The Tools, Are all of these props really required? Options

Okay, I'll be the fool for five.

In all of me 'extensive' research I'v come across several methods of evocation. The Golden Dawn seems to the the most popular.

My question is, whats with all the tools? I mean, sure I know they can help the summoner and all, but do you really need an elemental weapon for every direction as well as a sword and a dagger, in addition to a magick wand, a blasting rod, a rainbow wand, a banishing wand and well, the list goes on.

Maybe it's just me. I'm more of a simple is better kind of guy. I have one dagger. I have one bowel and a small scrying mirror. Not too big into tools, as useful as they can be. My great luxery is a sword (I love my sword! ^_^).

I have yet to do an evocation, I'm working my way up to it very slowly, but the huge amount of stuff that seems to be required (at least in popular use) is a little big baffling to me.

Are they really all required?

Sincerely, an eternal newbie.

Most of the people here are into Ceremonial magic or something of the sort in which tools are more important. I can't say much about that, but am interested in listening. From the witchcraft standpoint, tools aren't that important. You can work without tools easily enough. But they do normally use them. It makes it easier to do work, at least sometimes. Mostly if Im doing any piece of work I put in a request and do it with the coven, using the coven tools. I have athame, staff, candles, pentacle, cauldron, sword and the major tools I prefer using my staff for most things. I also use runes and a few minor tools. I feel more comfortable with runes than tarot cards or scrying. We were taught that we just need one reliable method of divination. I'm probably missing a few tools, but am adding things every so often. I'm not in a hurry. I'm the only one in the coven who doesn't have ten lbs of jewlery to wear to ritual, but then I'm also the only staright male in the group. lol.
Sure, ideally it would be best to make your own tools. But few of us have metal working skills. I'm pretty good working with wood as many of us are, but for metal.... well, just can't do it. Setting up a place specifically to lend people expertise to make their own tools is good. I was thinking about pioneer villages where they have trained blacksmiths for the tourists. Another possibility for finding someone with the neccessary skills is the SAC, the Society for Creative Anachronism.