2015 Want List
I was browsing my phone today when I stumbled across a list of wanted EDC items for 2014. It was nice to see that I landed two things that were left overs from 2013--the Yuna EQ-1 and the SPY 007. Unfortunately there were a lot of things I didn't land, but that merely gives me things to hunt down this year. Here are my 2015 wants:
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Personal or Evaluation: Both
Why bother?
The Axial lock is a mechanism that has fascinated me for years. The idea that a knife has a device that is: 1) the pivot; 2) the lock; and 3) the deployment method, all in a single piece, is really amazing. The design geek in me is just shocked at how efficient that is. They have become increasingly harder to find and the 235 has just the right blade shape and is just the right size for my uses.
Why bother?
At around 1.8-1.9 ounces, the Jess Horn Lightweight is basically an Al Mar with all of the features I want--a pocket clip, better steel, and a thumb hole. I wish Spyderco would re-release this knife or that Al Mar would make an ultralight with ZDP-189. Until either of those happen, I will be prowling the forums on the hunt.
Kershaw Tilt
Image courtesy of Warrior Talk
Personal or Evaluation: Neither...drool inducer (personal, really).
Why bother?
The Tilt, in many ways, is the knife that heralded the arrival of the KAI USA we know and love (which almost unanimously won 2014 Company of the Year). Its lock bar stop is genius, the blade and handle are so unusual. The steel is good. And the liner cutouts spell out: "Tilt". Who wouldn't want one of these? Uncoated versions only, the blackout version need not apply.
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Why bother?
The custom light world has been lacking. The dearth of new designs and new makers is depressing, so when I found TacLites on Instagram I was intrigued. I am waiting with baited breath for a review sample. It would be nice to have another maker out there.
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Why bother?
LensLight has long been the preferred light of custom knife guys, which is sort of a backhanded complement. They have the tacticool look and branding. They have collaborations with Strider, TAD, and Starlingear. These are all things that don't improve the light, but they do improve how a certain niche market SEES the light. For me, its the things LensLights lack that always bump them to the bottom of the "Get for Review" list. They don't have the performance or feature set of many of the even mid-tier flashlight brands and the focusing element calls to mind the MiniMag. As between any LensLight and, say, an HDS the choice is simple. In terms of features, I'd much rather have a selector ring, a Hi CRI emitter, or a TIR optic, but instead we get "treated" to stuff like ZEDU digicam versions (okay, so its dark AND my one source of light is camoflagued...this sounds like some kind of ethnic joke set up line). I also can't understand the use of delrin as a clip material or the lack of tailstanding options either. The tailstanding option was added and I think I have fix for the clip so once the funds are there, I am going to pick one up for review and giveaway. They look well made and the light's output looks clean, I just haven't been able to stomach all of the unnecessary BS AND the lack of even basic features (well, basic for a $250 light, hell the D25 AAA from EagleTac has a more impressive feature list, sans lumens/runtime numbers, and it is $30 shipped). Maybe I am wrong and being too judge-y. Time will tell.
Personal or Evaluation: Both
Why bother?
This is a clean watch, one that doesn't look like a dinner plate with dominos or a hockey puck on your arm. Its also equipped with features that seem to have the potential to justify its price (note all of the hedging in that sentence). The Co-Axial movement seems great. The Aqua Terra also seems like a good place to tear into the higher end watch scene as there is some innovation here and not just gold or reputation. And if I find it unrewarding I know I can recoup some of the cost by selling it.
Personal or Evaluation: Mine. Mine, mine, mine.
Why bother?
Anso is the most original and creative custom knife maker working today. I love the technical excellence and gadgety nature of a GTC knife, but in terms of pure cutting, the Anso designs I have handled are lightyears better than knives made by others. I have no interest in the Millenium, as un Anso an Anso as I can imagine, but the Zulu, MoFo, and others make me reach for my wallet. Anso is one of the last maker I have on my custom knife want list (though I wouldn't be sad if a Mayo landed in my pocket), so its just a matter of finding the right one at the right price.
Justin Lundquist Front Flipper
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Why bother?
After GGL49 and Justin's praise for front flippers, I am intrigued by the idea and Justin's design is one of the cleanest out there. The fact that he is an up and coming maker is also exciting. He has no books, its all just getting lucky and being at the right place when he has something up for sale, but I am a patient person.
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Why bother?
After GGL49 and Justin's praise for front flippers, I am intrigued by the idea and Justin's design is one of the cleanest out there. The fact that he is an up and coming maker is also exciting. He has no books, its all just getting lucky and being at the right place when he has something up for sale, but I am a patient person.
Personal or Evaluation: Evaluation
Why bother?
Oveready/TorchLAB are basically the Saleen of the flashlight world--modding and tricking out good lights to make them world class spec monsters. Their original light was something I absolutely loved and I wish I would have just bought the review sample. Oh well. Then they come out with a total revolutionary design for dissipating heat and a few minor tweaks to the Moddoolar form. I want to see how all of these changes add up. The idea of more than twice the lumens of my TX25C2 in a package the size of my HDS Rotary is pretty compelling.
Why bother?
Edison pens are a perfect mix of new maker and classic designs. I got a Vanishing Point for Christmas and in a way I see the Edison as the young person rival, albeit in a more traditional form. I am still trying to figure out which pen I want, but the arctic resin body will probably be my material of choice. The VP is pretty fucking amazing as a writer, so the Edison will have some stiff competition.
If you have any of the above (except the Edison, I want to break in the nib myself) and want to sell or trade, hit me up and we might be able to work something out. I can be reached at everydaycommentary at gmail dot com (in the usual format).