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