The "Gear I love" thread - An open list for good gear

[dannyb]

+1 on Lancewood for sticks. I've recently started cutting Lancewood branches for stick making. Experimenting with different drying / treating methods. Some I'll leave untouched and dry for a year, some I am lightly sanding, some sanding and rubbing with my own BLO/ wax mixture, some BLO alone. But even green they seem pretty good, light, straight and strong
I used to laugh at people using sticks, but now I'm a convert. Not only can stop you falling down slippery slopes, but great for stream crossings, knocking dead branches / cobwebs etc out of your way, probing ground ahead to see if it's safe to walk on. Plus I can extend my reach and give the dog a nudge (not a whack) if I want him to get in behind (ie not running ahead to try and murder the other dog coming along towards us)

I've only made 1 out of lancewood but I was too keen and didn't season it, it's really flexible to flexy for a good hill stick unfortunately. Definitely definitely season it first as they do harden up well according to a few mates that have them, they also look fantastic with a light sanding which makes the ridges really stand out then finish with your chosen oil or whatever.
One thing I would suggest with lancewood is to sand the hand grip area/s smooth as the ridged surface is not that comfortable to hold especially loaded up.
Must cut another 1 and season it

[johnd]

Talking about Lancewood the other day, guy said to tie a overhand knot in a young tree and as it grows the knot forms a head to use as a handle when you cut it down for a walking stick.

[CBH Australia]

I really like my R&N Blades made Helium knife. Its a neck knife pretty handy for you guys who hunt in the hills.

Check out R&N Blades on Facebook or a store called Points South.

The owner has just posted his NZ trip

[Moa Hunter]

When we were kids we made lancewood bows. I found it too bendy for a mustering stick compared to Manuka / Kanuka.

[NZ_noddy]

Talking about Lancewood the other day, guy said to tie a overhand knot in a young tree and as it grows the knot forms a head to use as a handle when you cut it down for a walking stick.

Some of us probably haven't got that long to wait..................

[Ryan_Songhurst]

These Honeybadger Knives. Fits in my bino harness no worries. Opens easy as with one hand yet had a nice solid hinge and lock. We did 6 deer last night including removing the hocks without touching the blade and I reckon it would go another couple.