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Things that are made better than they have to be
Bikes can be held together with epoxy, yet the framebuilders on VSalon have the gall to put them together with melted brass.
Suit jacket linings can be fused, yet a bespoke tailor will stitch one by hand.
Shoes can be stuck together with glue, yet there are stlll shoes put together in a different (and better) way.
These shoes, for instance. I pre-ordered these last month and they showed up earlier this week.
Fully leather lined, goodyear welted, cork and leather insoled, silicone impregnated canvas shoes. The quality is amazing, and yet they are so low key that no one would look at them twice. A resole or two, a new pair of laces now and then, and I may still be wearing these 5+ years from now.
What else is made so much better than it has to be that you almost feel guilty about it?
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Park HHP-2... weapons grade
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Anything that reads "Chris King."
Who makes those shoes, by the way?
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Chris Reeve folding knifes
Chevy 235 straight six
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Toyota R engine family.
XT thumbshifters.
Coleman 2 burner camp stoves.
.22 Nylon 66
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Murray Carter kitchen knives
handmade in Oregon
my first choice in the kitchen
-Eric
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Duluth Pack's Monarch Series
http://duluthpack.com/media/catalog/...monarch-od.jpg http://duluthpack.com/media/catalog/...1/4/1404_1.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/r8vzbo.jpghttp://duluthpack.com/media/catalog/...m/img_6081.jpg
Your grandkids will thank you.
(Here's the rub... As cool as Duluth Packs are, I'd still rather take one from Granite Gear on a long trip - they're the best. But this is about fashion, and Duluth Packs definitely look nice.)
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chasea
Anything that reads "Chris King."
Who makes those shoes, by the way?
Feit made these for Outlier.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pub...Hj3ddYnGj8qb5q Billingham Bags, it used to be that you could only get the camera bags in the US and the other bags one had to buy in the UK. Now I cannot find the others anywhere including the UK.
Fortunately I have one of these that is now 5 years old and barely broken in.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dhoff
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pub...Hj3ddYnGj8qb5q Billingham Bags, it used to be that you could only get the camera bags in the US and the other bags one had to buy in the UK. Now I cannot find the others anywhere including the UK.
Fortunately I have one of these that is now 5 years old and barely broken in.
+1 here,love my Billingham,use it daily,got great customer service when I sent it back to the UK after my dog ate the top flap ,they sent it back repaired and included a chew toy for my dog,awesome bag terrific folks!
-Eric
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
caleb
Thanks for that. For three yrs. before college commenced I'd take 10 day voyages into Boundary waters and Quatico using an old school Grumman and those wonderful packs to haul our goods. I'd have one on my front side facing in and one on my back AND the canoe on my shoulders. Brutal.
We would rent these pack from an outfitter in Duluth and they were always very well loved. Beautiful design. Thanks.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Too Tall
Thanks for that. For three yrs. before college commenced I'd take 10 day voyages into Boundary waters and Quatico using an old school Grumman and those wonderful packs to haul our goods. I'd have one on my front side facing in and one on my back AND the canoe on my shoulders. Brutal.
We would rent these pack from an outfitter in Duluth and they were always very well loved. Beautiful design. Thanks.
For 5 years beginning in 1978, I spent my summers mostly in Northern Ontario, Temagami Region, or once up in with a Duluth pack, a Peterborough, wood and canvas Canoe made sometime before the company started making aluminum canoes in 1957 and a Wanagan (a plywood box with a head strap for carrying). For 4-9 weeks I would see only my traveling companions, unless we, like some odd reminders of the past wandered through some small town like Elk Lake, or Temagami, once Moosenee all the way up on the Hudson Bay. We would paddle until we could hardly move portage over terrain not suitable for mountain goats and keep going no matter how much it hurt. I was 12 the first year and there I learned about how far I could go beyond what I thought my limits were.
This is the foundation of every double century, every tough climb 100 miles from home, every time I ride through the night, this going beyond what I think I can do.
Thanks for the Duluth Pack and to TT for the reminder
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I ordered yet another item from Saddleback Leather company. The guy makes his goods too well. Honestly, no compromise construction and he donates proceeds to worthy causes. Too good. Thanks Chase, great thread.
Saddleback Leather Co. : Leather Bags, Leather Briefcases, & Luggage
https://saddleback_production.s3.amazonaws.com/9559.jpg
Wallet Simple Carbon Black (WA-SI-CB)
quantity: 1
total price: $12.00
Just wanted to let you know that I sent your leather out just a little bit ago. Your tracking number is listed below along with a link to the shipping company so you can track your leather piece every couple of hours. To care for your leather piece and read about the photo contest please see the Questions page on the website. I have all sorts of tips to keep your leather in top shape there too.
Oh, and by the way, a pretty good chunk of the amount that you sent to Saddleback went directly to loving people through one of those aid organizations on the Dave's Links page. Basically, you just contributed to drilling a well for an entire village or partially sponsored a 5 year old street kid in Rwanda to get into a loving orphanage and go to one of the best schools in the country. This is the main reason Saddleback Leather exists. Just wanted to let you know... between friends. Thanks for helping.
The way I see it, out of the thousands and thousands of companies in the world, on the Internet or down on the corner selling leather goods, you chose mine and I really do feel honored. You are very much appreciated. Glad you're in the family.
Thank you and have a great week.
Warm regards,
Dave Munson
Presidente
Saddleback Leather Co
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Too Tall
I ordered yet another item from Saddleback Leather company. The guy makes his goods too well. Honestly, no compromise construction and he donates proceeds to worthy causes. Too good. Thanks Chase, great thread.
beautiful products, several belong on the "things I want, like now" thread
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Originally Posted by
Too Tall
Thanks Chase, great thread.
This is Mr. Taylor's thread, so the thanks go to him.
As a drummer, I'd say that anything made by Ronn Dunnett is of a higher quality than it really needs to be. He pioneeered the use of titanium as a shell material (cryogenically frozen ti at that!). His drums are all handmade. He has reintroduced the George Way Drum Co. His shells can be found on the signature snare from the Stanton Moore Drum Co. His hardware designs are licensed and sold by larger companies. DW and Ludwig (among others) have worked with him. He's been working on a new bass drum pedal, which I am eager to try out once it is released. Artists endorsing other brands pay their own money to use his gear. The only thing that isn't really up to snuff is his website, which he is working on.
dunnett classic drums
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/...hotel_001p.jpg
Yes, its totally gaudy. Hell, its even gauche. But it bills itself as the world's only 7-star (out of a total possible 5) hotel. Everyone I've spoken to that's stayed there said the service was "totes nutzoid" (okay, I'm paraphrasing). I'm down to tag along if anyone wants to book a flight and a suite.
Burj Al Arab - Luxury Hotels in Dubai - Jumeirah
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Agreed on Saddleback. Nothing better out there. I'm saving up for some of their goods.
Tom Bihn travel bags are also overbuilt. I've beat the shit out of my TriStar for 2 years and it's showing not one bit of wear. In comparison, my wife and I have destroyed bags from REI, Osprey, TNF, Jansport in fewer trips.
Anything Kiton makes is also way superlative.
I am curious how the Feits will wear. They're doing interesting things, but sneakers is sneakers, and sometimes the construction can be better than the materials. (Note: I am pursuing yet another manufacturing project to start making vulcanized rubber / canvas shoes in the USA again)
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chasea
This is Mr. Taylor's thread, so the thanks go to him.
As a drummer, I'd say that anything made by Ronn Dunnett is of a higher quality than it really needs to be. He pioneeered the use of titanium as a shell material (cryogenically frozen ti at that!). His drums are all handmade. He has reintroduced the George Way Drum Co. His shells can be found on the signature snare from the Stanton Moore Drum Co. His hardware designs are licensed and sold by larger companies. DW and Ludwig (among others) have worked with him. He's been working on a new bass drum pedal, which I am eager to try out once it is released. Artists endorsing other brands pay their own money to use his gear. The only thing that isn't really up to snuff is his website, which he is working on.
dunnett classic drums
I'm really curious what cryogenically frozen titanium is. Also, what it does. Is it something like the banjo rims made from wood that has been submerged in the great lakes for 100 years?
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Originally Posted by
Jeremy S
I am curious how the Feits will wear. They're doing interesting things, but sneakers is sneakers, and sometimes the construction can be better than the materials. (Note: I am pursuing yet another manufacturing project to start making vulcanized rubber / canvas shoes in the USA again)
All true. These are the first sneakers I will look into resoling if/when they start to wear. Hopefully the uppers hold together as long as the rebuildable parts. Good luck with the manufacturing project!
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Originally Posted by
Nathanrtaylor
I'm really curious what cryogenically frozen titanium is. Also, what it does.
From Dunnett.com:
In March 2000 I became the first and so far only company to offer cryogenic processing of drum shells. The cryogenic treatment used is a proprietary process that involves computer controlled temperature reduction via slow diffusion of liquid nitrogen into a vacuum sealed chamber over a period of several hours. Once at the desired temperature of -328 below zero, the bottom temperature is maintained for periods up to thirty six hours before a 12 hour reverse cycle begins. The entire cycle takes about three days.
Deep cryogenic tempering can significantly extend the performance, integrity and productive life of metal drum shells, hoops and snare wires. Deep cryogenic temperatures are required to effect a complete molecular change in most alloy steels, converting retained austenite into martensite (a more refined grain structure, which is more uniform than austenite ). Cryogenic tempering transforms the micro structure into a more uniform structure that is more durable, stronger, longer lasting, and more dimensionally stable. The results of cryogenic treatment are not visually detectable without the aid of an electron microscope. Changes in material structure take place at the molecular level when subjected to long periods of deep cryogenic temperatures of -328 degrees below zero. Cryogenic tempering completely de-stresses the shell and the weld is essentially negated, rendering the drum virtually seamless. Applied to other drum components, cryogenic tempering substantially increases strength of standard triple flange hoops and the life of snare wires.
Looks like this:
products | titanium | dunnett classic drums
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nathanrtaylor
Is it something like the banjo rims made from wood that has been submerged in the great lakes for 100 years?
DW did a line of made from 600-year old birch from the bottom of Lake Superior.
http://www.drumsontheweb.com/DOTWpho...os/DW0210c.jpg
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Originally Posted by
SeanEasley
A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.
I'm afraid that's changing sir. I can show you plenty of poorly manufactured Japanese goods, starting with the desk I'm sitting at in my uninsulated office building. But in the spirit of this thread may I add just about anything Japanese that involves cutting. Wood working chisels, knives, you name it.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
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Originally Posted by
SeanEasley
A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.
Zojirushi rice cookers . . .
Fuzzy logic. Retractable power cord. And they didn't have to make it play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" when you turn it on, but they did.
Hooray for Japan!
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Kawasaki does a great job over-building their motorcycle engines. Even down to their base models, the engines are virtually bullet proof. Far more so than just about any other manufacturer.
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Reckon I was just being grumpy. May I add Leica cameras to this list. The M3 to be exact. Made from the mid 50s to late 60s and still going strong.http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/m3/D3S_7742-1200.jpg
I believe CWC watches to be pretty darn stout and affordable too.
http://www.armywatch.co.uk/images/st15411.jpg
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Since you originally posted this, TT, I have developed somewhat of a saddleback leather habit. First I bought this:
Utility Duffel - Leather Duffle Bag | Saddleback Leather Co., then after taking it to and from eurpoe a couple of times, across the US a couple of times and a whole lot more, I figured I had proved its durability and bought more. I have a package from them on its way now, a new briefcase. On one occasion I recommended a modification to one of their products and they have come out with it.
The staff asks about my dog.
Saddleback is a class act.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Too Tall
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Thanks Hoff. I can't break my wallet and it might last too long. Such troubles I have.
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Marmoleum.
My Good Wear Leather Jacket, Filson Double Mack, Wesco/Danner work boots. Those will probably be in my will.
I've worn out a few Carhartt jackets, but for the price they are hard to beat...pun intended.
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Our entire addition concrete floor is covered in a burnt orange closer to red Marmoleum. Friggin' awesome stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
t-hoe
Marmoleum.
My Good Wear Leather Jacket, Filson Double Mack, Wesco/Danner work boots. Those will probably be in my will.
I've worn out a few Carhartt jackets, but for the price they are hard to beat...pun intended.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Toyota trucks that had a timing chain, not the newer belted ones.
Estwing hammers, for the money, if you don't lose it, hammer for life.
Danner Mt. Lights
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Ibex wool shirts. I have a few of them, wear them a lot and they all still look and feel brand new. I have 1 mid-weight Ibex t-neck that I pretty much commute in every day all winter, hardly ever wash, and it is still perfect. Ibex shirts are really worth the price. Plus they feel great!
Haflinger felted wool clogs. I'm not sure I could survive winter anymore without Haflinger wool clogs. Now I only WISH they would survive more than a winter or two. And be damn sure to keep these away from the Labrador!
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dhoff
we could hardly move portage over terrain not suitable for mountain goats and keep going no matter how much it hurt. I was 12 the first year and there I learned about how far I could go beyond what I thought my limits were.
This is the foundation of every double century, every tough climb 100 miles from home, every time I ride through the night, this going beyond what I think I can do.
Thanks for the Duluth Pack and to TT for the reminder
Yes and yes.
From a 69 year old man who still climbs, bikes 100, takes Philmont treks every two years. I have three sons, all successful, all climb, two bike, one Iron Mans, one ultramarathons. Push yourself and don't get fat.
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being a watchmaker, I'll have to agree about the grand seiko...
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nathanrtaylor
...
What else is made so much better than it has to be that you almost feel guilty about it?
a Pegoretti, and my mum's cooking.
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Re: Things that are made better than they have to be
These were made in Japan, I took the photo about a minute ago at lowes. Mine is the blue one, 680k and I would and do drive it anywhere.. I have a newer one, I never drive it.. Shit in comparison
Attachment 90138
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bruce Day
Yes and yes.
From a 69 year old man who still climbs, bikes 100, takes Philmont treks every two years. I have three sons, all successful, all climb, two bike, one Iron Mans, one ultramarathons. Push yourself and don't get fat.
Damn, I missed that, "don't get fat" part. Perhaps I can still get un-fat.