(M-1951 Korean War Wool Field Shirt. Brand new vintage 50's shirt, 10 bucks.)My wife is so sick of me extolling the values of the whole Army Surplus scene that I must do it here, or forfeit my wife's interest at any mention of the words 'army', 'surplus', 'wool', 'green', and 'collectible'. Lets break it down: If you don't Army Surplus, then you suck. No, seriously. I sucked until a few months ago, when I moved to a very Army Surplus friendly zone. If you, as this Gazette, are revolting against a throw away culture, and are becoming( or just are) 'sustainable'(The New American Man's Gazette has not found an appropriate chic word to replace the overused, yet apt, 'sustainable'), then the Army Surplus is the place to be, at least until we all bleed their stock dry. My brothers and I have raided all The Surplus stores within a 15 mile radius of us, and are getting ready to venture even further.
'Whatthehell?' you say? Well, let me tell you.
For quality, American made, durable staples to The New American Man's wardrobe, The Army Surplus is your affordable mecca. Need a slim cut, hardy wool shirt that can withstand the apocalypse for under 15 bucks? They got it. How about a pair of black leather dress boots that can kick ass AND take names for under 50( many designers today are taking this very design, and charging 3 hundy for it...)? Doable. Go get yourself a military cut navy blue or black trench for under 50. Or a fashionable button up sweater for under 15. Don't make me go on man, because I will. While you are at it looking for the staples, stop by and grab yourself a canvas shoulder bag and a few military pouches to put your crap in.
The great thing about the Army Surplus is that it is made to fit, made to be hardy, and is US made. How can you go wrong? The downside: the colors, of course, will all be blacks, greens, blues and tans, but I actually find this a benefit. Some of the Surplus stores will also carry other US made clothing, such as flannels, boots and gloves.
When you go to the Amy Surplus, make sure to take some dough, and be prepared to get lost for a couple of hours, because these places are bottomless pits.
The best Surplus stores have been in their location for 20 years or more, and have merchandise treasures at the bottom of boxes and behind glass cases, and under shelves. Feel free to dig, and if something doesn't have a price tag on it, they tend to be very reasonable. Not only will you find affordable, quality goods, hopefully, you will again feel like a kid rummaging around in his grandpa's garage on a boring afternoon. Feel free to buy 'useless' ammo pouches, canteens, mess kits and cartridge boxes, as these will surely come in handy someday, or just look cool sitting on a shelf. Buy these types of things from WWII/Korean/Vietnam era while you can, because they wont be around much longer. Be careful when buying old collectibles- make sure you know the value, if any, and pay accordingly. Don't get scalped for a reproduction bayonet or bag or mess kit( military forums are the best place to research, as well as some websites: Olive Drab, for instance). Beware of cheap made trinkets such as some knives and flasks these places now carry. Stick to the basics, and you'll be good.
I can personally attest to the durability of Armysurpluswear, as I have worn these wool shirts through manual labor and dual jobs, feeling warm and bitchin' all the while, and I have had army backpacks for years.
But-don't take this Gazette's word for it- get out there and find out for yourselves the joys of ye olde Army Surplus before they go the way of the buffalo.
And do it before some one else gets the good stuff and sells it on E-Bay or Craigsshit for thrice its cost...
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