Exploring New York’s Oldest Military Surplus Store With Alpha Industries
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- čas přidán 12. 02. 2018
- As we continue our cross-country journey in search of the best army navy shops with Alpha Industries at the helm, we return to our east coast home in New York City to uncover a gem of a shop that's been family-owned for several generations. Full story: hsnob.co/4kfsb
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I can remember when WW2 ended and my dad took me to an Army surplus store, it was amazing, I ended up buying a spring field training rifle, it had a dummy barrel but a real bolt action. I don't remember what happened to it, I also got a Navy P coat, everybody had one for winter, it was amazing. Yes I am old. You tube is amazing.
eogg25 you're amazing.
That's so cool!
but the real question is how old?
I remember when M56 battle rattle was everywhere and dime a dozen. Times have changed for sure
I have my father's navy P coat from the 80s. Probably my favorite piece of clothing I own.
He was stationed in the desert, so I doubt he ever really had occasion to wear it lol.
I love it when the interviewer actually knows what they’re talking about
He got a few things wrong, but it is interesting
Me too.
The ration comment was hella wrong
you were at nxp stream the other day lol
@@ContraIsBased do I know you? That was a long ass time ago.
We were still eating WW2 rations in cans during the Vietnam era. I ate them in 1968, and opened them with the same can opener shown in the video.
I joined in 82, when patriot was first fielding I ate C rats heated on the turbine generator or in a dedicated coffee pot filled with water :) i miss the pound cake and John Wayne bars
Thank yal for your service
Me too. Ham and Lima Beans!
And I tell people not to throw away their canned goods just because they are a little out of date......you were eating 20 year old rations........
MREs, we're not available until 1985.
I remember many years ago I bought an interesting shaped canvas bag to use as a bookbag from them. I went to a demonstration (late sixties) with the bag full and really got quite the reaction from several police officers who were also veterans because the bag was for a single use bazooka type weapon and the way I stacked my books made it look like it was still full of the weapon.
Wow, thats neet
Hahaha that's a awesome anectode. Thank you Michael.
I love and respect how the interviewer had knowledge of the utility and history behind most of the pieces! Good job on this one!
no not really it looked rehearsed and he kept calling things the wrong name so hes a dumbass
Maybe he used to serve in the army
For real lol, this was like a fucking commercial
Tony styles you stood like such an annoying hipster, I bet you wear urkel glasses and doc martens
lol,you funny.
Wow, I can’t believe this store is still around after all these years. My father brought me here when I was a kid, and that was many moons ago. I’ve been there several times over the years by myself as well. Nice to see it again now that I don’t live in NYC any longer.
The very first time I went to Kaufman was in 1971. I remember, his farther or grandfather working at the store. I also remember Jim minding the store occasionally ,around in mid 70,s. Now he runs the store. Great to one of the NYC's oldest institutions still going strong!
Pretty cool that this shop has survived in Manhattan this long but also sad that 90% of what’s for sale is not actually real surplus anymore 😢
Indeed. Back in the sixties there was much more surplus available there. A lot of brass artillery shell and such.
This place took a lot of my cash back in the late 70's when I went to school in NYC. I loved the smell when I walked in.
In my country all American stock shops have disappeared. We used to go there for any gear. Jerry cans, batteries, camouflage jackets, searchlights ,knives, heavy keys, scoops, water bottles, tents and baches, trailers, and boots. My first GI boots (high laced and round tips) came from there. In short, these tools are not available anymore in Belgium. Thank you.
leave it to the sailors to wear a white laced dress
VideoAndy you know what they say about sailors
100 men go down
50 couples come back up
You ever been down in a main space when the boilers are lit? I have, and trust me, any amount of clothing is too much.
@@GLARebel Hope so.
Thomas Daily why, you joining up! 🎶IN THE NAVY🎶.....🍌🤼♂️🤹🏻♂️
Those things will work great in the cold too. It creates a layer of air that will keep you warm. We had similar ones for winter usage. Trash talk the garment all you want - I'll see you in twenty below zero (Celcius) and we'll have a chat.
I grew up loving military surplus gear and then i joined the marines after high school and now i never want to see olive drab and camo ever again
That more than any other post here I believe.
Was it that terrible?
Don't have to wear it everyday!
Wow!! He's still alive! I used to go there back in the 80's to get military gear with my freinds. I always thought The Trader on Canal street was the oldest.
Cool. I just watched a 6 minute ad for Alpha Industries lol.
Kris Vladimirov if that’s how you wanna look at it
The interviewer looked like a kid in a candy store. Great to see someone with a passion for army surplus. I'd be the same, my mastercard would be hit hard in that store! Thanks for posting.
I was in the shop a year ago. It was bustling with people. The owner still gave time to come over and help with what I was after. Top man. Great store.
Went to this place once, absolutely excellent. I showed up five minutes before opening, and the owner felt bad that I had to wait and insisted on giving me a 20% discount. I tried to refuse, but he didn't give me the option.
I've been in a couple of gigantic surplus stores...those with jeeps in the interior (for sale) and half-tracks outside for sale...massive wardrobes, huge 'camping' gear allotments...could spend all day just browsing! Best 'hunting-camping' gear you'll ever find in most instances...stoves, lanterns, boots, parkas...if they have sane-prices, it's the best place to actually start to 'prep' from!
So nice to know how knowledgeable he is about his craft so the brand comes from an authentic place.
We used to have a wonderful Army/Navy surplus store here in Norwalk, California in the 1950's but sadly it's gone now. Then in the 1980's my youngest son found a great Military Surplus store in Orange County where he picked out a Swedish Army overcoat for his birthday present. Your video brought back many happy memories. Next time I'm in NYC I'll stop in for a little shopping.
I Like how respectful you are. How you ask questions. And don't act like you know it all. Thanks for these great videos. I've been enjoying them. BTW I am Surplus Store hound too. I don't get to go thru very many these days. But when I'm able to. And can find a new store to haunt I do so.
It's great to see Jim still in the store. it's also good to see a reporter who has an idea on the subject! :)
Yes, so good to see Jim.
Great video! This Canadians very first trip to Kaufmans was in 1985 - got to peruse and purchase some of the World's most awesome surplus as well as being able watch an incredible parade of Vietnam veterans. For your many years of service, THANK YOU Kaufmans!!
Classic and timeless store I love going to these stores all over USA but never been to one in NYC will check out next time !
The white jacket is winter camo for the m51 fishtail parka, its worn over the parka in snow environment.
‘Hi Jim’ ‘hey Jim’
GrudgeEVO *Jeff
I love the smell of old military stuff. Reminds me of the old Army Surplus store I used to go to as a kid.
Some years back we visted Kaufman's, and Jim was so wonderfully kind & welcoming. Made our day!
Use to live on 43rd between 7th and 8th. Went there all the time. Had no idea this place had that much history to it. It’s a fun store to just look around and check stuff out. Definitly would recommend to check out. Directly across from the port authority so really easy to get to. Thanks great vid
New York City is great like this... Tons of excellent stuff in a tiny place. My friend's family runs a surplus store, Sherper's in Milwaukee, but now it is more of a camping/expedition supply store. They used to have crazy stuff in there. The real military surplus shops seem to be dwindling.
So happy to see this! Jim is great! He really knows his stuff!
Dude, when I took basic in 1983, we had olive drab, steel pot helmets and, yes wait for it, "C" rations. I still have a P-38 on my key ring. MRE's, Kevlar helmets, and woodland cammies were all being implemented, but they weren't for trainees.
And now the price has escalated to $550 for a t-shirt.
You can thank the hipsters for that
You can see the interviewer mouthing the old guys words at 1:02
Glitch in the matrix
Also check 2:45...
really creepy
What the hell soo creepy
Nah dude his lines were totally off the kauf.
Jim is laid back, knowledgable and friendly. If I'm in NYC I'm going here.
When I was 4yrs old, the youngest of my older Brothers joined the British Army, 12 and a half years later I followed suit. But before then, my Brother brought home an American Army Jacket for my Father. My Brother had swapped, (traded) it with an American Soldier for a British jacket when they were serving out in Germany. I remember wearing the the American jacket as a child, it almost touched the floor and my arms were no where near the cuffs! My Father died when I was 11yrs old and the jacket was passed to my oldest Brother. I finally came to own it when I was 23yrs old and after 23yrs of serve and collecting a lot of cool stuff along the way, my Father’s olive drab M65 jacket remains my most treasured item. I’m 48yrs old now and I still cry whenever put that jacket on.
On a happier note, I’d love to visit this shop one day but I bet the prices are through the roof.
Cold War jacket was fire. I love this series. Keep em comin.
He said that prior to Vietnam rations we're in a can. Then picks up a mre, and says they changed. Research before you open your mouth. I was still eating c-rats when I joined in 1981.
Prior to 1982 but who cares.
Best clothing you can ever invest in, value for money, tough, durable, warm and cool. Must go there next time in NYC! 👏👏👏👏
Here in DFW Texas there was Army Navy Stores but they all recently shut down and now the only military store I know of it Omaha’s Military Surplus in Fort Worth, Texas. Great store!
I love my local army surplus store, Roy’s Army Surplus And collectables.
I got a bomber from here a few years ago. Still rock it till this day
Devoughn how much that joint run you? I’m planning on going to one for the same thing. Looking for an authentic piece
army surplus was where you went in the 70s and 80s to buy banged up mess kits/whatever. Really affordable camping goods, a parka that actually kept me warm for 12 winters. excellent quality.
Absolutely awesome! Thank you for posting!
I love this series would love to see more
this series is amazing
I remember a few short decades ago when you could buy WWII gear of every kind dirt cheap. I found a letter in a back pocket of some winter paratrooper insulated jump pants once.
being 73 years old and been to Kaufmans when they were on 42 street and present location many times..I have to say it is just a shadow of what it once was.
Have been to this store a few times and love their stuff.
Haya Cocu expensive?
I think nowadays they are a bit expensive because there are not much army/navy stores around to shop. But again, it depends on what you want to buy.
I’ve been in this store he’s such a nice dude
Bought my first army jacket there in 1982 when taking the train to the city from Queens with my buds to hang out in the Village!
I have been to his store so many occasions. Her is such a great gentleman.
If you're ever in Albuquerque, check out Kaufman's West. It might not have as much authentic surplus stuff (it does have quite a bit), but it's bigger and very cool.
Oh wow, I hadn’t even known about them, but considering New York’s centrality for trade and transport; it’s no wonder they have so much surplus and at high quality. If i’m ever in the area, I’d certainly like to check em out.
Great store, I've never seen it that tidy before. I still wear clothes I bought from there 12 years ago. A must visit when going to NYC.
I LOVE EVERYTHING IN THIS STORE. EVERYTHING.
Had a great store in our neighborhood in the early 70's. My dad wouldn't let us buy anything. Said the used stuff was from dead soldier foot lockers. Not sure if that was true, but he passionately stood his ground with us.
Kind of. If it's still serviceable it gets recycled. Usually it's just stuff people turn in or as the name says surplus stock.
Bob Donovan not true, when the military changes designs and or after coming back from combat we are issued new clothing! So the old stuff is auctioned off!! Many companies produce and sell their military issue stuff to civillians!
Matt Horkan I'm a retired MASTER SARGEANT! And no we don't remove and sell equipment from our dead!!
Matt Horkan what happens is when we come back from Iraq we turn in all of our old equipment from radois to 113s ,contractors buy the equipment and sell it! We get new equipment new uniforms and such! Even tanks!
no military dishonours their dead by doing that ...
Just came across the video and this made me miss NYC. I lived a few blocks away on 9th and 46th and I walked by this store probably thousand of times, specially because it was right across the street from Port Authority Bus Terminal. There was a Burger King on the same side of the street as Kauffmans. I'm living in Asia now but hope to get back there, and where I grew up. Weird to come across this after being gone for 4 years. Thanks for the vid (and memories) heh heh :)
Did you came back after 4 years?
I’m in my 70s now, as a kid my dad used to receive a Kaufman’s catalog. Mail order handguns and all, German Lugers $39.95!
Just love stores like that so much history.
A couple things viewers should keep in mind, coming from a lifelong New Yorker. One, the place is smaller than it looks. Two, it's surprisingly not that well-stocked. Some of the items were clearly prepared for the video beforehand. Three, if you're just a regular customer looking for something specific, good luck. You're better off trying any of the other Surplus stores in Manhattan, first. For two reasons...
Again, it's not that well stocked. And because, four, Jim is short-tempered and far from the friendly and humble guy you see in this video. Absolutely no help at all when I went there. I'm sure that if I were there to rent a major piece of gear for a production, or producing a CZcams video to drum up a ton of free publicity for his business... I'm sure he'd be very friendly then.
Yeah been there a few times just looking for an issue jacket or trousers and nothing but propper or rothco reproductions. I'm a common size.
Used to be a place on Broadway that was much bigger and I think Uncle Sam's and Galaxy were both decent too. This place is just trendhappy trinkets.
+badlaama urukehu
I remember the one on Broadway. Very well-stocked. Excellent place. Very clean. Didn't look or smell like your typical surplus store on the inside. I used to buy most of my SureFire lights at that place. I want to say it was called Ice-Berg? But the place closed down so many years ago, I'm not 100% sure of the name.
NGMonocrom That was it! SOHO.
+badlaama urukehu
Yeah, best surplus store out of all of them. I used to go there pretty frequently. Showed up one day, the place was closed and completely empty.
NGMonocrom Totally agree! I went there to visit the shop during my trip last October, and just because I seemed young, he immediately hints me and my step bros to look at everything quickly and leave the place as soon as possible. Just, ugh. We didn't even do anything wrong and stayed like a good 3 minutes not even checking the entire store yet. Honestly a buzz kill.
I'm honestly curious when the "home grown Tennessee" company became an "international clothing manufacturer" and started producing $400 color-change jackets in China, complete with Chinese zodiac signs and characters on them.
What a crock.
This is my favorite series from high snob no doubt.
I went into this shop by accident and didn't even know how special it was until now. Very interesting. Cool place to check out in mid Town
I was expecting the old man from falling down to come out.
If you don't have a P38 can opener on your key ring then you're not quite ready for the zombie apocalypse.
Got mine, about 1972, still works just fine and lives on my key ring.
Could you really call yourself a man if you don't have one?
I have my Dad's on my keyring. It's from his first mess kit. 1942. Still works just fine and used daily.
You can always rub a blood soaked flat stone around the metal edge, and it opens so neatly, zombie guts won't get in, and ruin what may well be your last real meal.
I'll just use my bayonet
History. Awesome stuff. Thanks for making this video. I love the fact that Mr. Korn knows his history. I would love to spend a whole day to glean some of the knowledge he has of the past.
I shopped there when I was a kid in the early 1970's. I remember the white test pilot helmet with the glass face cover behind the register.
That was back when Canal Street had crazy shops full of military surplus equipment like cameras, radios, all kinds of machine parts, gears, electrical - everything we needed to build special effects equipment for movie making.
When I was young you had to have a 500 lb. practice bomb in front of your store if it was a real Army Surplus Store .
Nice ad at the end lmao
I never saw the store so well organized! Nice n neat! :D
I still have the first P38 I was given in the field in 1979 and it still works perfectly.
I have walked past this place a couple of times, but it was either very early in the morning or late at night, so they were understandably not open. Even if the stuff is not 'authentic', I am just glad a place like this still exists in the 'new', glitzy, billionaire's playground that is Manhattan.
It is sad to see so many longtime mom & pop businesses go under, in the past decade or so. Online shopping is great however, there are times it's better to try something on and/or see, touch and feel the item.
Who says its not authentic? Of course its authentic. That's why people shop at Kaufman's.
I thoroughly enjoyed that
Awesome video. I remember going to Sunny Surplus when I was younger
This series is awesome
That parka at the end 😍
Sam Whiteley I need one so bad
id kill for it
Sam Whiteley there’s no way to get them online atm as well
Fff F I live in Manchester but I will literally go to Manhattan to get that jacket 😂😂
Sam Whiteley same I’m in oxford I’m gonna hit up some NY friends to get it for me
"Food was really important"
Highbrow content right here.
I remember going to the store and also going to south broadway and diving into bins of WW2 surplus
I remember this place from 1989, immediately after getting stationed TAD in Staton Island. Lots of cool stuff...
Sorry man, but we had the P38 can opener in Viet Nam and the canned food( MC)I to open, MRE's came later.
Damn the smaller Jim is so little. He looks like he stopped growing at the beginning of puberty, everything he puts on is big on him.
I’m 52 years old and been going there since I was a teenager. I used to hang out across the street with friends and would always go to look inside and wish I could buy everything.
Green/olive parkas are my favorite jackets especially during cold winters
The owner reminds me of Hannibal Lecture mixed with Ned Flanders !
LOL prof Hannibal Lecture ;)
I taught his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
Nah hes a good guy when you meet him
The Alpha industries have decreased the size of their M65 jacket pockets. The upper chest pockets are smaller and narrower than previous models.
Brilliant...please keep this going..good job.....
Great shop , so cool , LONDON CALLING!
I bought some items from this owner (in the video) of Kaufman over 25 years ago. He sold me a watch and touted it as a "Trooper" (the name brand on the face). He pulled it out and showed me that he wore it himself on his wrist. I bought it. It faded quickly.The face of the watch faded quickly. It was a piece of junk. I think I pad $50 for it back in the day. The last scene in the video with the jacket was not a showpiece per say for the video. He tried to sell it to the journalist. I know. He did the same thing to me with a different item above.
I was at Kaufman's one day a long time ago, and this is what I witnessed, some Asian kid came in and wanted to buy a gas mask. He told Mr. Korn that "he was fooling around with gas" in the country someplace. Mr Korn told him "that they don't guarantee the masks will work." That kid looked mortified after he told him that.
On a positive note, a friend of mine found some hard to find Air Force gear there. He bought it immediately from Mr. Korn.
Should have given us a few prices . Am I right .
Those jackets are nice! And warm as can be
Amazing shop
Omg lol, I went to the US on holiday and when we went to NY we popped into this shop when we were walking to see the statue of liberty. I had no idea the shop had such a reputation.
You know he's hiding some sarin gas canisters in the back lol
Proud of my American namesake !
Army surplus stores are my favorite !
Visited Kaufmans twice on 2 visits to NY from the UK. This was by far the coolest place I visited (close 2nd was the Intrepid) Nothing like this anymore in the UK. Cool place and the guy who owns it is a real gent, took his time to talk to me when I visited and amazingly remembered me on my 2nd visit. Worth a visit guys
I wish we have stores like it in Germany.
we have...... www.google.de/search?q=military+surplus+deutschland&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=52333102,10083466,230333&tbm=lcl&ved=0ahUKEwiA-9XS9bfZAhVCzqQKHWSqAPoQtgMIKw&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:10&rldoc=1#rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:!1m3!1d5206581.505744448!2d13.821245526560915!3d50.41732679434158!3m2!1i1260!2i768!4f13.1
gibt einen american store in nürnberg👍🏼
whaat!!??!da gibts genug stores.
bro im Swedish and even i know stores in germany www.asmc.com/ bought loads of flecktarn from there!
Come to Milwaukee we have a few
Carmelo Perez where at? the only one I know is downtown near Marquette
FamousRG who are you
My brother got his first rifle for Christmas at Kaufmans about 1964, a bolt action .22. The salesman in the back gun store was a fellow named Ben .
Great place just amazing