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
Sunday, November 9, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And now, the bags, for the bike.
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.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
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/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.
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/
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