I stumbled on this gem during my summer holiday. They have a tight lil setup, lots and lots of stuff in there (i.e. jackets, bags, pins, hats, you name it) piled up all around which is ok if you're comfortable in closed quarters. There is literally a narrow line to weave thru in the event there are say more than 7 people, aside from the staff browsing throughout the shop. A lot of the good picks can be hard to buy depending on the season (i.e. there was a dope fishing boonie that was neat and the perfect size for me however it was floor model only and likely previously fitted by many individuals). This is my first time to a physical MIL surplus store as I typically shop online for them and had no knowledge before my visit that this particular one was in operation for well over 50 yrs, kudos. One thing though is that if you plan on returning or exchanging anything you should discuss all the details PRIOR to purchase. For myself, def learned this the hard way as there was some gear I bought, accessories and tees (pd in cash) but changed my mind on some of them after a couple of days. Then I checked online and their store policy is 5 days with original receipt. So I returned with my goods, namely a T-shirt and was told it is NON-REFUNDABLE due to it being "underwear" and the fact it "touches your body". I was thinking "ok..." and my face def showed it, as this was the first time in my life that I heard of a business that bent their return policy. Maybe it was because of the fact that I paid cash for my gear, not sure and the owner did not want to refund me, but I got past it. But as a heads up, if you do think you may have any sort of wrinkle with a return it prob is better to put it on your charge card so you can work it out with the issuer/card company for any disputes. Overall 2/5. read more

It's a wonderful store the people are great. There is a lot of Military paraphernalia in there. They have been there for over 60 years it is a family business. read more

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Horrible customer service from multiple people. Small selection. Higher than average prices for average quality.

I remember their other store on Bdwy near Bleecker back in the 60s.Now THAT was a army navy store!The store on 42nd is a shadow of their old self. The store on Bdwy had 3 times the variety of merchandise and the prices were so low it seemed as if they couldnt give that stuff away,Face it,aint no such thing as a army navy store anymore. read more

One of NYC's hidden treasures! Excellent service and prices! Best in Manhattan and they carry SCHOTT jackets, too. read more

Very friendly staff and knowledgeable. Found a needle in haystack item I was looking for. Was lucky enough to catch the owner and get a picture along with him read more

Kaufman's Army & Navy - With Jim Korn, the owner - Military Surplus Near Me - New York, New York

Great gear with great prices very friendly and helpful service. Love that they have used and new and have many to select from. I love the selection they have read more

What a really cool spot. Maybe a little smaller than I was expecting but just as many others have said, outrageously great customer service. A special nod to the 2 young ladies who were assisting what I assumed to be the owner. I was looking for left and right sleeve USA Velcro backed flags and they moved both heavan and Earth to find exactly what I was looking for. A really cool zip lock type souvenir bag and $1 dollar off wood coins and they sent me on my way. Way to go! Kick-Ass and take names. I'm standing for our National Anthem, how about you? read more

I wanted to buy and old school Navy peas coat. I went to the store on Saturday, January 8 and found a nice selection. There was not one in my size so I asked a saleswoman, Christina, it they had one in my size in back. She went back and informed me that they had one in stock. I asked her to hold it for me as we were going to a show. She said she would be happy to do so. Wanting her to get credit for the sale, I asked her when she would be working later. She said Tuesday was her next working day so I told her I would be back on Tuesday. The following Tuesday, we returned to the store. Christina remembered me and went to the back room returning with two American made coats from two different suppliers. After trying them on, she said she thought I should try a smaller size. Back to the stock room she went and returned with the perfect coat which I bought. Christina gave me the kind of service one would get at Nordstrom's. A shout out to Christina. I recommend this store to everyone read more

Harassed as soon as I walked in Didn't even get a chance to ya know shop The hand sanitizer was fine Rona scary and all But the store is empty let me see what you guys have. I'll just go online At least store clerks don't harass you there read more

You can find anything you like here, its surplus store and much more! You can find things like Secret service coats, soviet ushankas, german war uniforms! Great place for military fans read more

While Kaufmans has been around for a long time.Its a very large store with a huge inventory you might be able to do better price wise somewhere else .My neighbor who is an Army vet purchased 3 pairs of cargo pants last year for $45, this year they are $65,but it is fun to go in there and take a look. read more

helpful guy who asks you to use sanitizer on your way in. He might be scared of the corona, which if he is reading this, make sure to take plenty of vitamin D. when you dont have enough vitamin D, the corona gonna get ya! read more

For all you haters, this place is not for the uncertain. At least have a basic idea of what you want, or you can be super-specific ("I want a Sterlingwear true mil-spec US Navy peacoat, size 50 black") and Jim and his staff will go to the ends of the earth to get it, and at LESS than MSRP usually. This place is barebones, so go in there having a firm idea of what you want. This is not your typical store where you can roam and touch everything. Like war, it's chaos - but in a good way. read more

Kaufman's has been a small family run business since 1946. Jim, the current owner and grandson of the founder, may be aloof at times, but he's very friendly and has a great disposition. He's always rushing around making sure everyone is taken care of and that the phone is answered. The employees are also very congenial and helpful. The store is stuffed to the gills with merchandise. Generally, they know where everything is, and they will find what you need. If they don't have it, they won't hesitate to refer you to another store that may. Just ask. It can get very busy with all the customers in the small space! It is controlled chaos, so don't expect to run in and out as you would at a convenience store. Come with a small dose of patience and friendly demeanor, and they'll more than reciprocate. read more

SCENE: Court Room in front of a navy tribunal. Chief Carl Brashear (played by Cuba Goodings jr), is attempting to get reinstated as a master navy diver. He's being assisted by Master Chief Billy Sunday, (played by De Niro). Brashear has to stand unaided and walk 12 step in a 290 lb dive suit to prove he can still handle his duties. Here's the catch, after an accident Carl Brashear is now an amputee and has but one leg. Four steps from completion Brasgear's prosthesis begins to crack. Carl stops, strains to support the 290 lb load on his one good leg, but looks as tho he's loosing the battle. Then Chief Sunday....inspires him to continue on. De Niro: "God Dammit Cookie! Move your ass! I want my Twelve!!! Cuba: Fire in his eye's, dripping sweat profusely and grimaces in pain, takes another step. De Niro: "Nine! The Navy Diver is not a fighting man, he is a salvage expert. Cuba: Walking the line. De Niro: "Ten! If it is lost underwater, he finds it. If it's sunk, he brings it up. If it's in the way, he moves it De Niro: "Eleven! If he's lucky, he will die young, 200 feet beneath the waves, for that is the closest he'll ever get to being a hero. De Niro: Hell! i don't know why anybody want to be a navy diver. "Now you report to this line cookie! Cuba: Completes his twelfth step. De Niro: At ease END SCENE I was hyped up after seeing MEN OF HONOR. When Cuba finished his twelve... Maaaan i had eye water like mad. Another thing that move did was have me feenin for an authentic Navy Pea Coat. Kaufman's here I come! My first impression. Organized Chaos.Yeah, that Kaufman's it's down right messy fo-real...and I like it! Then again it ain't The Gap. There's no mannequins, no polished floors, Hell! You can't even see the floors with all that army shit strewn all over. No wishy-washy, slimmer then health should allow jack wagons traipsing over to ya while you looking at stuff talking about, "We also have that in avocado. "Avocado!?! You mean GREEN mutha-fucka! Naa Kaufmans aint The Gap. Not a whole lot of walking space in there either. Wide shouldered, linebacker-ish types like myself take up waaay too much room in Kaufman's. A brutha felt like the proverbial Bull in the China shop. But the China shop was all fu@ked up waay before the Bull had arrived! Got my Pea Coat though. And I look GOOD! Walking down 8th ave with of MEN OF HONOR on my mind. SCENE. Confrontation between Sunday (De Niro) and Brashear (Cuba). Chief Sunday is upset because he cant get Carl to quit the naval diving academy. In a fit of anger he grabs Carl's radio and smashes it to the floor. The radio was made by Carl's father. Sunday then snatches up a photo of Carl's dad and raises it as if to smash it also. Cuba: "Don't!!! De Niro: Pointing at the photo... "What he say to you to that make you try so hard? Cuba: Be the BEST! De Niro: :Well you ARE... nuff said read more

This place has a great selection of coats and clothing. I'll give it that much. But the way this place is managed is a disaster. Whoever runs it needs a military-style course in customer service. I bought a coat on Monday. Tried to exchange it on Tuesday, since it turned out I needed a bigger size to feel truly comfortable. A simple request was met with outrage. The coat was in pristine condition, but I was told it would be unsellable. "What am I supposed to do with this?" I was asked. "It's worn." It wasn't worn by any dictionary definition. Even thought I'd worn it for maybe 15 minutes the day before, I was treated as if I had brought back a ripped, dirtied and thoroughly unwearable coat unworthy of even a Goodwill bin. "It doesn't matter if it was worn for ten minutes or 10 days," I was told. "I can't sell it." Actually, you can. This is not Fendi or Chanel. I'm not returning a bathing suit or underwear. There were no tags on it that I had to cut off. I'm returning a coat in absolutely perfect condition and asking for a simple exchange. If you can't do that, then you have no business saying you provide any type of customer service whatsoever. What happened? After realizing I would get nowhere I left. Now I have a coat that I don't entirely feel comfortable in. Maybe I'll try and take it out a bit, or move the buttons myself. But I do know this: no matter how long you've been in business, and how much great merchandise you have (even if it is dumped all over the place like a special episode of "Hoarders"), nothing makes a customer want to return for business more than good customer service. This place failed miserably. read more

Chaos is your first thought when you walk into Kaufman's. There are boxes among boxes of surplus army gear overstuffed all around you, leaving just enough space to walk through everything. Trying to get by another lost and confused customer? Not a chance. Find any nook or cranny, move aside to let one another pass so that you can go about your perusing. Gear ranges from army bags stuffed along the right wall, combat boots, army clothing, gas masks, and more. There's all sorts of things here, things you would never have imagined to be sold. It's like a hole in the wall junk yard, or treasure trove (depending who you ask) of army gear, so explore to your heart's content. The employees, dressed in a green army coat are very friendly. If they don't approach you first, ask them for assistance. I don't know how, but if you ask for something, they will extend their arm in between all those piles of gear and pull out exactly what you were looking for. I even had a chance to speak to the owner for a little bit, a tall lanky guy with glasses, who is very talkative. He gave me a wooden poker-like chip for $1 off on my way out for my next visit. Yea, it's not much, but it was sort of cool! Prices are a bit high for their inventory. I found other military surplus stores (aka Uncle Sam's Army Navy Outfitters located on 8th St.) to have the item for much cheaper. One such example was the vintage US Army 2 Strap Duffle Bag that was being sold new for $40 at Kaufman's. If you venture to Uncle Sam's, you can get the same duffle bag new for $30, or used for $18. But Kaufman's is quite an experience in its own, and they definitely have a some hidden and unexpected treasures as compared to other military surplus stores. So check it out! You will either come out a raving lunatic with bags of gear, or running out the door gasping for air (for those claustrophobic people). read more

Chaotic, cramped, and completely overstuffed--a remnant from a time when the city was a very different place--Kaufman's is an honest-to-goodness "Army Navy" and NY institution. And while the store, which looks like it got hit by a massive tornado filled with military surplus gear and clothing a few years back, is nearly impossible to navigate, a sense of calm and certainty seems to radiate from the counter near the front. "Watch out, it gets a little crowded in here," and "...no, we don't have it, but we can get it," are the kind of things that emanate from the proprietor, with nearly preternatural calm. There's a method to the madness. What's surprising, though, is that the prices appeared to be just as high as other joints that offer "amenities" like aisles you can walk in, racks you can reach, and stock you can actually sift through without a Herculean effort. That said, Kaufman's appears to have all sorts of one-off, oddball items, (literally) piled high from front to back and squirreled away in glass cases, and if you have the patience to work your way through them, there are undoubtedly one-of-a-kind treasures to be had here. read more

What a mess! Maybe they are just reorganizing or something but everything was piled in heaps. Brutal! read more

I was trying to talk to them because we were going to get A LOT of stuff for a TV shoot. They told me they had a whole lot of stuff but refused to talk to me on the phone, and then told me via e-mail that they didn't have pictures of anything. So we went with someone that was more accomodating. Fine. THEN. I called them about getting black military berets. "Excuse me. Did you e-mail us? I told you that we could help you out with everything you needed. I told you blah blah blah. I told you blah blah blah blah blah." He started lecturing me on the phone. are you kidding me? Meanwhile, I have work to do.... God, this guy was SOOOOOO rude and SUCH AN A$$HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go cry about it. read more

I went here in search of an over-the-shoulder bag for my best boy bud, and I was pleased to find a gem for myself as well. Though the layout is totally chaotic and messy, the owner can help you find whatever you need and can give you the full history of anything in the store. I, myself found a women's military blazer from the 1970's, perfectly tailored for my frame. But they have racks of jackets, hats, bags...fatigue, black, navy, green...you have to have patience of you wanna search through everything, but the finds are well worth it. read more

Although I understand the gripes on here since you pretty much have to dig through everything..I think this store is totally amazing and a hidden retail gem in the city...Even though I would like to keep this place to myself... First off- they have really great clothing, cheap combat boots and army bags and some other unique items such as WWII gas masks from Russia and authentic little can openers from the Vietnam war which were among the memorabilia that I bought my father since he served in the Special Forces... You can't find some of this stuff anywhere else in NY and definitely not for the prices...For photographers and stylists, I know that they rent out stuff for half off the purchase price which is also pretty dope...PS... the owner of the store is probably one of the nicest guys that I have ever met and he is SUPER helpful... You will definitely find something amazing if you go here...just be an inquisitive/adventurous shopper and peel through the layers... read more

Authentic, knowledgeable, reasonable and cool! Everything I needed to bling out my new stage outfit! read more

I was in search for something very specific and VERY off-season. I hadn't realized how difficult it was going to be to find and even locating the item online proved to be challenging. I discovered Kaufman's thanks to Yelp, paid them a visit, thinking maybe ....just maybe there would be something left over from the winter. Negative, but this didn't stop Jim (owner) from giving me a 110% effort to find it. First he checked his stock, then called other local shops, then resorted to calling the distributor to see what they had left. They said they needed to check and get back to him, so he asked me to call the next day for an update. As I headed for the door, Jim reached over the counter and handed me a Kauffman's wooden coin, good for a dollar off my next purchase. What a nice touch:) When I called the following day, I began to explain who I was, Jim stopped me almost immediately and said he'd remembered me. Then he said he had some good news and bad news...which did I want first. I said the bad. So...he gave me the good:) LOL There was ONE....one item left in the size I needed left in the distributor's stockroom. Talk about fate!! :D The bad was that it was going to take a couple of days to be shipped. That's bad??? Surely they couldn't beam it to the store, so that hardly seemed like discouraging news. A few days later I returned to the store and there my item was in all its glory; exactly what I had wanted. The price I paid, was what I would have paid had it been in the store, no shipping, no handling, etc. I thanked Jim profusely for his efforts; still shocked at the level of customer service I'd received. I honestly felt like I'd had a friend doing the footwork for me....treatment that seems like you'd only get had you been a customer for years and years. Transaction complete, I grabbed my bag, headed for the door and again was given a few wooden coins for next time. There will definitely be a next time....I could not recommend this store more and can't wait for my next visit. Thank you again, Jim and see you soon! read more

Shopping for pea coats, Kaufman has one of the largest selections I've found. As for the pea coat return policy, I was specifically told tags off, coat is non returnable. Fair in my book.. It was suggested I actually put on a heavy wool sweater off the shelf to check coat fit , pre purchase. I did, tried on several and picked up a great Sterlingwear.. Picked up a wool commando sweater as well, excellent quality and about 25% cheaper on price than anything I found online.. 'Win-win' all around on Kaufman IMHO.. The 'organized chaos' is a legit critique, but it seems to be working just fine, just ask for help. read more

Kaufman's Army & Navy - Cutaway display gun in the shop. - Military Surplus Near Me - New York, New York

The best army surplus store that I have been to so far that has authentic items, not just that commercial stuff. I picked up a GP-5 gas mask for a little more than I wanted to, but that's not a problem. Would recommend this store to anyone interested in military surplus. read more

Great Store!!! I found things I've never found at an army & navy store before! Owner/manger is very attentive, provides excellent customer service, carries great products, & he ordered things in my size!!! Plus he is just a fun helpful guy! Go to this store! Yeah sure there were some boxes, but that's because they have so much great stuff it can't all fit. But they are pretty organized - they went to the back and magically appeared with my sweater size! read more

Not my cup of tea, but pretty broad selection of new gear. Few rare finds are possible. But you need to know what you're looking for. It's busy and crowded - but still pretty cool that it's been there so long. read more

What a nutty place. It looks like an episode of Hoarders, but the staff never seems to have trouble finding exactly what you need. My brother swears by these characters and buys almost all his outerwear from them. They're surprisingly chillaxed about letting you shop around, given how many pointy objects they sell. Representative story: I went in there to buy a hip flask and paid with a debit card. The owner is this older fellow, sort of socially-awkward in the way that only a great business mind could be. He saw me sign the receipt--I'm a lefty--and gave me a pencil with the Kaufman's logo, then asked, "Notice anything weird about this pencil?" I looked at the guy like he had six heads. "It's a left-handed pencil." So I started cracking up, thinking he was pulling my leg, but wouldja look at that, it was a pencil with the logo printed to be face-up when angling it to write with your left hand. I've still got it somewhere. Thought it was a neat touch. read more

I was hoping that by their ridiculous website they would really have "everything," but if you go there looking for anything other than clothing you will be very disappointed. Most army/navy stores I've been to carry clothing as well as equipment and supplies - helmets, ammunition belts, ammo cans, mess kits... read more

I wish it were easier to browse the merchandise here, because I have a feeling there are some real gems buried under piles of coats and boxes. When I'm looking for something specific the staff is always very knowledgable (even though neither time have they had what I was looking for - they gave me this cute little wooden token good for a dollar of store credit to make up for it). But when I'm not hunting down an elusive piece of merchandise, it'd be nice to see what my options are, right? There's basically one central aisle, surrounded by racks and piles and cases of stuff. It's impossible to browse. That's why this place doesn't get another star. read more

Incredible service. It is absolutely worth making the effort to come here. It might be a little out of the way, but this place deserves more business. read more

Great army gear for an affordable price .. in Times Square?! What!! This place is the real deal.

Visited Kaufman's while on a week long trip to the USA....smaller than I thought and lightly stocked, very helpful ladies who sought out what I was looking for, and with the assistance of the owner Jim. Jim is a quiet spoken knowledgeable man who appears aloof and grumpy on first meeting. That dissipates when your credentials of not being a "Time waster" and a legitimate buyer is apparent....Thorough Gentleman, who took his time, sought out the buckle I was looking for, and then showed me the pictures of the artillery pieces from outside the shop and currently being refurbished...Then enquired if he could help me with directions around the area, as my accent gave away my tourist nature....Well worth a visit read more

Damn this place rocks!!! They have all kinds of stuff in here that you could ask for. I went on a mad search for a Military Bag that apparently only Amazon had and once I walked into this store I was sure I could find it or a damn near perfect match. They had boots on the shelf that almost a year ago I was going literally insane trying to get shippied here from Georgia. If I had known it was only two blocks from my job I could have had my boots right away and saved myself a huge headache. They did not have everything that I had asked for but that is going to be a hard fact when surplus stores simply can NOT have everything. They have more than I would expect a surplus store to have in the heart of manhattan. Good find. I will return again for sure read more

It was amazing how easy it was finding what I needed ,def coming here more often it's like a hidden gem in the city

Some people say that organized chaos is a good thing, I agree. This place, upon entry is somewhat maddening. You will think you'll never find anything among the stacks of boxes and mish-mash of clothing. However, it's very likely the owner, who is always there, knows where to find what you are looking for. On the plus side, the staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. read more

They might have everything - but there is no way of telling. The place is a mess of stacked boxes and browsing through their inventory is out of the question. I didn't stay long. read more

The worst customer service experience. Manager instead of helping to find the item was more concerned about my service dog. After showing him my dogs service animal paperwork manager still continue to be rude that made me just walk away. Too pity as that store has nice stuff :( never coming back read more