By: Supercompressor
Credit: Cole Saladino/Supercompressor
Deep down in every man lies a kind of instinct, a sense perhaps, for what makes him a man. It's a tough sensation to articulate but we feel it when we pick up something of permanence with our hands, feel the way it was thoughtfully crafted and then put it to use as intended. It's the weight of your Grandfather's gardening shovel, the smell of your Dad's baseball glove or clink of a perfect ice cube in an etched whisky tumbler. Something just feels right, and damnit you deserve to feel that in everything you own.
We've compiled a list of those objects and tools that we think stands up to that intangible test, linking out to our recommendations where appropriate. If you've got recommendations of your own, please let us know in the comments below.
Credit: Anthony Humpreys/Jackthreads
A well tailored 3/4 season suit
A suit that fits never goes out of style.
Credit: Flickr/media.digest
A well crafted leather wallet
Fact: Your grandson will not be excited to inherit that No Fear Velcro Tri-Fold. Give him something nice.
Credit: Flickr/Robert S. Donovan
A fully stocked tool box
The absolute worst thing on Earth is realizing midway through a job that you're not properly prepared with the right tools.
Credit: Flickr/Didriks
Quality chef's knife
It'll last forever, and smooth chopping makes it look like you actually know how to cook.
Credit: Flickr/Carl R Jr.
Cologne
"I love men who smell like old gym socks." -No one. A good bottle should last you a couple years. If it doesn't you're wearing too much.
Credit: Flickr/niftynotebook
Moleskine journal
Men have feelings too, but not all thoughts deserve to be blogged. If you listen to Tim Ferris' interviews you'll start to quickly find a pattern: most successful people keep track of their thoughts in one way or another.
Credit: Flickr/Alex Brown
Cuban cigars
Stop smoking White Owls, this isn't middle school. Besides, these puppies are legal now.
Credit: Flickr/Robert Sheie
Luggage that doesn't have wheels
Your grandfather didn't wheel his gear through Normandy. Toss it in a well-made duffel that'll get better with age.
Credit: Flickr/Michael Pereckas
Industrial-grade flashlight
Light for when the power's out, and directional light for when you invariably drop something behind the fridge.
Credit: Flickr/Robert Sheie
A pair of leather dress shoes
Same goes for what your feet'll be wearing to work.
Credit: Flickr/Shane Lin
A mechanical wristwatch
Leave your iPhone in your pocket.
Credit: Shutterstock
A decent tent
Don't go too crazy here, but when your buddies are headed upstate, or your gal wants to roast marshmallows by a campfire: be prepared.
Credit: Shutterstock
Duct tape and zip ties
With both of these in your arsenal, there's literally nothing you can't fix.
Credit: Flickr/Mark Hunter
Power tools
It's just part of the genetic code. Ask Tim Allen.
Credit: Flickr/U.S. Army
A quality umbrella
If you can handle adulthood, you can handle keeping track of a nice umbrella. Plus, they don't buckle under a slight gust of wind like the cheap crap you buy on the sidewalk.
Credit: Flickr/Kent Wang
A shirt that needs cuff links
James Bond never wore button cuffs. End of story.
Credit: Flickr/Tim Shields
An unopened bottle of scotch in the desk
For spontaneous celebration, or rapid consolation. When you need it, you'll be glad it's there.
Credit: Flickr/Bruce Agan
Paperweight
Nobody's ever actually weighted paper, but they have definitely made art out of desk adornment.
Credit: Flickr/Red Touch Media
A decent Bluetooth speaker
If you want to go big, we're here to help, but in general a UE Boom goes a long way the second you need to take the party on the road.
Credit: Cole Saladino/Supercompressor
Vaporizer
Because bongs are for college kids and the unemployed. Time for an upgrade.
Credit: Flickr/J Setiawan
Aviator shades
Classic cool--good enough for Maverick, good enough for you.
Credit: Jackthreads
A black belt AND a brown belt
But not a double-sided black/brown belt. Your belt needs to match your shoes. Spend a little extra here, you'll have these things for decades.
Credit: Shutterstock
At least one bow tie
Change it up once in a while, old sport. It's also shockingly easy to tie, despite what everyone tells you.
Credit: Anthony Humphreys/Jackthreads
A charcoal grill
If your building lets you, you have no excuse not to experience the sweet, smokey flavor of a baby Weber.
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