Coffee Grinder

I have had this grinder for several years now and it never disappoints. My brother would argue with me that it is just too pedestrian, but I think it gets the job done and gets it done well. Choose the size of grind for your brew, dump in your measured beans and let it get to work. Also, it looks great on the counter.

https://fellowproducts.com/products/ode-brew-grinder-gen-2

While you are at it, pickup one of their kettles for the perfect pour over.

https://fellowproducts.com/products/stagg-ekg-electric-pour-over-kettle?variant=31212442583140

And these are a must-have in any kitchen. Not limited to coffee bean storage. I keep Einkorn wheat in one for my sourdough bread. Get the battery version. Super cool.

https://fellowproducts.com/products/atmos-vacuum-canister

Outdoor TV

I struggled with the price of the Samsung Terrace, a TV built for use outdoors, and went on the hunt for a substitute. I tried the inexpensive $400 Samsung 55” special from my local CostCo but the glare of being outside and the daylight made for a terrible picture. So, I found this 55” from HiSense. I have my TV placed under a deep 4’ eve on our house so it is protected from the elements. I also have a waterproof cover for the TV that works exceptionally well. I am BLOWN AWAY by this TV. It not only looks fantastic in bright daylight, it sounds great as well! This TV is NOT designed to sit outside unprotected. However, if you have a cabana or other covered spot for a TV, this is a perfect solution. The interface on this SMART TV works incredibly well so you will not need an AppleTV or other streaming device. It is built right in. Here is what you need if you roll with the 55”. Adjust as necessary to go bigger. Damn, the picture quality is unreal. No disappointments here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F22F1VLH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091Q5NG2S?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CQDJJ98?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Clint Orms

If you are not familiar with who Clint Orms is, you owe it to yourself to visit his website to appreciate his handmade buckles, money clips, bracelets, and other jewelry. Many of the guys I know wear very little jewelry. Watch, ring and maybe a necklace. It doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate fine things; we choose not to be flashy. Start with one of his money clips, which is always a conversation starter when you pull it out of your pocket. Then feed your newfound addiction with a buckle and then another buckle! If you find yourself out in Kerrville, stop by his new store and have a look. The quality is unmatched anywhere and you know you have something special when you hold a piece in your hand. And yes, Clint can make a custom piece for you. Need a buckle with your ranch brand? He’s your guy.

https://clintorms.com/

https://clintorms.com/collections/money-clips/products/copy-of-san-jac-1816-gold-longhorn-money-clip

Bags for Everyday Carry

 

I have been a longtime follower of Gary Waterfield and until we began Mission Mercantile 14 years ago, I would only carry a Waterfield Bag. Incredible designs and fantastic materials coupled with detailed workmanship make for a first-rate bag. There is something on his site for everyone.

https://www.sfbags.com/

Mission Mercantile

OK, I can’t plug the competition without a shameless plug for a company I am involved with. We make great products and back them with a lifetime warranty. Our focus is on leather goods however, we do have leather and canvas as well. We have everything from travel bags, hunting gear, office & tech, travel accessories, etc… One of my favorite all rounders that I think every guy should own is our Heritage Leather Tradesman Bag. The more you put our bags through their paces, the better they look over time. And I have a discount code for you all to use as well: LeatherForever You’re Welcome.

https://www.missionmercantile.com/

Drink Whip

I have tried a lot of different whips and at first was focused on RPM. Wrong focus. Long story short, I got off caffeine about two years ago and every morning drink a mushroom “coffee”. When I ordered it for the first time, it came with a whip to mix the drink. Well, this whip is awesome around the kitchen. The rechargeable battery will last over a month with daily use and it will whip your warm half & half to nearly double the size. It’s just killer.

https://mudwtr.com/products/mud-whip

Even More, exotic shakers?

From famed Asprey of London I am happy to share with you a completely unnecessary splurge that is excessively expensive. Cost is relative. Right? For some folks, buying a Rolls Royce is like buying a Camry. The difference being how many commas are in your bank account and, of course, your willingness to spend some of it. If money were no object and I could roll like that, this would be in my private garage condo bar sitting front and center of my fully restored Aston Martin DB2. I’m not even going to tell you the price, just click. For those familiar with Asprey of London, the price won’t shock you. Talk about a conversation starter.

https://www.asprey.com/en-us/products/racing-car-cocktail-shaker-in-sterling-silver

Travel Decanter

I really like the quality and design from the folks at Aged & Ore. One of the first things I bought was a travel decanter. Pre-mix your favorite version of a Chispa or fill with your preferred Scotch (or bourbon or vodka, you get the idea) and hit the road. The hand-blown glass decanter is held together by two cups. One for you and one to share, or not. It’s cool gear.

https://agedandore.com/collections/featured/products/750-travel-decanter

And the NEAT glasses are perfection.

https://agedandore.com/collections/featured/products/neat-glass

More Bar Ware

 

It may seem that I focus a bit on barware and you would be correct. There is just something about having the right glass for the right drink for the right occasion. Enter Death & Company. Yeah, I know, weird name for a company that is all about barware and cocktails. Check them out though, I think you will appreciate some of their more interesting, non-traditional designs.

https://www.deathandcompanymarket.com/collections/glassware

Travel Bar

 

This might be a new one for you, J&R Guram. Their focus is on fine campaign furniture which was used in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Many by the British Army as well as safari hunters. It is beautiful gear, stunning to look at and even better to use. I have their Leg-O-Mutton and it is perfection. What was important to me was real shearling lining. I digress, back to the bar. There are several travel bars available from J&R Guram but this one seems to fit the bill. The others, while stunning, are a pretty decent size. So, if you want to roll up to the hunt with a proper bar for your scotch or favorite spirit, this is how you do it.

https://www.gurams.com/products/jeolikot-safari-bar?variant=47388631007530

Starlink

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know who Elon Musk is. You probably also know that he is bringing the internet to the world. Literally. With Star Link. If you travel, have a hunting cabin “off grid” or are looking for a home-based solution, check out Star Link. I regularly pull speeds at up to 500GB/min. at the Deer Lease. This stuff just works, like it should. And for you boaters out there, yeah, it works on those as well.

https://starlink.com/

Audiophiles?

Often times, Bang & Olufsen is the benchmark for many products trying to achieve that perfect balance between design and sound. There are few that come close however, none that match that of Bang & Olufsen. If money were no object, I would move everything over to B&O in my house. This piece of kit would stomp your turtle box into the ground and bury it six feet deep. Yes, you could buy 4 Turtle Boxes for the price of this speaker. And you would have 4 crappy speakers. Or, buy this speaker and enjoy music as it was engineered in the studio. These speakers are very configurable to have a look at all of the options.

https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/us/speakers/beosound-a5?variant=beosound-a5-oak

Best All-Round Spatula

Now that is a big statement to make. However, my consistent go-to for YEARS has been the 9” slotted spatula from Lamson. I don’t have many tools from Lamson and don’t own a knife from them as well. Grab the spatula, it will last forever.

https://lamsonproducts.com/product/chefs-slotted-turner-with-walnut-handle-3-x-6-or-4-x-9-left-or-right-hand/

Match Striker

Again, something you don’t think about every day but super handy to have around the house. They look great next to a candle or on a side table close to your favorite cigar smoking chair. Buy several to have around the house. One thing to know, you must buy STRIKE ANYWHERE matches for these match holders. Poke around the CraigHill website as well. Lot’s of great stuff in there for small presents or stocking stuffers.

https://craighill.co/collections/shop-all/products/match-striker?variant=44514790736109

Phone Mount

Hands down the best phone mount on the market. Looks great and works even better. Use it with your MageSafe iPhone or choose a scissors-style universal mount to hold just about any phone-sized device you need. What I like about this product is that when you install it, it looks really clean. I have been using this product for the past 5 years in my same daily drive and it is flawless.

https://www.cravenspeed.com/the-gemini-phone-mount-1/

Running Footwear

 

Talk about a controversial topic. When it comes to footwear, everyone is always right. Which is AOK by me. Being in my mid-50’s and considered to be an active guy, I have tried out a LOT of different shoes. I have finally found my favorite that works for me. Why does it work for me? When running, hiking, walking, working out, or just spending a lot of time on your feet, your foot tends to naturally swell a bit. Have you ever noticed why the toe box seems to get a little tight at times? That’s why. ALTRA is a smaller company and often overlooked. Find a shoe that works for you and order a pair. You will appreciate the extra room in the toe box. For those with skinny feet, I can’t provide my opinion. My size 12s are shaped like bricks, but plenty of folks with narrow feet love them as well. It certainly helps that they are in the more affordable pricing range for equal quality shoes.

https://www.altrarunning.com/

Let’s Keep Chatting about Footwear

Footwear is serious business. Uncomfortable shoes suck. Plain and simple. If your work week consists of slacks and suits, comfortable dress shoes are really hard to find. I am talking all day comfort here folks. Really. Hard. To. Find. If you find yourself in New York or Boston, go to the ALDEN SHOES store. Both are fantastic. I’ll be really up front here, getting properly fit in their shoes is critical. There are several lasts and a dizzying amount of factors that need to be taken into consideration. I bought a pair of their Shell 8 Cordovan High Vamp loafers. It will take 9 mos. to make the shoes if they don’t have them in stock so patience is needed here. I am a standard issue US 12 D. Have been forever. In their loafer, which uses the GRANT last, I wear a 10.5 EE! So wild to me, however, when I finally received them, boy howdy, they fit perfectly! They have a ton of different styles of shoes and boots, all handmade at the Alden factory in Middleborough, MA. Quality isn’t cheap but the shoes should last your lifetime if you are making sure to NOT wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row and keeping cedar shoe trees in them.

https://aldenmadison.com/products/high-vamp-loafer-br-color-8-shell-cordovan-br-67169

Another maker I can recommend is Morjas, from Spain. I have a pair of their loafers and they perform really well and offer a compelling price point. I like their cedar shoe trees so much I have ordered them for most of my nice shoes. I highly recommend their shoe trees. Give them a look, they have some great styles and as a user, I can attest to their excellent quality! Hint, the rubber soles are a legitimate option!

https://www.morjas.com/us/product/the-ivy-loafer-brown-suede-rubber-sole/

Last one for y’all. Quoddy. Funny name, great shoe. Generally, these are boat shoes however, they make some really nice Chukkas and Men’s mules. Yes ladies, they have great options for you as well. Located in Maine, all of their shoes are Made in America. While I don’t have a pair myself, my little brother does and I respect his opinion. He takes his time to curate his belongings and really does a lot of deep research. These wear like iron. Enjoy!

https://www.quoddy.com/

 

Lighting!!!

This is a fun one. If you are looking for some unique bulbs for that retro chandelier, this place has you covered. I don’t need to drone on about this, just check it out.

https://www.nostalgicbulbs.com/

 

Camper or outdoor enthusiast?

SnowPeak is an incredible company with some of the best camping gear I have come across. These guys make REI look like Academy. From camp cooking to camp living, their gear is top-notch and performs at the highest level. One section I suggest you visit is the Stakes & Hammers section. They sell forged steel stakes that can be driven through the most challenging ground. Pick up a dozen with the steel head peg hammer and carrying bag. It will be the last stake set you ever buy and will secure whatever you are trying to tie down. The hammer doubles as a stake puller. This is something you will buy once that will be passed down to generations.

https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/stakes-hammers

Fantastic titanium water bottle.

https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/bottles/products/ti-aurora-bottle?variant=39374445805612

And you have to check out their tent systems. Genius.

https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/4-8-person-shelters/products/living-shell-pro-series-ivory?variant=32404318814252

 

Probably right where you left them. If you can develop that habit of emptying your pockets of all of your EDCC (every day carry crap) in the same place, every time, then you will never lose your keys, wallet, or pocket knife again. Don’t be pedestrian and use an old bowl or some janky looking catch all. You need some order and some style in your life. Check out these Valet tray’s from KillSpencer (weird name, I know).

https://tinyurl.com/mww6pmz9

 

Power Tools - singing my song!

It would not be a proper list without some power tool recommendations. So, let’s start with surface preparation first. FESTOOL. It’s German. It’s perfect. I’m not kidding. Let’s look at their sander first. Then, you can dive down a rabbit hole of all kinds of tools that they make. I have this sander. It is amazing. The battery lasts forever and when you kill it, will recharge before the second battery dies. It’s a fast charger. But I always like a backup so I have a power cord. Yep, you can go from battery to corded. Really cool. For those that sometimes manage projects in the house dust control is a real issue. Not anymore. These folks have it figured out. It is simply WILD to sand on a surface and there is ZERO dust. I mean nothing. Nada. Zilch. You’re going to pay for this tool but you will be glad you did when you use it. Here is the starter list for surface preparation. Just buy it and trust me.

https://www.festoolusa.com/products/surface-preparation/random-orbital-sander/577696---etsc-125-3,0-i-plus-us#Contains

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/cordless-accessories/battery-and-charging-technology/mains-adapter/202502---aca-100-12018v-ergo-usa

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/accessories-for-equipment/plug-it/plug-it/203923---sjo-18-awg-4-usa

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/surface-preparation/abrasives/granat/abrasives-systainer%C2%B3/578193---sys-stf-d125-gr-set

https://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extractors/mobile-dust-extractors/577874---ct-36-ei-ac-hepa-us

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/dust-extraction/filters-and-filter-bags/filter-bags/496186---sc-fis-ct-365

Get Lit

Lighting is another one of those personal preference items in a market with a dizzying array of options. I have been using this Petzl lamp for years, and it has never let me down. It is a hybrid lamp which means it is rechargeable and it can also run off of 3 AAA batteries if you run out of charge. You can always buy extra rechargeable batteries to keep them on hand. It is just a great light that performs very well and can take a beating. You won’t be disappointed.

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Headlamps/ACTIK-CORE

Wind me up!

Any watch fans here? Mechanical watch fans? Are you tired of having to wind a watch you have not worn in a while, having to set the date and time each time? Get a watch winder and be done with that non-sense. This is a slick piece of gear. Tuck it away in your closet or leave it out as a presentation piece. Why I like it? It looks good. Rotations per hour can be adjusted. Rotation direction can be adjusted. Or, just leave it on auto and let it do its job. Either way, if you want to switch up your watch, you will put one on that is wound with the correct time and date (assuming you have a date function). These only work on AUTOMATIC watches. Watches that wind themselves using the kinetic energy of your wrist movement. If you have to wind your watch manually, it won’t help you.

https://www.heidenwatchwinders.com/heiden-quad-watch-winder-walnut-p-362.html

Who doesn’t appreciate a clean car?

OK, this is just going to be a rabbit hole for those who obsess over cleaning their own cars and the proper gear to buy in order to do so. If you think I am diligent in my research, I don’t hold a candle to Matt Moorman, founder of Obsessed Garage. If it is on his website, it’s good to go. This guy has spent tens of thousands of dollars buying just about every possible car detailing and garage product known to man and tested them all. His recommendations never disappoint.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/collections/detailing-kits-packages-solutions/products/ultimate-car-washing-solution

Breaking Down Sucks

Looking for the perfect piece of equipment to carry with you in your vehicle for emergencies? Sometimes it can be a pain to procure what you need, find the right box and then make it all work right. Uncharted Supply Company has got you covered! The ONLY additions I would add to this kit are a reflective vest and a reflective triangle. Other than that, it pretty much has what you need when you get into a jam. Heads up, these tend to sell out pretty quickly.

https://tinyurl.com/jkrfuhbx

https://a.co/d/bGTusTA

https://a.co/d/bGTusTA

Retro Denim Goodness

The Mister Freedom® RANCH BLOUSE pattern is their original take on classic denim jacket styles from the Golden Age of American workwear, 1930s to 1950s. This will level up the cool factor during Rodeo season or just knocking around at the ranch. Make sure to check out their other denim products as well as regular wear.

https://misterfreedom.com/products/ranch-blouse-midnight-denim

Headphones for Audiophiles

I know there are some of you out there that like to slip on a pair of headphones and get lost in the sound and music of your favorite artist and/or composer. Why are you doing them wrong and not experiencing the true depth and emotion of their recording? Think they sound good through your Bose over-ear headphones. Pfffft.

Start with these:

https://mezeaudio.com/products/109-pro

Graduate to these:

https://mezeaudio.com/products/elite-tungsten

And if you are a super-technical audiophile and need to have the absolute best there is, you will need bank wires to buy most of this gear. Dig in, do your research, have some fun.

https://www.audiogon.com/

 

Boots for a lifetime.

Handmade in Canada, ay, there is a style here that will check your box for the perfect boot. Maybe it is their classic Chelsea or perhaps The Scout. Do you prefer the look, feel and durability of Cordovan? They have that as well. Handmade and serviceable for many worn-out soles or even general repairs. They will take a bit to break them in, just like any good boot.

https://viberg.com/

The Time is Now

If you are looking for that perfect accessory that will tell you the time, look no further than the NIXIE tube clock. Retro lovers unite! These unique hand-made clocks will look good in any environment and will certainly be conversation starters. I want one for my office. Wonder where I can buy one? Hmmm…

https://nixieshop.com/nixie-clock-slim-model-2-solid-wood-with-plastic-bottom.html

More home and office Goodness

 

Are you aware that Dyson makes products other than those that suck? Yep, surprise. And they have modern-day lighting figured out. From the early morning of dawn to the warm rays of the last light of dusk, you will enjoy this lamp. Watch the video and look at how it “stows away”. Super neat.

https://www.dyson.com/lighting/floor-lamps

For the Chef’s in the House

 

Presenting the Anova Precision Countertop Oven. But it is so much more than that. Bake, convection, steam, sous vide, proof, steam roast, broil, the list goes on. Here is where it get cool. Whatever you are going to cook, put it in the oven, it sees it with cameras, knows the food you are cooking, and recommends the perfect cook. If you don’t trust the tech (and you should), you can scan the recipe from your phone to the oven so you will produce Julia Childs perfection every time.

https://anovaculinary.com/products/anova-precision-oven

Prometheus Design Werx

I am always on the hunt for items that have a utilitarian purpose. This little carry capsule not only looks cool (like a little grenade) but is made of titanium and will hold some essentials. Carry waterproof matches, some twine, emergency cash, and a little knife. Throw it in your pocket or clip it to your backpack. Good to go.

https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/collections/pocket-tools/products/ti-sst-dtb?variant=39594196140118

FLIR technology in your pocket

 

Who wouldn’t want FLIR technology in your pocket? Looking for a leak, having an issue with a breaker and need to identify which one is ‘hot’. Need to find water damage? Or, do you just need a good reason to buy a cool toy? That’s good enough for me!

https://www.flir.com/products/flir-one-pro/

For the Kitchen

Remember going to your grandmother’s house for a meal and she always had homemade bread sitting on the counter in a bread box? You would sneak a slice with a big slab of soft salted butter sitting on the countertop and sneak off to eat it in delight. Why don’t we use bread boxes anymore? Heck, where do you get bread boxes? The good ones made of steel like grandma’s? Here you go. And, it’s German so it will probably last for generations.

https://wesco.de/Grandy-Brotkasten/8036031

And check out their trashcans, I am getting one for the garage.

https://wesco.de/Pushboy-Muelleimer/S05183