Looking for Leather, Blockade Runner Suttlery any good?

[Old_Warhorse]

I've heard/read some people say that Blockade Runner is pretty good and a clear step up from c&c suttlery, but also seen a few people say that their stuff is ****. Does anyone have any recent experience with them?

I've wanted to try reenacting for years, and finally decided to take the plunge. So I've started acquiring some kit, and I'm looking to pick up a few more items as I get closer to completing my impression, specifically some leather items, like a cartridge box and belt, and a tarred canvas haversack. And keep in mind i probably don't have the budget for every piece to be full on museum quality gear, but i don't want to buy total junk either.. and btw i plan on consulting my unit about, and buying my actual uniform jacket, trousers, and hat from one of the more reputable, closer to museum quality sites, like Wambaugh White & Co. But I'm currently looking for a less expensive, more budget friendly haversack, and cartridge box, etc. So if someone knows where/which site is the best for more budget friendly, (but still decent quality) leather, accoutrements, any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum and the reenacting hobby! I've bought quite a few things from Blockade Runner over the years and have no complaints and they're super nice people if you have any questions. You're first sentence about nails it. They are a step up from C&C but certainly not the best you can get. If you're on a budget and need something rather quickly they're a good place to go. Are you going Federal or Confederate?

 

[ladyoutlaw03]

Yeah, their leather is ok for someone starting out. I understand it's gotten better over the last few years. I'm not sure about their uniforms anymore,though.

 

[Rhea Cole]

Call the folks at Blockade Runner & ask them about what you are looking for. You will be talking with a family member. That way you will be in direct contact with the people who have owned the business for decades rather than listening to somebody who hasn't been there in years, if ever.

Our girls galvanize between soldiering…

… southern belle-ing…

… & camp life.

We have found both the products & personalized service to be all we could ask for…

At the Blockade Runner.

 

[3rd North Carolina]

I found w/ a lot of the leather that is being used its not very great and will fall apart. This is one of the many reason why i make my own leather that i know it will last from the abuse that i put it thru. so my advise would be buy the best that you can afford you would be happy that you did

 

[Old_Warhorse]

Thanks for the responses

It's been awhile since I made this post, since then I attended my first event, and my unit actually specifically recommended blockade runner (, among several other vendors). And I got to see and use some gear purchased from them, up close and in person, and it seemed well made. So I will be placing an order soon, thanks again everyone.

 

[celtblood]

I've heard/read some people say that Blockade Runner is pretty good and a clear step up from c&c suttlery, but also seen a few people say that their stuff is ****. Does anyone have any recent experience with them?

I've wanted to try reenacting for years, and finally decided to take the plunge. So I've started acquiring some kit, and I'm looking to pick up a few more items as I get closer to completing my impression, specifically some leather items, like a cartridge box and belt, and a tarred canvas haversack. And keep in mind i probably don't have the budget for every piece to be full on museum quality gear, but i don't want to buy total junk either.. and btw i plan on consulting my unit about, and buying my actual uniform jacket, trousers, and hat from one of the more reputable, closer to museum quality sites, like Wambaugh White & Co. But I'm currently looking for a less expensive, more budget friendly haversack, and cartridge box, etc. So if someone knows where/which site is the best for more budget friendly, (but still decent quality) leather, accoutrements, any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

I've never had any problems with Blockade Runner or C & C. I've been a customer of The Quartermaster Shop, C & D Jarnigan, Fall Creek Sutlery, and Crescent City Sutlery, amongst others. A lot of it comes down to personal wants and preferences. I have seen some more "junky" options throughout my 4-plus decades of reenacting and CW period activities, so you do have to sort of feel things out. Chances are one single dealer isn't going to have exactly what you prefer in everything, you do have to shop around. The best option is often to attend events where larger-scale sutlers are set up, so you can actually try on the various jackets, etc., as mail order is harder to navigate for the best fit. Personally, I use C & C most of the time, and highly recommend them. I can honestly say I've never had any problems with their products, and my stuff gets a lot of wear and tear and gets thrown around. You will run into units who are very particular about period details and so forth, but the spectators don't pay much attention to those details, if at all. As one of my old friends once said, all the picky demands just keep the poor man from being able to participate. Do your best and have fun with it, keep history alive, that's the main point of it all.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

You will run into units who are very particular about period details and so forth, but the spectators don't pay much attention to those details, if at all. As one of my old friends once said, all the picky demands just keep the poor man from being able to participate. Do your best and have fun with it, keep history alive, that's the main point of it all.

I disagree with this. Although the average spectator will likely not know what they're looking at and what the differences are, I have had MANY from the general public comment on how much better my unit's gear looks compared to others, and ask why that is. I tell them like it is, no point pulling punches.

That said, I've bought stuff from Blockade Runner. Some of their stuff is actually very correct, or at least enough to get by while you wait a year for the better stuff. They fill the "more accurate than most mainstream" tier quite well, which is important.

 

[charliegold]

If you're getting started the cheaper stuff works. So no I've been told. Depends who ur talking to. I decided to just start out with handmade quality stuff from Missouri boot and shoe. If you're in a hurry this is not the maker. Worth the wait so far - pair of brogans and pr of boots. Impressed. I traveled up there and he hand-measured my feet. Quite an experience. Sorry, bragging a little.