For that well groomed man

No one ever thinks about the small things until you see them. I mean, who searches for a mani-pedi kit? Well, I guess this guy does. Keeping those claws well trimmed, your moustache under control, and what in the world happens to our eyebrows once we pass 50 years old? Sheesh, sometimes I don’t even need to wear a ball cap. I can recommend the finest for those who deserve the finest. Brooks Brothers. 

https://tinyurl.com/38nrmkp9

The Clock Clock

A Little backstory to this piece. We were in NY for my wife’s birthday, taking a casual stroll down 44th St. just east of 6th, when we came upon a nondescript building with a large brass wall placard that reads “The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York”. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. On another poster in a window was “Horological Society of New York”. Hmmm. Mechanics. Tradesman. Horology. I was all in. We enter an incredibly beautiful lobby, completely made of white alabaster. Stunning. Perfect. The guard greets us and is extremely friendly. When asked why I came in, I said I was curious about the Horological Society. “You’re in for a treat bud, follow me”. Up we go to the 4th floor and step inside a time machine of books, watches and all kinds of timepieces. We were greeted by the librarian, and we both noticed, at the same time, a stunning piece of art — a clock that is animated on the wall behind the clerk. When we asked about it, she referred to it as “The Clock Clock”. So, for those engineers out there or anyone who loves something mechanical that tells the time, I am happy to introduce you to the clock clock. Do yourself a favor and watch the animation. 

https://www.humanssince1982.com/en-us/products/clockclock-24-white

Ditch your doom scroller

Sometimes, we just need a break from our “smartphones”. Have you ever had a doom-scrolling session on Instagram and looked up an hour later, only to be shocked that the time had passed? I know I have. Oftentimes, we are so connected to our phones that we are not connected and “in the conversation” when spending time with friends or family. Not to mention, they are a huge distraction at work. Enter, the Light Phone. It’s a communication device, that’s it. No social media, no apps to download, no games to play. Simple connectivity when you need it. If ditching your smartphone is even a remote possibility, I would encourage you to read all about the Light phone.  

https://www.thelightphone.com/lightiii

Thermoworks - Remote Temperature Monitoring

RFX Wireless System. Pick up the starter kit. You can choose 1 to 4 probes with the starter kit which will also include the Gateway. Accurate down to less than 1 degree, you just insert the probe in what you are cooking and check your app on your phone. The gateway can read the probes up to 1,500 feet away! Equipped with an integrated magnet as well as a clip, you can set it down just about anywhere.

https://tinyurl.com/4ueh5dx9

Heart Rate Monitor

These monitors works great with all devices from your Peloton to your Apple Watch. If you want accurate heartrate telemetry during exercise, this is one to get.

https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/heart-rate-monitors/trackr-heart-rate-buy

Bombproof Dog ID Tag

Excellent name tags for your furry friends. These things are bomb proof. Check out the Apple AirTag holder to locate your dog if they are a runner and get out.

https://dogid.com/

 

Portable Powerbank

Anyone needing a little backup juice for their phone this one works on other devices as well including your Apple Watch. Too many features to list, check the product here.

https://ridge.com/products/magnetic-power-bank-matte-black

SONOS AUDIO

 

If you are not familiar with SONOS, you need to be. This gear just simply works and works very, very well. Looking for a complete Dolby Atmos solution for your TV? Get this setup. You won’t regret it for one moment. If you are looking for a whole-home system, SONOS has got you. Even if you currently have speakers that are hard-wired and powered by a receiver, move to the SONOS platform. IF your music collection lives physically, (vinyl, tape, reel-to-reel, CD, etc….) this system is still compatible. Every audio streaming service connects through your SONOS app. These folks continue to innovate, and wow, it simply impresses.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/ultimate-immersive-set-arc-ultra-sub-era-300-pair-black

Teenage Engineering

From time to time, I like to throw something in here that you have probably never heard of. If you are a music creator, then you have heard of Teenage Engineering. This is their portable radio OB-4. You can play just about any source through this speaker. But, it is more than a speaker. It will loop music, adjust speed of play up and down and has a terrestrial radio built in as well. I would buy it just because it is really freaking cool.

https://teenage.engineering/store/ob-4-gray

Cocktail Shaker

These shakers made by Elevated Craft work as described. The lid measures out your favorite recipe and the shaker is double walled so you won’t have to worry about a frozen mit when you are crushing ice during a shake.

https://tinyurl.com/ydd27jn3

Cocktail Shaker #2

Can you have more than one in your bar? Well heck yes! Why this one? Well, sometimes you just need something that looks really, really good sitting on your bar. Have a look at all of their barware. Sleek and minimal.

https://tinyurl.com/4cfpshvf

 

Must Have Cast Iron

You need this in your kitchen. Made in Fredericksburg. Too many uses to write about here. Trust me, get one. Immediately. Even works exceptionally well on induction stoves or on the grill.

https://www.fbgcastiron.com/collections/ironware/products/no-14-round-cast-iron-griddle

Pepper Cannon

Just like the name implies, this thing will pummel pepper corns and absolutely dumps milled pepper like none other. VERY adjustable grind range. Milled out of aerospace grade aluminum. If you get the big one, might as well get the travel mill while you are at it. I don’t know anything about their salt grinder however, would imagine it is the same incredible quality and produces an excellent salt finish.

https://mannkitchen.com/products/the-original-pepper-cannon-pepper-mill

 

Give yourself a jump.

All of us should have one of these in our vehicles. I know I do! Portable jump starter that packs a punch.

https://tinyurl.com/4zvrf7f8

The Grail Knife

 

If you are a knife guy and don’t know who Jared Oeser is, google him. I was able to procure a F22 Kickstop which is an Oeser design with Lee Williams kickstop made by REATE knives. So, it isn’t a REAL Oeser made knife but dang, it is a sweet blade. I hate to show the real ones to y’all since they are as rare as hens teeth. Don’t ask how much they cost, it doesn’t matter. If you have the chance to buy one, do it. Don’t hesitate. You CAN find them if you do some digging, track Ebay.

https://oeserknives.com/welcome#j-oeser-custom-knives

Boost Bikes!!!

 

Many of y’all who know me, don’t know my ‘story’. Part of my story is that while in college, all my friends worked in food service. I can’t, I don’t have the aptitude to deal with idiots and snot rags. So, I worked in a bicycle shop. By the time I graduated from college, 3.5 years into the bicycle world, I was the head mechanic. I love bicycles and have too many. I guess. Is there such a thing? So, let me  put in a good word for boost bikes or electric assist bikes. They are awesome! Folks like to say they are cheater bikers. Haters gotta hate. Use as much battery assist as you want or use none. Either way, they are a load of fun and yes, you can get a great workout in or just cruise and enjoy our over 100 miles of paved trailways in San Antonio. In my opinion, TREK is the leader. The ONLY drawback is that they are heavy(er) and take a little effort to mount on a bicycle carrier. Boy, are they worth it. Get some panniers from OrtLeib and use it for running errands.

https://tinyurl.com/498vz9m5

And now, the bags, for the bike.

 

Buy crap and you get crap. Germans don’t know how to produce crap, I am convinced. These bags last forever and can deal with any weather. You can’t go wrong with this brand. There are no disappointments here, at all. I keep buying them for myself and for presents. No one has ever complained that they suck. Because, well, they don’t.

https://us.ortlieb.com/products/back-roller?variant=45082293895346

Knife Honing Rod

 

This should be a staple in anyone’s kitchen. MUCH better than your traditional steel sharpening stick. Mind you, these are designed to touch up an already sharp blade. If your blade is dull, you need to have it professionally sharpened or spend a few hours honing it with the right stones to achieve a mirror edge. I warn all visitors to my house that if they pick up one of my knives, handle it WITH CARE. They will all cut you, easily.

https://www.macknife.com/collections/honing-rods/products/mac-10-1-2-black-ceramic-honing-rod-with-grooves-srb-104

The perfect kitchen knife set.

Most of you are familiar with Benchmade knives. Did you know that they make incredible kitchen knives? Well, they do. And you want a set. You just can’t have too many knives in the kitchen.  Start here, have fun. Oh yeah, Lifesharp warranty as well.

https://www.benchmade.com/products/4000-02

Another knife?

Oh yes. For certain. Sometimes just because something costs a ton of money does not mean that it is worth it. Oftentimes you can even find something that is inexpensive and performs like it costs a lot. Below is a serrated blade from Milk Street that you need to own. This one is a winner.

https://store.177milkstreet.com/collections/knives/products/milk-street-serrated-kitchin-tan

A Proper Cutting Board

I know this sounds a little crazy but then again, consider the source. Cutting boards are crucial when trying to maintain a sharp edge on your knife. Think those white poly boards are good for knives? Nope. And they tend to produce a lot of microplastic that winds up in your food and then in your system. How about wooden boards? Better but not great. Bamboo fibers wreck a knife edge. Boos Block or other maple boards? Better but did you know that the adhesive they use to glue those boards together often times contains silica? Yep, that stuff will kill your knife edge. So, what option is the best? Well, I am going to defer to the Japanese on this one. They know knives, they know how to sharpen a knife and they know how to keep them sharp. By using a rubber-surfaced cutting board or mat. They do require hand washing, for the most part. I have noticed my knives keeping their edges longer and the boards work exceptionally well. I am going to drop a link here that is going to cost you all a ton of money if you are passionate about knives for your kitchen. Watch some of this guys content, especially on the cutting boards. Very informative. Also, he has an incredible selection of Japanese knives. This guy knows what he is doing. Buy with confidence.

https://burrfectionstore.com/collections/cutting-boards/products/hasegawa-soft-cutting-board-wood-core-type-fsr-series

Picture Perfect 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. Any photographers reading this? I am talking old school, film developing, dark room junkies? What does the industrial design of this grinder remind you of???

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/