Timothy SteinerIt would be easy to call the Classic 8” LL Bean Men’s Bean Boot “iconic,” and accurate as well, but the Bean Boot does something more. It transcends this categorization to “symbolic.” It is symbolic of Autumn in New England, of thick wool sweaters over flannel shirts draped over jeans. It is symbolic of an … Read more
I knew that some brands continued to make military spec WWII-era Boondocker boots and I have always been curious about them, but part of the charm of Boondockers was that they were affordable. In the 70s they came from the local Army & Navy surplus stores where I spent many a Saturday afternoon. The modern … Read more
Objectophilia is when you form a romantic attachment to an inanimate object. But then, people fall in love with things all the time. With their cars, their boats, their homes, but is it possible to fall in love with a pen? After owning the Montblanc 149 for more than a decade, I can say: it … Read more
The Benu Brown Orchid fountain pen is perhaps the most over-the-top fountain pen I own. It is amazing that it is at a reasonable price point, $132 USD. Sure, there are some crazy fountain pens studded with diamonds and in the shape of panthers that cost thousands, but most fountain pens under $1,000 are sensible, … Read more
If you are new to fountain pens, the idea that you need to clean them from time to time may seem a little strange. Think of it this way, a fountain pen is a precision writing instrument and so proper maintenance is very important to keep the ink flowing. Luckily, it’s also very easy and … Read more
There is no item of style as overlooked as a man’s writing instrument, and perhaps none that make as much impact when it is impressive. A nice pen is an exclamation point on your image, making itself known at pivotal moments: signing a mortgage, leaving a love note for your partner, picking up the check. … Read more
Jinhao’ s profile has been rising in the fountain pen community for many years. After initial condescension over their low price points; the exuberance of their designs and value propositions have won many people over. When many fountain pens cost $500 or more, it’s easy to lose sight that even $10 for a pen is … Read more
If you love your work boots and all things Americana, then it’s more than likely you’ve looked on in simmering admiration of those who can pull off a great pair of cowboy boots. Cowboy boots evoke images of working in a vast unspoiled wilderness, of self-reliance, of the smell of campfire, and tangible deeds in … Read more
Perhaps no other jacket has the coolness and versatility of the Harrington Jacket and especially the Baracuta G-9, since it is the original version. I say this because nearly every icon of cool has been photographed wearing one. Think of Steve McQueen in his navy blue, collar popped, ready for anything. He thought it was … Read more
Now that you have committed to wearing a hat, I am not going to mention that you are in good company, from Bogart to Depp, hats have been a symbol of rakish individualism. I am not going to mention this because you are doing this for yourself and are not emulating any icon. Besides, copying … Read more