' "Well, I'm sure that the infantryman at Valley Forge was quite happy in his soaked, 20+ pound outerwear...who needs this newfangled GoreTex & fleece anyway? Its just a scam to get your money!" '.

That's a good one. I just bought another pair of Swedish Army surplus wool cargo pants to replace the wool pants that I've happily used hunting for the last 7 years. Maybe not all that much different from what that Revolutionary grunt had around his shivering buttocks back in 1776. You see, I've never had anything Gore-tex that was worth a damn--except for maybe my new boonie hat. (Time will tell on that one--so far so good.)

Meanwhile another year has gone by and I still don't own a $400.00 knife--or a $200.00 knife for that matter. I remain unconvinced as to MY needs. My wants are something else again. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (Note: I did NOT say that Busse knives are not fine knives.)

I will admit every time I see a Randall I drool--but that may just be because they, to my eye at least, represent form AND function. There may be one of those in my future after all. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Regards, Vince