![]() “I have been constantly specializing throughout the years, and Gammelt og Nytt has been able to continually offer and guarantee quality products, which is not always possible by ordering online,” Bjørn says as he checks out a website on his screen. There were many big changes in the 1990’s and 2000’s, especially when the internet changed how business was done. ![]() “I even had my own weekly article called ‘ Ukens Knivskarpe’ (Sharp Knives of the Weeek) in Norways popular ‘ Vi Menn’ (We Men) magazine, where I talked about knives and gave recommendations.” “In 1985 I sold Norway’s first Rambo style knife,” he says pointing to an ad. During this period, Bjørn started specializing in collectables and survival knives. “Apart from weaponry, the best outdoors equipment you could get in Norway at the time was ex-military equipment,” Bjørn said as he pored over old clippings from newspapers. In the 80’s the store’s niche was military surplus. Throughout the years, the store has always been a place of atmosphere and inspiration, with walls of ancient weapons and equipment opposite display cases full of the modern weapons and equipment. IT'S ABOUT EXPERIENCE Bjørn has always wanted walking into Gammelt og Nytt to be a unique experience for his customers. “One of the first knives I ever owned,” he said proudly. Bjørn pulled an old Ka-Bar utility knife from a well-worn leather sheath. As we checked out a variety of diving knives in one of the many glass cases in the store, I asked him what his favorite knife was. In 1978 Bjørn received his professional divers license and started teaching diving. When I asked him how it all began, he said “It started with a sword.” ![]() For decades Bjørn has sold just about every type of hand weapon and has been one of Norway’s foremost specialist in knives. He has also been buying and selling weapons since he was 10 years old, and for the last 48 years he has been running Gammelt og Nytt in the city of Drammen. ![]() From the most ancient to the most modern, Bjørn has continually been fascinated by weapons. IT STARTED WITH A SWORD Weapons have always been a part of Bjørn Ingbretson’s life. Right after he had sold me an axe, Bjørn said “Ok!”. When we were talking about a project the last time I was in the store, I suggested doing an article about Bjørn and Gammelt og Nytt. A few years ago, Gammelt og Nytt started sponsoring some Academy of Martial Arts arrangements, as well as providing the Academy with exclusive equipment and contacts. I have always regarded Bjørn as a mine of information about ancient and modern weaponry, and over the years we have had some very interesting conversations. For the last 30 years I have continually visited the store, quizzed the enigmatic owner Bjørn Ingebrigtsen about historical weapons and the latest in bushcraft and combat equipment, and have regularly bought knives, swords, axes, and pretty much whatever products he has recommended. On that first day, after checking out practically everything in the store, I bought a knife. For me, Gammelt og Nytt has been the absolute best place to go in Norway for the latest in specialized knives, old and ancient sharp-edged weapons, classic plugged handguns and rifles, collectables, replicas and military memorabilia. In 1990 I was lucky enough to discover an amazing store called ‘ Gammelt og Nytt’, which means ‘Old and New’ in Norwegian. I have always been fascinated with weapons, both modern and ancient.
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