Where to get kit?

[DP1]

As I said in my introductory post I have been viewing the site for a while and got a bit of kit together albeit poor quality. Over time I want to replace all my kit but obviously expense is a big thing!(That and the Mrs telling me what I can and can't have!)Anyway I think I have the gist of certain sleeping kit I want i.e A tatonka tarp, Nanok -10 sleeping bag and some form of Hammock. Cutting tools a decent axe to replace my £2.99 diy shop axe a woodlore style knife to replace my EKA nordic H8(which I do like it's just a little to small).

This is the question, I would like advice on where to get a knife without breaking the bank I'm not by any means on a good wage.Also other kit I would love is an Axe mask, knife sheath and possibles pouch all matching leather(I haven't got a fetish...Honest!) Where would I go about obtaining such stuff?

 

[weekend_warrior]

Frost's clipper for under a tenner (I prefer these to the Mora - better grip and sheath)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320125597100

and make your own leather gear - It's not hard to do. I don't know where you live, but there is great place in London to get all the leather you need as offcuts for very little money and all the tools, thread etc cheaply too.

 

[Ogri the trog]

Hey DP1,
Why not stick with the gear you've got? If it does everything you want it to do then its OK surely! My knife is from a kit, and my axe was a 1-99 special, both housed in homemade sheaths, add in a group buy hammock and its not going to break the bank.
I know its good to have the latest and greatest shiney thing but do they really make that much difference to the job that you are doing?

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[DP1]

Thanks for the advise so far as for the leather supplier I am in the Northwest, I did consider trying to make some of my own but it would cost as much trying to get it right as I am a totally cack handed! I can see where you are coming from about keep the kit I've got, but the problems I have are as follows I have a DPM tarp not sure of the size but it is not long enough for me I am 6'1" and my feet hang out the end! My axe has been abused (not by myself) But I leant it to my Dad when he was doing a job and it came back with a loose head dings out of the edge and chunks missing out of the handle! I don't know how! I have looked out for another cheap one but since the shop hasn't had any in. The knife handle is a bit on the short side as I said. So I thought I may aswell start again with proper kit!

 

[Ogri the trog]

Hi DP1,
Don't get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with "proper" kit.
But equally as important can be the skills involved in re-grinding and re-handling your axe or your knife. If you were to get into making leather sheaths, theres always the ability to "trade" them for things when someone else has something you'd like but lacks your skills.
Its no fun trying to stay dry under a small tarp so I'll conceed on that one.

Good luck

Ogri the trog

 

[Marts]

Kit choices can be informed by somewhere useful like BCUK, but in the end it's about what works for you in the situations you put yourself in. There's nothing like experience for informing and shaking down your kit choices.

That being said i'll answer some of your requests if I can.

-10 Nanok. Great so long as you don't sleep hot. For info on this put NANOK in the search bar at the top. If you are ready to buy I believe there is a current thread recommending Genuine Army Surplus who are selling them off for £40 (a bit of a steal at that price) Given that it's about to be summer though you may be better off with a zero degree Nanok.

A replacement Axe. Check out some of British Red's threads about axes. He's a total Axe nut. Of course he might tempt you with a really expensive Lee Reeves double head, so you have been warned. Alternatives - As Ogri said, you can get pretty decent axes for a cheap price at places like B&Q. Gransfors do good axes. I also believe you may find something in Members classifieds section. IIRC there was a recent group buy too so check out the group buy section of the forum.

All the leather kit - check out some of the makers here - Eric Methven, Bardster, Singteck, Rapidboy & Leon1 are just a few of the names off the top of my head. Alternatives - I think Johnny Crockett at Survival School sells quite cheap leather possibles pouches in several sizes - You'll find him in the schools list and IIRC he does free postage.

For hammocks and tarps see if Magikelly is doing a group buy at the moment, or google tatonka or hammock and you'll find a list of suppliers. Or wait. I'm sure Magikelly will do it again ( I think he's addicted )

A woodlore style knife. I AM NOT going to open that can of worms!!!! Why not try a mora/ clipper like Rich suggests. You may find you love it and it's only about a tenner. So you can't go wrong. If you really want a woodlore style knife spend some time on British Blades and you'll find something you like. Or keep an eye out for makers like Jojo or Lord Farqhuar on BCUK.

I'd also suggest getting a firesteel to go with your knife. Then more knowledge. Then some more knowledge. And finally....you can guess

Hope that helps

Marts

 

[Tengu]

I get my kit from car boots mostly (Mora, cookset, tent, inflatable mattress)

or make my own (sleeping bag liner and leatherwear)

I got my boots (2 pairs, walking and real dunlop wellies) and summer sleeping bag off of Freecycle.

 

[gunnix]

See these topics:
Bushcraft on a budget: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18667&highlight=bushcraft+cheap

Bushcraft on the cheap: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19101&highlight=cheap+kit

My perfect stove kit: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20206&highlight=water+bottle

Where to get stuff from? flee markets, groupbuys here on bcuk, ebay, and shops like genuinearmysurplus.co.uk, outdoorcode.co.uk, ...