Wheres all the knife makers gone off of bcuk

[Pattree]

Can someone define bushcraft for me?
I’d be particularly interested in a UK setting.

I am enjoying this site and discussion with folk who have a very wide range of subjects and crafts.

I think that there are an interesting set of people with a wide range of experience here. If it isn’t bushcraft I don’t particularly care.

But:

If it isn’t, I’d be interested in an authoritative definition that wasn’t entirely based on tools.

 

[HillBill]

I do agree a return to basic bushcraft is required - bushcraft basics if you like , but that starts and ends with each of us doesn't it.

Not quite sure how one creates a fundamental renaissance ?
The teaching/skill matrix that was being talked of could be a way - working ones way of tick boxing skills as one goes , almost akin to boy scout badge earning . But again it require people voluntarily getting involved. Myself included.

Back in't day when we both joined... we were younger, more active. Ray, Edward ( Bear) were on the TV, the subject was accessible to all, by sitting on their arses and not doing right much. Now its not, We are nearly 20 years older, and probably, for the most part, sat on our arses, not doing right much.

Whst do we do? Go back 20 years, and provide the forum with life, for people who read and reply, but who also sit on their arses and not do much bushcraft stuff?

Did you ever watch game of thrones? The Greyjoys family motto... 'That which is dead will never die'

We are proof of that mate,

 

[Nice65]

I hope the Chinese removed him from the equation!

Tim Noble. Wasn't Chinese knives, it was Indian or Pakistani makers using tinpot metals and making very cheap knives. Noble was buying them, then selling them on pretty cheap at trade shows, but selling them as quality handmade finest. Hardly a criminal mastermind, but he peed off the knife community.

 

[HillBill]

Can someone define bushcraft for me?
I’d be particularly interested in a UK setting.

I am enjoying this site and discussion with folk who have a very wide range of subjects and crafts.

I think that there are an interesting set of people with a wide range of experience here. If it isn’t bushcraft I don’t particularly care.

But:

If it isn’t, I’d be interested in an authoritative definition that wasn’t entirely based on tools.

Define bushcraft... Thats very easy.

'A practical working knowledge of nature and the natural world'

Anything else is a flight of fancy. In my own opinion anyway, but i am happy to debate the matter. My mind is not unchangeable.

 

[HillBill]

Tim Noble. Wasn't Chinese knives, it was Indian or Pakistani makers using tinpot metals and making very cheap knives. Noble was buying them, then selling them on pretty cheap at trade shows, but selling them as quality handmade finest. Hardly a criminal mastermind, but he peed off the knife community.

Noble!!! Thats the one!!! And yes. No idea why i used China. Brain fart!

But who was David Wiper? As he sprung to mind.

 

[TeeDee]

Back in't day when we both joined... we were younger, more active. Ray, Edward ( Bear) were on the TV, the subject was accessible to all, by sitting on their arses and not doing right much. Now its not, We are nearly 20 years older, and probably, for the most part, sat on our arses, not doing right much.

Whst do we do? Go back 20 years, and provide the forum with life, for people who read and reply, but who also sit on their arses and not do much bushcraft stuff?

Did you ever watch game of thrones? The Greyjoys family motto... 'That which is dead will never die'

We are proof of that mate,

Which kinda brings me back to the point of peak bushcraft - things do seem to go in cycles and have peaks and troughs - as you say Lofty , Ray and Bear , Survivor man all seemed to have fed an interest that was at its most popular , peak(est)? at the time.

In the same way we are currently seeing a bit of a resurgence in Baking ( British Bake off ) , Dress making , ( Forget the show title ) and various arts and craft inspired topics - this will generate interest and relevance until it starts to wain once more.

Not many Bushcraft inspired TV type shows on to plant interest in younger people and I'm not sure if the Scouting I remember as child is similar to what I think Scouting may now be shrouded in H&S cotton wool.



I guess what we have is the core group of people that became interested in it all at its hay day or found a common thread of interest in something that was already there? But over time , like you mention , our hairs are greying , our eyesight is failing and our joints do so much more ache when we bend over.

 

[Pattree]

Define bushcraft... Thats very easy.

'A practical working knowledge of nature and the natural world'

Anything else is a flight of fancy. In my own opinion anyway, but i am happy to debate the matter. My mind is not unchangeable.

Then this forum the epitome of a bushcraft meeting point..

Interesting that by this definition all I require is knowledge. Never mind knives, I don’t need ANY tools or equipment!!!!

My own outdoor tool kit is very domestic and inexpensive. My clothing is available at the local market. It isn’t surprising that I have never owned a tool that costs three figures!

It’s OK. I understand that your definition needs a very wide interpretation.

However, you have highlighted an issue with the definition.

Could it be that over the last twenty years bushcraft itself has changed.

Unsurprisingly in my quite long life nearly all outdoor pursuits (typified by Scouting and Guiding) have moved away from the militaristic and are very much more widely accessible.

 

[HillBill]

Which kinda brings me back to the point of peak bushcraft - things do seem to go in cycles and have peaks and troughs - as you say Lofty , Ray and Bear , Survivor man all seemed to have fed an interest that was at its most popular , peak(est)? at the time.

In the same way we are currently seeing a bit of a resurgence in Baking ( British Bake off ) , Dress making , ( Forget the show title ) and various arts and craft inspired topics - this will generate interest and relevance until it starts to wain once more.

Not many Bushcraft inspired TV type shows on to plant interest in younger people and I'm not sure if the Scouting I remember as child is similar to what I think Scouting may now be shrouded in H&S cotton wool.



I guess what we have is the core group of people that became interested in it all at its hay day or found a common thread of interest in something that was already there? But over time , like you mention , our hairs are greying , our eyesight is failing and our joints do so much more ache when we bend over.

I've read that several times. And my brain gets caught up on the dress making bit each time lol. I'm gonna need more than a minute lol.

If thats something you enjoy, i have some tools for sale which could be right up your street.

My brain says dont say that... My other brain says you daren't say that! Other brain claims victory.

Not kidding though. Got a couple of vintage Singers with all the trimmings im not using.... Attachments for lace, filigree etc... probably should have sent you that in a message... but brains in conflict dont think that far ahaead, and when its already typed out... meh.

 

[TeeDee]

I've read that several times. And my brain gets caught up on the dress making bit each time lol. I'm gonna need more than a minute lol.

If thats something you enjoy, i have some tools for sale which could be right up your street.

My brain says dont say that... My other brain says you daren't say that! Other brain claims victory.

Not kidding though. Got a couple of vintage Singers with all the trimmings im not using.... Attachments for lace, filigree etc... probably should have sent you that in a message... but brains in conflict dont think that far ahaead, and when its already typed out... meh.

Thanks... But no thanks- Its not you , It me....


I guess my point is where the culture interest is at the time generates a comet of interest , their is the large mass at the front with lots of interest and then a tail end that follows it but over time diminishes.


I remember there being a significant interest in property renovations shows and various books etc - Sarah Beeney all over the TV in various stages of different pregnancies and Phil and Kirsty , Kevin with his droll architectural critique etc etc etc - ad nauseam....

Yet now? No real interest in renovating properties - either on TV or the cult of wannabe people following a DIY zeitgeist of emulating the figure heads of the movement.


I like the forum - I guess I've grown up with it as much as anyone /everyone else - I know we have also seen , witnessed and paid honor to those members that are no longer with us on the trip we call Life.

I appreciate the forum has evolved into being a more ( even more... ) all encompassing church of sometimes overlapping/esoteric interests that are not possibly strictly Bushcraft but appeal to those that include Bushcraft WITHIN their interests... and thats ok.

I don't feel we need a strictly puritanical bushcraft fundamentalism by only covering buhcraft topics but I can see where others are indicating a lack of directly specific posts to it.

Not sure how to address that unless we all contribute and rebalance / reinvigorate

 

[HillBill]

Then this forum the epitome of a bushcraft meeting point..

Interesting that by this definition all I require is knowledge. Never mind knives, I don’t need ANY tools or equipment!!!!

My own outdoor tool kit is very domestic and inexpensive. My clothing is available at the local market. It isn’t surprising that I have never owned a tool that costs three figures!

It’s OK. I understand that your definition needs a very wide interpretation.

However, you have highlighted an issue with the definition.

Could it be that over the last twenty years bushcraft itself has changed.

Unsurprisingly in my quite long life nearly all outdoor pursuits (typified by Scouting and Guiding) have moved away from the militaristic and are very much more widely accessible.

Knowing how to carve a tool, a trap, a vessel to contain water is one thing... Not having to the tools to make that reality makes having the knowledge a waste of time.

No. Bushcraft has NOT changed over the last 20 years. It hasnt changed since all the current crop of trees, plants, animals or minerals have existed. We work flint the same way Otzi did. We use wood the same way everyone through history used that same type of wood. Birchbark can still be used to make canoes and water carrying vessels. Pine tar, can still be used to make medicines and flammables. Pemmican still lasts for years if made as it used to be. Birch Bark is still the best tinder for catching a spark. I'm still the most annoying guy on here... nothing changes, until something changes.

Bushcraft has notihng to do with us, other than we being able to understand what's needed to survive. Ask a wolf, an antelope, a rat, a starling... What is bushcraft? And you'd get a different answer from each based on their own needs, (assuming they understood your words)

You need to wise up a little mate. Its not about you. It never was, and it never will be. x

 

[TeeDee]

I'm still the most annoying guy on here... nothing changes, until something changes.

But each year you've out done yourself.

So Bravo..

 

[HillBill]

Thanks... But no thanks- Its not you , It me....


I guess my point is where the culture interest is at the time generates a comet of interest , their is the large mass at the front with lots of interest and then a tail end that follows it but over time diminishes.


I remember there being a significant interest in property renovations shows and various books etc - Sarah Beeney all over the TV in various stages of different pregnancies and Phil and Kirsty , Kevin with his droll architectural critique etc etc etc - ad nauseam....

Yet now? No real interest in renovating properties - either on TV or the cult of wannabe people following a DIY zeitgeist of emulating the figure heads of the movement.


I like the forum - I guess I've grown up with it as much as anyone /everyone else - I know we have also seen , witnessed and paid honor to those members that are no longer with us on the trip we call Life.

I appreciate the forum has evolved into being a more ( even more... ) all encompassing church of sometimes overlapping/esoteric interests that are not possibly strictly Bushcraft but appeal to those that include Bushcraft WITHIN their interests... and thats ok.

I don't feel we need a strictly puritanical bushcraft fundamentalism by only covering buhcraft topics but I can see where others are indicating a lack of directly specific posts to it.

Not sure how to address that unless we all contribute and rebalance / reinvigorate

Yeah, i agree mate. Way i see it... this place is set up to encourage a certain type of discussion (outdoors/bushcraft)... but time moves on, and the rules regarding what we can discuss have not changed. But times and people have.

Over the years... many people have brought up other subjects and been shot down buy the 'rules' brigade. Which is fine in itself, yet, here we are. Discussing why the place isn't what it used to be...

Start a thread about whats the best Bacon. You'll see,

 

[HillBill]

But each year you've out done yourself.

So Bravo..

The certificate lasts forever. I have several, none of which came with a best before date!!

 

[Stew]

That might help. At least it would encourage makers to at least advertise/show their wares. But if no ones buying, because the forum base (most being longer term members) either have all they need, or as with many of us, times are harder than they used to be... It's worth a try for sure. But, i'm not overly optimistic on the outcome in all honesty Stew.

Bit of a chicken and egg situation for me. What comes first - sellers or buyers? Equally, what's the harm in allowing it? I don't really believe that it would lead to more scams like Teedee suggests but it is just a feel.

 

[TeeDee]

Bit of a chicken and egg situation for me. What comes first - sellers or buyers? Equally, what's the harm in allowing it? I don't really believe that it would lead to more scams like Teedee suggests but it is just a feel.

I think , and its a bit selectively subjective , we all mostly know whom the recognised and trusted makers all ready are.

Anyone new / unknown that wishes to advertise would need to be placed on a probation list with advertised "L" plates to provide a caveat to whatever potential customer that the seller is somewhat an unknown and caution is urged or advised.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I think that there are quite a lot of BCUK members who are also at the very least lurkers and browsers poverty on EM.

There are plenty of makers over there.

 

[Broch]

Excuse me butting in to this conversation - but I seem to remember not long ago (1 year, two years?) all the edged tool advertising was moved to a separate forum because it was decided that the 'knifey' image wasn't currently a good look.

I never buy knives, I never looked at knife sales posts, and I don't think, from a business point of view £100 a year is an expensive way to reach potentially thousands of customers. It's just that this is not the market place any more than it's a market place for leather goods, wool jumpers, hand made socks... If it was, no maker would be bothered about £100 advertising costs.

I correct myself - I do occasionally look at a knife post when someone puts up something new they've made - just to admire the fantastic craftsmanship that many members (professionals and amateurs) in this community can boast.

 

[Stew]

I think that there are quite a lot of BCUK members who are also at the very least lurkers and browsers poverty on EM.

There are plenty of makers over there.

Interesting use of language. I would say that there are some makers there not plenty.I guess I just think back to BB days. The boom has definitely passed.

 

[Nice65]

I think that there are quite a lot of BCUK members who are also at the very least lurkers and browsers poverty on EM.

There are plenty of makers over there.

I reckon there are no more than a tiny minority, a handful of people who browse on EM. I don't think the site can even be accessed by non members. As for the makers there, I've no idea as I don't go there, but it's even more niche than here and therefore a smaller marketplace.

Found a tidy sub on Reddit, r/kniveswapUk. Loads and loads of SAKs and Leathermans at the moment.

Nice Stu M #2 on there if you're interested

 

[Tengu]

I dont get out much anymore but my Job is very Bushcraft.

Win?