ASSORTED | POCKET KNIVES

In the past weeks, most likely due to the popularity of Every Day Carry, I was inspired to do some digging in the way of pocket knives.  Prior to this search I had developed a general philosophy that a man's pocket knife reveals more about a him than almost anything else he owns. Whether or not he carries it with him regularly, which I absolutely think he should, I always find it fascinating how much these handy tools reflect their owners, much like a pet might.

Perhaps not surprisingly then, I came to realize that one's search for the perfect knife demands a fairly intensive consideration process. First, there are the various features the piece, (how many blades? does it house a hidden tooth pic? A bottle opener? or is it one simple blade?), the design and materials, (classic or modern? carbon or stainless? wood or bone?) and finally the size, (fit to slay a rhino or an apple?).

As you might expect, I uncovered a huge array of options but in the end I narrowed my search to the classic, small sized, hand crafted variety which so artfully blend materials, design and functionality. I've had quite the time researching this post, and in the process developed a great appreciation for these functional, illusive little artifacts. Dwelling on pretty cutlery has been a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I hope you enjoy the selection below as much as I did collecting it.  - M

ASSORTED | BOOTS FIT FOR THE SNOWPOCALYPSE

Stockbrokers in the blizzard of 1888

Look out the window. Now down at your loafers. Now back at the six foot snow drifts. Now back at your sopping feet. Now up at this post. Sadly, none of these boots are on your feet but they probably should be, given the 5' of snow that was just dumped on the East Coast.

There are plenty of attractive, well-made boots out there (read: Alden anything), but when it comes to actually trooping through snow, traipsing across black ice, hiking up slushy subway stairs who wants to risk it? In the name of preserving of your Indy boot and your pinky toe, I've collected a handful boots that are made expressly for Winter. Not just some pansy urban winter. An actual, shovel-yourself-out-your-front-door-like-a-big-boy Winter.

I also need to get this rant off my chest: HUNTER GALOSHES ARE NOT MEANT FOR THE SNOW. OR COLD WEATHER. THEY ARE RAIN BOOTS NOT SNOW BOOTS.  DO NOT WEAR THEM AS SUCH. I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD THEY LOOK. YOU WILL BE COLD AND SAD. Good news is, I have an awesome, cheap alternative below! Check them out, you'll be happy and warm, I promise.

Anyway, from my couch in Vermont to your iPad in some coffee shop enjoy this list of tried and true kickers to weather the storm. Nor'easterrific. - M

 BAFFIN HUNTER

As promised, this is the winter-ready alternative to Hunter brand galoshes, (ironically the style is called 'hunter'). They are created to stay comfortable up to -40C/-40F temperatures and with a removable liner they double as -yes!- spring rain boots. Details:  8mm 3-component felt liner designed to wick moisture away, EVA and Thermatuf insole, Premium Polar Rubber outsole, TPR/Rubber/PU base. $50 at Zappos

VIBERG 110 CRUIZER

I've blogged about Viberg before but they deserve another mention. Made for loggers, hunters and woodsmen, these are virtually indestructible. Plus, in extreme conditions they'll be just fine with a wool suit. Details: 10" Black full grain oiltan upper stock, double leather vamps, full snag proof seams, hard toes, solid brass stud hooks and eyelets, leather insoles and heavy leather counters, 12 iron loggers oak midsole, urethane outsole. See more and order direct at workboot.com

SORREL KINGSTON PEAK

Sorel says, "Modeled after our classic Caribou boot, the Kingston Peak features a waterproof, seam-sealed upper for total protection from the elements and a warm felt lining to insulate feet from the cold." Details:  Waterproof leather upper, felt collar, rubber outsole with herringbone design, rubber sidewall protection, durable welted toe rand. $180 at sorel.com

DANNER MOUNTAIN LIGHT II

Like Viberg, Danner has been well known with American workers for generations.  This boot is a classic hiker model, and one done right. I like these specifically because the buttery leather and contrast laces take down the logger-man factor and make them more versatile for an urban guy.  Details:  GORE-TEX® liner, Full-grain one-piece leather upper, Vibram® Kletterlift outsol. $250 at danner.com

NATIVE FITZSIMMONS

Sartorially Inclined reviewed these and made a good point: if you don't want to risk spending the big bucks on Danners these are a great starter option. I've been oogling these for months now so I'm really excited to have them in here (and will be finally purchasing a pair for myself thankyouverymuch). They're super light and, thanks to a removable liner, nice an cushy. If you don't like the brown color above, they come in an awesome range of colorways that make me want 10 pairs.  Details: Synthetic upper, neoprene liner, metallic D-ring eyelets. $70 at zappos.com

L.L. BEAN BOOTS 10" SHEARLING LINING

Classic made warmer. Yep. It's that simple. Details: waterproof full-grain leather,  steel shank and our original rubber chain-tread bottom. Top boot lined in shealing, Boot bottom  lined with 200-gram Thinsulate™ Insulation. $149 at llbean.com

ASSORTED | GIFTS FOR THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPER

1. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey, $49.99 2. Cremo Shave Cream, $8 3. Jawbone Jambox, $199
4. Areaware Medium Magno Radio, $175 5. Tanner Goods Havana Eyeglass Case, $70
6. Billy Reid Worsted Wool Socks, $16 7. Stanley Classic Ultra Vacuum Bottle, $37.95 8. Duluth Scout Pack, $85

If you're anything like me you're still running around, or clicking around, for holiday gifts. So while I'm at it I've thrown together some quick, universally appealing goodies for your father, lover, brother, or just for your fine, fine self. Plus, I can actually vouch for every one of these as I've experienced them all in person, (including the whiskey which is of the warm, caramel-y yet spicy variety if you're curious).  At the publishing of this post, they are all still in stock and available for expedited shipping, so get to it.  Here's to a stiff hot toddy after the shopping is over and the family time begins. Happy Holidays!  - M

COLLECTED | PARKAS & COATS WINTER 2010

Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Jacket

T'is the season to prepare for hibernation and I've been getting so many questions about winter jackets lately that I thought it warranted a post of its own. Jacketry, as I lovingly call it, is my ultimate achilles heel, and this season it has impressed at every price/style/construction so it was teeth-pullingly hard to pick and chose. That said, hopefully there is something in this selection to suit many a fancy and wallet size. I'm looking forward to adding to the list - the more the merrier - so don't hesitate to leave suggestions.  Check out the list with notations below the jump and happy parka-ing.  - M