Overdue. A gear update.

I’m overdue a lot of things.

First, a review of the new Venvstas fountain pen. It confounds me. But I will leave that for now.

My object brain has been mega active lately. I think I’m using it as a psychic vent against work overwhelm and global trauma.

But anyway, what that’s translated to:

Growing appreciation for the Rimowa. Two more trips under the belt, to Amsterdam and Tampa. I am appreciating the wheels more and more. SO GLIDY.

A return to the Montblanc 149. I picked up another basic Platinum trim in EF this week, and ain’t it just a classic. Does nothing badly. I needed a new pen like a hole in the head, but also wanted something to put my two new Montblanc Elixir scented inks into. So there was my excuse.

Sunray, Sunray, Sunray. I’ve somehow picked up six tshirts and three sweaters from this English/Japanese brand. I love the colours, I love the fabric, they’re awesome.

Awling. I bought a new belt after losing (ahem) quite a few inches. Going from a Tanner Bates to this Awling was a shock to the system: it feels so thin and weak. I like it, but I wish TB still did nickel buckles.

Snow Peak. Oh my days. Since I wrote about the titanium temptress a couple of months back, I have accumulated an embarrassment of joy. Ti straws, Ti sporks, Ti mugs and sake sets, heavyweight hoodies, camping lights… all great stuff.

Vivobarefoot. When will I give up on this brand? I find it exasperatingly inconsistent about size and fit. Walking boots fit amazing. Leather trainers and shoes fit fine. Anything synthetic? Fucking clown shoes in the same size. And they don’t last. Fuck these guys.

Billy Tannery key wrap. This product category is to me the perfect thought experiment. You have a couple of keys and want a way to carry them without jabbing yourself in the arse. Bellroy absolutely nails it: soft leather wrap, flat key mount, magnetic closure. But I thought I would try something a bit different. This Billy Tannery one has pokey Chicago screws and a standard split ring, so not only is it uncomfortable to sit on, but it’s also hard to open and get the keys out ready to use. Bellroy gets a lot of hate, but they do really think about usability if you fit into their target usage.

Mora Garberg Grand. Mora is one of those companies that just does exactly what it needs to do. Super tank-like camping knives, ergonomic, tough, easy to sharpen, instantly recognisable. I picked up the big Garberg, with its full tang design and leather sheath, and it is a beauty. Honestly overkill unless you’re a wilderness survivalist, which, ahem, I am not. But I appreciate something built to outlast me.

Spyderco Heinnie fat carbon UKPK. The UKPK has been part of my life on and off for donkey’s years. I have a huge amount of respect for Spydie and how they not only innovate, but maintain their distinct identity. The Spydiehole, the choil, the jimping, wire clip, the overall ergonomics and look — just classic. I find the UKPK somehow unsatisfying, but this edition with the sexy CF is really nice, and the build quality is great. I have somehow ended up with a load of Spydercos in my collection, from the T-Mag and PITS 1 and 2 to the Roadie, Ti Pingo, and various UKPKs. I’m glad to have them around kicking out new designs.

Watches, watches, watches. Oh boy. Well, I bought a Panerai, a Radiomir 992. I love it. I bought a Christopher Ward… specifically, the C12 Loco in Pasadena Blue. I love it. I also bought an Omega, a Seamaster 300 Heritage, which I love twice as much as I thought I would. Wow, what a watch. My watchbox is absolutely awesome right now and I am super happy. Still looking, though… specifically at Reversos, after a great night with Redbar at the JLC boutique in London. They really got their hooks into my heart.

Penguinkaban. I am a huge sucker for pen cases, and this is the first one in a while that has dragged me away from my usual Nocks. It opens with a brass clasp like an old lady’s purse, and inside, boom, your pens. I have commissioned a custom model for larger pens and I can’t wait to get it. Long wait from Japan!

Hiut. I have been wearing Hiut jeans for years and years. I’m back in business with a few new pairs of selvedge and enjoying them immensely. The prices keep going up, but that’s the consequence of supporting a business that makes jeans in Wales from Japanese denim.

Anyway, plenty more where that came from, but for today, I think I’ve covered enough, eh?