but his observations are 100% on the money.
[just to be clear, my following comments are general and not directed at anyone in partticular]
As predominantly a knife collector, with only a very passing interest in bushcraft, I see the sort of bushcraft snobbery Squidders refers to in a huge number of threads on here. Phrases like "real bushcrafter" get bandied around, like it's some sort of status. The problem is, bushcraft in the UK is a hobby for pretty much everyone - in fact it's a fantasy for pretty much everyone. We dont have any wilderness, we aren't forced to live off the land and two nights under a tarp in yer local park doesnt make it real. Maybe that's the problem? People seem to collect "nights under a tarp" like a boyscout collects badges. Get enough and you get promoted to "real bushcrafter". But in reality, no matter how many badges you have, to some extent,
we are all just pretending ...it's just a question of degree.
But part of this holy journey into bushcraft deification, is the shunning of all things not "needed". One must throw off the shackles of modern life and carry only those tools essential for our journey. Evidence that you have done this properly, is the scars of hard use on your tools. Verily, ye shall laugh and scorn those with shiny knives, for they are the false gods. Eve shall tempt the weak with a new and sparkly Cega, but the faithful shall prove their worth by the chips in their metalwork.
Do you not see it? Realy? I do. Squidders does.
I own a small collection of granny B's. Why? Because I like em. veeeeerrrryyy occasionally, they'll see some use, but mostly, I just like em. I have owned 3 woodlore's. One is waiting for a new handle, another I sold on to a friend for what I paid and the third I sold on ebay for an obscene profit. I paid a significant sum for a Sebenza, this is the most used knife I own - the cost was irrelevant. I have also bought and sold many other expensive knives over the years. Most were drawer queens.
I just dont understand why this is bad?
But some of the folks on here pour scorn onto these "false gods" who dont use their tools, as though they were slime from the pit. Why?
I can only assume there is some jealousy involved. Maybe they cant afford to spend the money? Maybe they are deficient is some other aspect of their lives, they they feel the need to look down their noses at these "pretenders" who dont use their tools? Whatever, I dont know.
I do know this is still a free country. I do know there is a free market economy. I know I work hard for what I get paid, and I know I'll damned well spend it on whatever gives me pleasure. I also know that those who would look down on me for "failing to justify" my expenditure, perhaps ought to re-read their copy of Mein Kampf for better guidance.
Anyway ...think about it please. What does it matter if someone wants to collect rather than use? Can you really justify what you own? All of it? Have you ever bought something just because that "thing" gives you pleasure? Is it really good for your soul, to look down on anyone, for any reason ...even if you are qualified ...in fact
especially if you are qualified?
Whatever. Here's wishing you all a very genuine and very happy Christmas. I hope the new year brings you prosperity and happiness. May your God be with you.
Martyn.
I've been on many a Woody course and it got me interested again in the great outdoors. Thanks Ray. In fact, I was sorely tempted to buy the £1450 Woody Woody on ebay now. To me it's an interesting piece of bushcrafting history, not worth that money by a hell of a long shot, but it's not about money. Merry Christmas all....
