Club Obi Wan

Nice work there, Tundy!

Most excellent

Now thats detail
Great work.

Awesome label.

You have inspired me to make my own over the holidays.

Really great description and photographs of your project Michael. I think you have it looking fantastic. If you decide to honor us with your work in the future my backback is ready and waiting. Hope your Sweet Heart is feeling better soon.
All the best,
Tim

You have some fine and detailed gear! It's a really nice collection - and your photos always show it off so well too

Impressive, finishes the look of the pack nicely

Great label! And GREAT pics too! They really looks authentic (if you know what I mean)!

I believe TN must be rubbing off on you?

Tundrarider wrote:(BTW, Dario, don't you have something you should be doing right now? )

I was sure you'd say that!

That's awesome! You hit the proverbial nail! Congratulations to this beautiful result. Makes me think about creating a lable for my backpack (with my own initials, 'though).

Thanks for posting these details!

Fantastic work my friend.

Outstanding work as has shown in all of your gear. I would be honored if I were able to affix a label as well made as yours onto my backpack. Thanks for sharing.

Magnum

Beautiful work mate!

The picture of all the gear with the bag and the seriously overstocked diary is especially sweet.
That could easily be a corner of HJ's house!

Many thanks for sharing!

Absolutely awesome! Fantastic work!

Nice work and thanks for the description of the process. I love seeing how a project comes together like that!

Hey Michael, thanks so much for sharing that! That's very nice work. Also very nice of you to document it like that so some of the more enterprising gear-heads around here can perhaps try it ourselves if the desire seizes us.

Nicely done, Michael!

Kyle

Beautiful work! It looks perfect!

Well done, very nice label!

Great job Michael!

Cheers!

Dan

Cool!!! Me likes.

Travis

I don't have a rucksack, yet I still want one of your labels!

Tundrarider wrote:Ranger36, Be patient and diligent. I have faith that some of these may be turning up arond here soon!!! Like I said in my original thread about this pack, it is a very cool looking rucksack to have lying around the house even if you aren't a CS fan. I believe one will come your way soon!

Michael

Definately. Fom the first time I saw it in CS, I have wanted one. The problem is, I already have three backpacks. I'm a big Scout. But never fear, one day I will own one of these awesome packs!

It's all the same to my parents though.

Not quite sure what you mean.

Wow, I've dragged the thread way off topic.

tgalahad wrote: Really great description and photographs of your project Michael. I think you have it looking fantastic. If you decide to honor us with your work in the future my backback is ready and waiting. Hope your Sweet Heart is feeling better soon.
All the best,
Tim

Greetings Everyone,
Well that was then and this in now. Three cheers for Tundraider! He went above and beyond in designing and attaching "HJ" to my CS Rucksack. The easiest way to make this happen was for me to send Michael my Rucksack. Michael was able to match leather and thread color with my pack and return it to me so quickly I did not even know it was gone.
Here are some recent images:






I am so pleased with the excellent craftsmanship that Michael brings to his work. The best part of this experience was getting to know Tundraider and being one of the first to acquire the "HJ" label. Thanks Michael The adventure continues...
tgalahad (Tim)

Looks perfect, well done Tundraider

Wow! Great work, indeed! To be honest I always thought I wouldn't attach a nametag to my own rucksack, but seeing this really makes me change my mind. My own initials on the backpack ... this idea becomes more and more attractive.

Thanks for sharing this.

Well done Michael!

Kyle

Now that is superb workmanship my friend! Well done indeed!!!

I absolutely LOVE this picture! Either you are great with a timer, or someone else out there shares your photographic talent! I appreciate you taking the time and effort to "gear up" for these pics and post such great shots. (BTW, your gear looks outstanding and you look great wearing it. Have you posted full gear shots anywhere? If so, where? and if not, WHY NOT?!!!)

Hi Michael,
Thanks for the nice compliments. I used a tripod, timer and window light for that image.
I have not yet posted full gear shots but "trust me" I will get to work on that!
By the way, here are two additional details of your "excellent work" one of the front side and the back side. I think everyone can see the quality of your technique and for that reason alone if others are considering your label I would encourage them to work with you.
all the best,
tgalahad

Front


Back

That's one big sack (sorry, I couldn't resist)
Anyway, where does one buy one of those? And Michael, you really need to start your own customizing service for these...outstanding work, a true gearhead!

DIG IT

Michael worked on my rucksack as well. Michael, I can't thank you enough for truly completing it's look. These pics are nothing compared to seeing it in person. It simply looks like it was always on it. What a fantastic job you did my friend!!
This is one of my treasured pieces of gear thanks to you!!!

Hey Digger4Glory,
I agree, Michael did a great job for you. Looks great!
Have great adventures!
tgalahad

Just can't tell you all how much I'm becoming a little obsessed with owning one of these.

And credit where credit is due:
Tundrarider's HJ Initials Name Tag has been the overriding persuasion to do so!
If there was a quick, simple way to get one of these I'd be ready to move FAST, that's for sure!

EXCELLENT work(crafts)manship, Michael!

Mitch LaRue wrote:Just can't tell you all how much I'm becoming a little obsessed with owning one of these.

And credit where credit is due:
Tundrarider's HJ Initials Name Tag has been the overriding persuasion to do so!
If there was a quick, simple way to get one of these I'd be ready to move FAST, that's for sure!

EXCELLENT work(crafts)manship, Michael!

I was very happy to aquire one of these packs. Then I saw Tundrarider's label pics and knew I had to make my rucksack complete. Michael was so professional, fast and kind, it was a real pleasure! As for the label, I could not love it anymore!!!

Here it is again, but a little larger to see the detail. Wonderful work Michael!

Here's another shot..

Yep.
I'm very sincerely jealous of you lucky gentlemen who own one of these fine pieces of Gear... and I couldn't admire the job Tundrarider's done on those labels any more than I already do.

Congrats, you lucky dogs!

Has there ever been any discussion as to whether the HJ actually stood for The Hitler Youth (Hitler-Jugend abbreviated HJ)? It is a German ruck sack after all, isn't it?

The Man with the Hat wrote:Has there ever been any discussion as to whether the HJ actually stood for The Hitler Youth (Hitler-Jugend abbreviated HJ)? It is a German ruck sack after all, isn't it?

That's an interesting question. This rucksack is from the 70's I believe, so the time frame is off. I think if they wanted to show a glimse of some other story connection they would have used something more accurate for the time frame but hey who knows. I don't think so though.

Hey Michael,

Great work my friend!! This thread was a very interesting read, I always like to see progress pics and description to accompany and then final display pics like you have done with the bag, fedora, gloves and diary!!

Very well done!

Regards,

Andy

Tundrarider wrote:Knowing how both Henry Junior and Senior felt about the them, there is no way Indy would carry anything associated with Hitler and his stooges.

An interesting and thoughtful point of view my talented friend!

For me the idea of Indy or Jones Snr carrying a Nazi bag is not that hard (although I agree they probably would have chosen something that suited their specific needs as opposed to just any old bag).

Speaking from personal experience, owning an item that was once held by a sworn enemy can be very agreeable indeed because for me, it serves as a symbol of the ultimate conquest over the enemy, as opposed to wanting to applaud or support their unfortunate policies/doctrines/beliefs…

Either way, this bag and label is an especially wonderful addition to the franchise and for those fortunate to own one the rest of us are understandably envious….!:D

Regards

MARK

Well, here's a LONG-overdue contribution that I've been meaning to make to this Thread!
So, first of all:
Sorry I'm so late.


Here's the story:
Back in the beginning of March I bought a KotCS German Army Rucksack from another Member here through the Cairo Bazaar.
With the help, understanding and co-operation of both the seller AND the always gracious and accommodating Tundrarider, I was able to arrange a deal where the rucksack would be sent to Tundrarider's address (instead of mine) where Michael then affixed one of his AMAZING "HJ" Leather Labels to the top flap of the pack before sending along to me!
Now, I'm sure I don't need to tell you (nor is there anything new to say - it's hard to improve on perfection) about the wonderful quality of this label - to say nothing of the detailed craftsmanship that's on display with this label.
Michael works WONDERS with this label. It looks PERFECT while at the same time maintains a worn, "been through several adventures already"-look about it!
I was in love with the rucksack the minute I lifted it out of the box... but the label was, without a doubt, it's crowning jewel.
To anyone who owns one of these great rucksacks: if you don't already have one of Michael's "HJ" Leather Labels (ideally sewn on by the Man himself) I urge you to contact Michael and make arrangements with him... it just gives this rucksack such a wonderful "finished" look.
I know I told you already... but heartiest THANKS to you, Tundrarider!

Now that I've said all of that, a word of explanation about the delay between the day the rucksack arrived through the mail and today:
The package arrived in the mail on April 9th: the same day we were all hearing the terrible news about Tony Nowak AND in addition, the day before I left with my family on vacation for a week and a half.
The night of April 9th I sent Michael a quick message saying:
Hi Michael.
What a day.
Please forgive the brevity of this message but I just wanted to send you a few quick words to let you know a couple of things:
The rucksack HAS arrived (and safely)...
Michael the pack itself is lovely, but the label even lovelier... you did an outstanding job.
Also: I will never throw away the packaging... the moment the lady at the P.O. handed it to me and I saw how you'd wrapped it, I had to give up a BIG smile (on a day when I desperately needed one.)
Thank you so much... I will be posting some photos on C.O.W. but not soon: My family and I leave early tomorrow (Saturday) morning for a 10 day vacation... so, I'll be missing from the Forums for a bit.
Anyway just wanted to let you know... thank you again, my friend.
Sorry there's no time to write more... must get to bed a little bit earlier than usual for the early start tomorrow (and bring this day to an end... I'm just heartsick about Tony)
Take care, my friend.
Fox
After my vacation ended and I was home I sent Michael a message letting him know that I was back...
But not long after I was in contact with Riley Barrie at Tony Nowak Originals and began assisting him in completing a TN jacket that I'd thought would never happen.
THAT distraction - mixed with a lot of "office work" and a LOT of lousy weather on the weekend - prevented me from getting any outside shots taken prior to within the last week (and if you know anything about me, you know I love getting OUTSIDE with my Gear!)

But now, finally, I can add to this post and try my best to show off this rucksack - and Michael's work - in a variety of poses and hopefully do so by trying my best to create some kinda' "Indy-vibe"
A word to purists with a sharp eye for the details:
I'm a pretty hardcore "Raiders" guy (when it comes to my Gear specifically) and I don't really have any ToD, LC or KotCS Gear (YET, anyway)... as a result, please know that I'm well aware these shots are a strange HYBRID of ideas: Mostly Raiders-Style Gear in a very green, "Peru-style" setting, but with a CS rucksack... there's really nothing explicitely Screen Accurate going on with these shots... just some overall Indy-Style-stuff.

Oh, and one LAST note:
When my wife first started taking these shots of me, we did a little action where I'm approaching from further back in the woods and advancing closer...
Our idea was that maybe I'd write a funny little "advertisement" that had captions under some of those photos that read "WHO is this man? This man of ACTION who approaches through the jungle travelling from one adventure to the next? And what piece of Gear does he carry that a MUST for every Adventurer?" ...y'know, that kind of thing.
It would end with a close-up shot where I turn away from the camera ('cuz you can't really get a GOOD look at it until then, anyway) and the caption would read something about "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull German Army RuckSack! But it ISN'T complete without the TUNDRARIDER 'Henry Jones' Label!" etc, etc...
But I'm afraid I've got a VERY busy weekend in front of me (I'll bet a LOT of you U.S. GearHeads do, too!) and what you don't know is that almost EVERYTHING in this Thread except for THESE last few paragraphs was written over the last week during my spare time on my Lunch Break while at work!
So, now I don't have time to do the "AD"... but I still thought you might like to see the shots (which are also, admittedly, out of order... yeeesh)
Anyway, hope you like.
All the Best,
Mitch


First, here's a quick collage showing some of the details of this great label/rucksack combo... it revisits a lot of what's already seen in this Thread, so I'll just post the one shot of this and not be too repetitive.



Here's everything else... some pictures, some Links:



http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07652.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07657.jpg









http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07541.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07605.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07563.jpg

Credit where credit is due:
This shot is TOTALLY an "homage" (meaning I'm totally ripping him off!) of tgalahad's great photo-with-rucksack. (I only steal from the Best!)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... C07575.jpg

It was MY pleasure - and privelege - to not only write (and post) a few positive words of praise and compliment here in this Thread... but the pleasure of getting into Full Gear, swinging that great rucksack over my shoulder and getting out into the "green" was also mine... I'm just sincerely sorry that you (and I) had to wait for so long before that could happen!
...And now I'm even MORE sorry that I've taken you out of the "good company" of the David Morgan Bullwhip! (After all, it took me 2 FULL YEARS - since joining COW - before I could manage to do a little write up on the whip... Hmmm... maaaybe I shoulda made you wait a little bit longer for those photos of the rucksack, huh?)


Seriously, though... you might not be aware of this, Michael, but my wife and I did those shots on July 1st (Canada Day) - thankfully, having the day off from work bought me the little bit of time I needed to get the job DONE - but I though you would get a kick out of knowing that THAT day marked my "Second Anniversary" as a proud (and irrepressible) Member of Club Obi Wan!
I couldn't imagine "celebrating" that fact in better style than having a bunch of photos taken for posting here... (and besides, I was worried there weren't enough photos of me here at this website!)


Anyway, glad you liked the photos and words, my friend... I will, of course, pass along the compliment for the snapshots to my always co-operative (and understanding) wife... she probably need to hear it again (came back from the woods with a few grubs and insects on her... was NOT impressed!)
She knows I've got the heart & playfullness of a boy in me... but in all fairness, she's can be such a GIRL, sometimes!


Alright, I'd better GO... She's literally twisting my ear as I -OW!- write this!


All the Best, Michael!
Fox

Awesome pics! Very cool!

I found this font in my fast library of fonts. It's very similar to what you used Michael. I rather like the history of the font when I looked it up.

Released by the Barnhart Brothers & Spindler foundry of Chicago in 1922, it is a heavy version of Cooper Oldstyle, also known as Cooper.



Can you give me the dimension of the label (w x h)?

Thanks